SOCIOL 332: Methods of Social Research: From Topic to Research Question

After choosing a topic and gathering background information, add focus to form a research question.

• Explore questions.
  • Ask open-ended “how” and “why” questions about your general topic.
  • Consider the “so what” of your topic. Why does this topic matter to you? Why should it matter to others?
  • Reflect on the questions you have considered. Identify one or two questions you find engaging and which could be explored further through research.

• Determine and evaluate your research question.
  • What aspect of the more general topic you will explore?
  • Is your research question clear?
  • Is your research question focused? (Research questions must be specific enough to be well covered in the space available.)
  • Is your research question complex? (Questions shouldn’t have a simple yes/no answer and should require research and analysis.)

• Hypothesize: After you’ve come up with a question, consider the path your answer might take.
  • If you are making an argument, what will you say?
  • Why does your argument matter?
  • How might others challenge your argument?
  • What kind of sources will you need to support your argument?

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?