Title: Developing a Research Question
Course: Library - Library Sandbox > Section: Ontario Tech Library Online: Advanced Searching for Research Articles

When you start the research process, you probably will have a broad topic in mind. However, if you only search by topic, your paper may not have a clear focus. This is why it is a good idea to translate your topic into a research question.

For many students, developing a research question is one of the hardest parts of the research process as not every question that you think of will work as a good research question. Watch the video below for some helpful tips on developing a  research question for your assignment.^1

"Developing a Research Question" by Laurier Library is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

Developing a Research Question - Transcript

Steps

1. Pick a topic that is interesting to you (or consider the one assigned to you)

Rehabilitation robotics

1. Write a narrower/smaller topic that is related to the first.

Design and use of robotic exoskeletons for physical rehabilitation.

1. List some potential questions that could logically be asked in relation to the narrow topic.

How do robotic exoskeletons work?

What is the design process for creating a robotic exoskeleton?

Are robotic exoskeletons more effective for therapy of some body regions over others?

1. Pick the question that you are most interested in.

Are robotic exoskeletons more effective for therapy of some body regions over others?

1. Change that question you’re interested in so that it is more focused or more specific.

What is the effectiveness of robotic exoskeletons used for hip rehabilitation?

References

^1 Teaching & Learning, Ohio State University Libraries (n.d.). Choosing & using sources: A guide to academic research. The Ohio State University Pressbooks. Retrieved August 21, 2020, from https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/choosingsources/

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