1. You cannot Google the answer.
2. It does not repeat what is already known
3. It adds to existing knowledge
4. It expands on existing knowledge or frames it in a new context
5. It is narrow and specific
Good research questions can also be explained as "thick" and "thin" questions. a "thin" question would be one that has a straightforward or easy answer like " How many stripes on the American flag?". A "thick" question example "What is the history and symbolism of the American flag?"