Critical Research Study

Research questions guidance

What makes a good research question?

It should be about a topic that interests you

Consider how topical your subject is

Consider access to information

How do I formulate my research question?

Will it facilitate an address to the four key concepts? (Representation, Institutions, Audience and forms & conventions)

Is there enough scope for an interesting debate?

What should I avoid?

Closed questions

An question that enters into the ‘effects debate’ i.e. violent videogames make violent children

What is essential?A question that allows for the processes of analysis and interpretation of data and information

A general, open question that allows for a full and detailed research study

A question that allows for sub-questions (a general question with linked focused questions)

Be clear about what you are trying to find out

Once I have my question, what next?

Are you clear about the essence of your research?

Do my sub-questions link to my general question?

Are my questions coherent?

Do my questions allow for the use of a variety of research methodologies?

Do my research questions make possible intellectually interesting answers?

Are my questions original and worth asking?

Final tips

A good research question can make the difference between a good grade and an average grade!

Choose carefully

Put time and thought into the formulation of your question

Questions to ask• What information (data sources) do you need in order to

answer your question?

• How are you going to access these?

• What use of secondary research does this question allow?

• What use of primary research does this question allow?

• Does the question allow for an address to the 4 key concepts (Audience, Institutions, Representation, Forms & Conventions)?

• Does your question lend itself to the use of a case study?

• Is your question specific enough?

• Is there scope for in-depth research?