How Should Researchers Begin?

on Saturday, February 20, 2010

Research question is the most critical part of our research proposal—it defines the proposal, it guides our arguments and inquiry, and it provokes the interests of the reviewer. If our question does not work well, no matter how strong the rest of the proposal, the proposal is unlikely to be successful. Because of this, it is common to spend more time on the researching, conceptualizing and forming of each individual word of the research question than on any other part of the proposal. To write a strong research question we will need time. Step away from our computer; consider what drew us to our topic. What about it animates and matters to us? Listen to ourselves and start formulating our question by following our own interests. 

Remember, we will spend a lot of time researching and writing about the proposed project: if it does not interest us in the beginning, it will certainly become very difficult to write about in the end. Next, extensively research our topic. What have people said about it? How have they framed their research? What gaps, contradictions, or concerns arise for us as we read, talks to people, and visit places? After we have done this we can go back to our computer or note pad and start crafting the question itself. When we do, consider that a strong research question should be evocative, relevant, clear, and researchable.
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