Systematic literature reviews for education and social sciences

Develop your research question

Start the process by:

• considering a broad topic of research interest and then write it down 
• considering specific areas you wish to examine within this topic 
• considering key themes and elements of these specific topics to investigate in depth
• considering how to work these key areas and elements into your research question.

Bear in mind that your supervisors will be looking for the following elements in your research question proposal:

• What new knowledge will be generated for the discipline?
• Why is it valuable?
• How can the reader be assured the conclusions will be valid?
• How will you present your findings?

See the Library's post graduate research information skills modules (PRISM) guide for more information on developing research questions.

 "A research question can set boundaries to help you figure out where to go next. A research question defines which data you need to collect and which methods you will use to access and analyze your documents"  (York University, 2013). 

"The answer to your research question should be your thesis statement. Keep in mind that you will most likely continue to refine your thesis statement as you conduct and write about your research. A good research question, however, puts you well on your way to writing a strong research paper." Adapted from Duke Writing studio (Duke University Thompson Writing Program, 2015).

Preliminary investigation

The next step is to undertake a preliminary investigation on your research topic, to ensure that there is not already a wealth of information in the area and that a gap exists for the research you wish to conduct. The preliminary investigation will help you to refine your topic area.

Evaluating your research question

If your preliminary investigation into the literature is inconclusive or you cannot make headway then it is time to re-evaluate your research question.  Try to answer the following questions:

• Is your research question clear?
  • With so much research available on any given topic, research questions must be as clear as possible in order to be effective in helping the writer direct their research
• Is your research question focused?
  • Research questions must be specific enough to be well covered in the space available
• Is your research question complex?
  • Research questions should not be answerable with a simple “yes” or “no” or by easily-found facts and should, instead, require both research and analysis on the part of the writer

(York University, 2013)

Checklist of evaluation questions

To continue with this idea, use this checklist to evaluate your question:

• Is the research question something others care about? 
• Is it arguable?
• Is the research question a new spin on an old idea, or does it solve a problem?
• Is the question too broad or too narrow?
• Is there any ambiguity to the question?
• Is the research question researchable within the given time frame and location?
• What information is needed to answer the question?

 Adapted from Duke Writing Studio (Duke University Thompson Writing Program, 2015)