As you begin developing your question, take time to identify the key concepts within your topic. One useful strategy is to think through the 5 W’s and H to clarify what you’re really investigating:
Who – Who is involved? Who is affected? Who is the population or group you’re focusing on?
What – What issue, need, or problem are you examining? What factors or conditions are central to your topic?
Where – Where is this issue happening? Is your focus local, national, or global? Is there a specific setting or environment?
When – When does the issue occur? What time period do relevant studies cover? Is there a timeline or historical component?
Why – Why is this topic important? Why does the problem or need exist? Why is further research or review needed?
How – How might the issue be studied or addressed? How will effectiveness, outcomes, or quality be measured or evaluated?
Using these questions as a guide will help you clarify the scope of your topic and build a more focused, researchable question.
Frameworks: There are several established frameworks that can help you shape and refine a strong research question.
The University of Maryland provides an excellent overview of common research question models. Take a look at their LibGuide to explore different approaches.