Research Question

• A research question guides and centers your research.
  -clear and focused, as well as synthesize multiple sources to present your unique argument.
  -ideally be something that you are interested in or care about.

Example 1:

• What effect does social media have on people?
• What effect does daily use of Instagram have on the attention span of university students?

Example 2:

• Why does UK have a better healthcare system compare to US?
• Why does UK have a better healthcare system compare to US?
• How do the US and the UK compare in health outcomes and patient satisfaction among low-income people with chronic illnesses?

A Good Research Question

• Choose a general topic of interest
• conduct preliminary research on this topic in current journals to see what research has already been done.
• Think: Who is the audience?
• start asking open-ended “How?” “What?” and Why?” questions.
• evaluate possible responses to those questions.

Exercise

• Possible Question:
  Why are social networking sites harmful?
• Revised Question:

  How are online users experiencing privacy issues on such social networking sites as Facebook and Instagram?