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Developing a Research Question
Good research questions are concise, clear, researchable, and include multiple parts.
Try the Three Step Question to develop your research question (Writing in Music, Oxford University Press):
- I am trying to learn about ________________.
- because I want to find out who/what/where/whether/why/how ____________________________
- In order to help my reader understand (how, why, or whether) ____________________________.
Keywords, Search Terms, and Where Will I Search?
Develop keywords and search terms ahead of searching the library catalog, databases, or web. This is to be strategic and to guide and find the best sources for your argument. After gathering background information from dictionaries, encyclopedias, and the web, you may have a better idea of what your search terms and keywords will be when using the library catalog and databases.
- What is my topic?
- What keywords/concepts standout from my research question or outline?
- What synonyms should I consider?
- What words may be missing and useful?
- Can I combine any words that standout to narrow or broaden my search?
Developing a Search Strategy:
- Do I need more background information on my topic?
- What other information do I need?
- What kind of sources am I required to include? (scholarly, popular, peer-reviewed, books, journal articles, etc.)
- What sources do I think I will need based on my topic and time-period?
- Where will I go to find this information?
- When will I be satisfied with the research I have done?
