Lecture Notes: Research Questions

Introduction to Research Questions

• Definition: A research question is an inquiry into a specific aspect of a topic you are interested in.
• Purpose: Crucial for guiding academic research; although not always visible in the final paper, it influences the direction and focus.

Importance of a Research Question

• Helps focus research and writing.
• Streamlines the research process, saving time and improving paper quality.
• Essential starting point for any research paper despite not being explicitly required.

Creating a Research Question

1. Start with a Topic

   • Example: Number of women in politics.

2. Find an Aspect to Focus On

   • Use a concept map to explore different facets.
   • Possible aspects: women voters, women politicians.

3. Brainstorm Questions

   • Example questions:
     • Why do some countries have more women politicians?
     • Do more women in politics lead to better laws for women?

4. Select and Refine a Question

   • Focus on specificity and clarity.

   • Who, what, where, and when should be clear in the question.

   • Example refinement: "Why does Sweden have more women politicians at the national level than Canada?"

Characteristics of a Good Research Question

• Focuses on one issue without overloading.
• Requires in-depth analysis, not a simple yes or no.
• Specific, clear, and tailored to the paper's length.
• Defined terms, avoiding vague language.
• Example: Instead of "How does the media represent Islam?" refine to "How have newspapers in the U.S. represented Muslim women since 9/11?"

Utilizing the Research Question

• Guides the research by clarifying what information and sources are needed.
• Aids in forming a thesis, which answers the research question succinctly.
  • Example thesis: "Sweden’s electoral system encourages women in politics more effectively than Canada’s."
• Provides structure and focus to the paper.

Practice Exercise

• Steps to create your own research question:
  1. Pick a general topic.
  2. Narrow the focus.
  3. Brainstorm possible questions.
  4. Refine and ensure clarity and specificity.