Research Questions and Subquestions

Research Questions

• Over arching umbrella questions that address your topic.

• Include KEY TERMS that you can use to help you research your topic.

• Generally, research questions are questions you do not know the answer to. The idea is you are using your research to gain new knowledge.

Research Questions Cont’d

• Research Questions should be Well Grounded.

• Well Grounded means that they are searchable questions, that include Key Terms, you can enter into a search engine that will help guide your research.

• Well Grounded are not too narrow, too broad, nor too challenging.

Example of a Good Research Question

Topic: Physical Education in the Schools

Research Question: What are the health benefits of physical education in elementary, middle school, and high school in public education?

Problem Questions• Too Narrow: • Does Sweden have a nationalized health care system?• When did D-Day begin during WWII?• These questions have a “Yes” or “No” answer, or can be answered

by a one word answer.

• Too Broad: What is the history of the world?• This question cannot be covered in the scope of an essay.

• Too Challenging: Why is hip hop dancing so raunchy?• This question is too opinionated and is based upon people’s feeling

rather than research.

Subquestions• Subquestions are narrower questions that answer research

questions.

Example:Research Question: What are the health benefits of physical education

in elementary, middle school, and high school in public education?Subquestions:1. What are the standards for physical education in Washington

State?2. Is there a difference between the amount time devoted to physical

education in elementary, middle school, or high school?3. Does physical education emphasize a certain type of exercise?