How to Write a Research Question
Quick answer: A good research question is focused, researchable and feasible — specific enough to answer within your time and resources, and open enough to require real analysis rather than a yes/no answer. Use frameworks like FINER (Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, Relevant) or PICO (health research) to test and sharpen it.
What makes a good research question?
- Focused — narrow enough to answer thoroughly.
- Researchable — answerable with data you can collect.
- Feasible — realistic for your time, access and skills.
- Analytical — requires interpretation, not just a fact.
Useful frameworks
FINER — Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, Relevant — is a checklist to test any question. PICO — Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome — structures clinical and health questions.
Good vs weak examples
| Weak | Stronger |
|---|
| Is social media bad? | How does daily Instagram use relate to anxiety levels in UK undergraduates? |
| What is climate change? | How have UK SMEs in retail adapted supply chains to net-zero targets since 2020? |
Refine, don’t rush
Your first question is rarely your final one. Narrow the population, timeframe or variable until it’s answerable, and agree it with your supervisor before you build your methodology around it.
Struggling to frame your research question?
Projectsdeal’s UK academics help you shape a focused, feasible question and the proposal around it — for reference and academic support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a research question?
The specific question your study sets out to answer — it drives your methodology, data collection and analysis.
What is the FINER framework?
A checklist — Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, Relevant — used to evaluate whether a research question is worth pursuing.
How many research questions should I have?
Usually one main question, sometimes with a few sub-questions. Too many makes a project unfocused.
What is PICO?
A framework for clinical/health questions: Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome.
Can my research question change?
Yes — it’s normal to refine it as your project develops, in agreement with your supervisor.