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**LIB: Research Basics: Pick a Topic & Develop a Research Question

Step 1: Develop a Research Question

First things first....

WHAT are you researching?

HOW do you develop a research question?

Things to Consider...

Things to Consider....

  • Did your professor provide a topic or prompt for the assignment? 
  • Are there any current events you care about?
  • Are you interested in this topic and want to know more? 
    • Research is a chance to do a deep dive and learn more
  • Will you be able to narrow your topic down to a specific question?
  • Has anyone researched this before? (more than likely, yes)
  • Can you narrow your topic down by asking these questions
    • Who?
    • What?
    • Where?
    • When?
    • Why?
  • Do some preliminary background research using Google or Wikipedia (this is not your actual research).

Tips for Developing Your Research Question

Credit: Steely Library NKU

Credit: East Carolina University Joyner Library

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