Common problems with research questions

There are a number of common errors people make when formulating research questions.

The question is too broad to be manageable.

• What is the history of Christianity?
  • Try instead, How did the conversion of Emperor Constantine affect the history of Christianity?
• How are environmental disasters being fought?
  • Try instead, How effective are the current practices for cleaning oil spills?

The question is too narrow. Sometimes the narrowness is logical (such as there being an easily obtainable "right" answer), and sometimes it is too narrow given the availability of resources.

• Does Sweden have nationalized healthcare? (The answer is "yes." That doesn't make for much of a paper).
  • Try instead, What was the political process that enabled Sweden to establish nationalized healthcare?
• How did the UAW affect the economy in Dayton, Ohio in 1973?
  • Try instead, What influence did the automobile labor unions have on the economy in the early 1970's?

The question cannot be answered. Sometimes this is because of a logical problem in the question, because the information needed to answer the question cannot be logically or legally obtained.

• What are the pros and cons of evolution? (This isn't a very logical question).
  • Try instead, How does teaching of evolution in public schools affect children who are raised in religions that embrace creationism?
• How many girls are forced into prostitution each year?
  • Try instead, What are the traits that make girls vulnerable for being forced into prostitution?