What are the steps in formulating a research question?

Formulating a research question involves identifying a topic, conducting preliminary research, and refining the question for clarity and focus.

First, start by choosing a broad topic that interests you. This could be something you've studied in class or a subject you're curious about. For example, you might be interested in climate change, urbanisation, or river systems.

Next, conduct some preliminary research to understand the basics of your chosen topic. This could involve reading textbooks, articles, or reliable websites. The goal here is to gather enough information to identify specific areas within the broad topic that are worth exploring further. For instance, if you're interested in climate change, you might find that the impact on coastal communities is particularly intriguing.

Once you have a general understanding, narrow down your focus to a specific aspect of the topic. This step is crucial because a broad question can be overwhelming and difficult to answer. For example, instead of asking, "How does climate change affect the world?" you might narrow it down to, "How does climate change impact coastal erosion in the UK?"

After narrowing your focus, refine your question to make it clear and researchable. A good research question should be specific, measurable, and achievable within the scope of your project. For example, "What are the effects of climate change on coastal erosion rates in Cornwall over the past 20 years?" This question is specific (focusing on Cornwall), measurable (looking at erosion rates), and achievable (considering a 20-year period).

Finally, ensure your question is open-ended, meaning it cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." This encourages deeper analysis and discussion. For example, "How have human activities influenced the rate of coastal erosion in Cornwall in the context of climate change?" This question invites exploration of various factors and their interactions.

By following these steps, you'll be able to formulate a clear, focused, and researchable question that will guide your investigation effectively.