Translating your interest into a Research Question

After gathering background information, one of the easiest ways to focus your topic is to frame it as a question. Research is not passive reporting, it is a search for answers.

For instance, after doing research on censorship, you discover a current controversy involving censorship of the Internet. So, looking at your background research, you have determined that this is the area on which you wish to focus.

There are a number of ways to focus this interest even further into a research question.

Some questions to get you started:

Who is involved?

• What are the political affiliations of those who are in favor of and opposed to censoring the Internet?
• How do public schools address Internet access and censorship?
• Does the government have the right to censor the Internet?

Are there comparisons you can make?

• How does the debate concerning Internet censorship differ from the debate about book banning?
• Does the United States have different rules about Internet censorship than other countries?

Pros / Cons Pros and Cons always reflect a potential decision to be made

• What are the ethical arguments for or against censoring the Internet?
• Should libraries censor Internet use?
• Should Internet filters block pornography?

Your background research using specialized encyclopedias and dictionaries will give you the knowledge you need to formulate a good research question.