Pose Questions

Ask Questions



After you've taken some time to observe the environment around you, think about some questions you could answer with a research project. A good research question doesn't have an obvious answer and could have more than one solution. Additionally, if your question can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no," the question probably isn't strong enough for a research project. 

When you are thinking about questions to pose, try to concentrate on problems with solutions that will expand your understanding on a chosen topic. Typically, questions that begin with "How..." or "Why..." will help you dig deeper into a topic more than questions that begin with "Is there...". If your research question addresses a problem that's significant and interesting to you and your community.

Tip: To help you brainstorm a good research question, check out our Characteristics of a Good Research Question worksheet.


Steps to a Good Research Question 

To create a good research questions, follow the steps below:

  1. Brainstorm some questions you want to investigate
  2. From this list of questions, identify one or more that are:
    • Interesting to you
    • Can be answered using available data or GLOBE measurements
    • Can be answered within the time frame for your research project
  3. Throughout the course of your project, revisit these questions as necessary. Scientists frequently refine their questions during their research as they learn more about a topic.

 

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