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Subject Guide Template: Topic/Research Question

Have questions about how to find what you need? Watch one of these short videos (1-5 minutes max) to have all your questions answered!

Choose a Topic

Find ideas in:

  • Your syllabus
  • Your text
  • Class discussion
  • Your life
  • Current events

Find Background Information

Background information helps you: 

  • Start thinking about your topic
  • See the big picture
  • Identify major issues
  • Discover something that interests you

Use quality, professionally produced sources to familiarize yourself with the topic (not just Google and Wikipedia).

For example:

Develop a Research Question

Formula for a research question:

     How does x relate to/cause/impact y?

A good research question usually has at least one or more components that further define the focus. Use the 5 w's to narrow your topic. 

Narrow Your Topic

Use the 5 w's:

Ask yourself open-ended questions to focus your topic.

  • What: part, aspect, focus
  • Who: demographic focus (gender, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status)  
  • Where: geographic location
  • When: present day or a particular time period in the past
  • Why/How/So What!: importance, impact (societal, individual)

Keep in Mind:

  • You don't have to answer all of the questions. Some might not apply or be helpful.
  • Your research question might evolve and change as you review the literature.