EE Guide_ Research Question.pdfResearch typically begins with a question because it provides a clear direction and purpose for the research. Using a research question allows for the research to be replicable, and it helps to ensure that the research is relevant and addresses a specific issue or problem.
Here is a list of IB Command Terms you need to try and incorporate into your research question depending on your subject:
1. How can you develop a strong research question in 5 easy steps?
Choose a broad topic
Do some preliminary reading
Narrow down and be specific
Identify a research problem
Write your research question
2. Are you sure you have a topic that interests you and that you can manage?
This is an opportunity to spend time exploring a topic, so it should be something that you want to know more about. You should be able to explain how it connects to things you are interested about.
If the topic is too big, try to narrow it down; if it is too specific, try to widen your search.
3. What is your initial research question?
Go from a good topic to a good initial question that is neither too specific nor too vast. This an iterative process so don't stress...
4. Do you have useful sub-questions?
Sub-questions provide the 'skeleton' around which you will find information to answer your main research questions.
5. What keywords are in your question?
The words you use for your research have a direct impact on the results you will get. Use different keywords, synonyms and related terms to do the same search multiple times and get the most complete results.