After choosing a topic and gathering background information, add focus to form a research question.
Unclear: Why are social networking sites harmful?
Clear: How are online users experiencing or addressing privacy issues on social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook?
Unfocused: What is the effect on the environment from global warming?
Focused: How is glacial melting affecting penguins in Antarctica?
Too Simple: How are doctors addressing diabetes in the U.S.?
Appropriately Complex: What are common traits of those suffering from diabetes in the U.S., and how can these commonalities be used to aid the medical community in prevention of the disease?