Select an area of interest (e.g., climate change, social media, nutrition, school policies)

Quick brainstorm: “What do I already know?” (3–5 bullets)

Identify why the topic matters (to you, your community, or society)

Read 2–3 reliable overviews (textbook, encyclopedia, reputable sites, library databases)

Collect key vocabulary and names (people, places, events, concepts)

Write 3 “I learned that…” notes and 2 “I still wonder…” questions

Narrow by time (e.g., 2015–2025)

Narrow by place/group (e.g., teens in your city, one country, one school)

Narrow by type (e.g., one platform, one nutrient, one policy)

Create a focused topic statement: “I want to study ___ in ___ because ___.”

Use question starters

Generate 5–8 possible questions without judging them yet

Test each question

If “no,” revise by adding limits (time/place/group) or changing wording

Cause/Effect: “What impact did ___ have on ___?”

Compare/Contrast: “How do ___ and ___ differ in ___?”

Problem/Solution: “Which solution best reduces ___ in ___?”

Argument/Evaluation: “How effective is ___ policy at achieving ___?”

Explanation: “Why did ___ change over time in ___?”

Make it clear and neutral (avoid loaded language)

Define key terms (what exactly counts as ___?)

Ensure it guides a paper: background → evidence → analysis → conclusion

Draft the “final” version as one sentence

Add 3–5 supporting questions

Find at least 3 credible sources

If sources are too few or too advanced: broaden slightly (wider time range or larger group)

If sources are too many and unfocused: narrow further (one location, one case study, one variable)

Write the final research question and a 1–2 sentence rationale

List chosen limits (time/place/group/variables)

Confirm it’s researchable within assignment length and deadline

Broad topic: Social media

Broad topic: Nutrition

Examples show the pattern broad topic → narrowed scope → measurable, evidence-based research question.