A research question is one way to state the topic of your research paper or project. The research that you do and the paper that you write will try to answer this question. Your professor might have provided specific instructions about how to write your research question. If they didn't, here is some general information.
People with similar topics might have very different research questions. For example, these are all research questions related to the topic of sports and mental health:
- How do athletic trainers incorporate mental health into their training plans for athletes?
- How does participating in sports impact university students' mental health and wellbeing?
- Do important wins or losses have an impact on sports fans' mental health?
- What is the role of exercise or sports in treatment for anxiety disorders?
- What kinds of coaching styles promote positive mental health for athletes?
If you're not sure where to start, here are some common formats for research questions:
- How does _________ effect ___________?
- What is the relationship between ___________ and ____________?
- What do _________________ think (or know) about _______________?
- How has ____________ changed over time? (Be specific about what time period you are interested in.)
If you need help with your research question, contact your subject librarian or your professor!
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