Sometimes the most difficult part of the research process is choosing a topic. Here are some tips for selecting a research question that you will enjoy learning about and will ultimately lead to a good grade.
The links below are great places to start in developing a research question. Browsing current events and hot topics can spark your interest and inspire a topic.
Below is a list of subjects that often relate to nursing issues. Considering these subject terms can help you develop a topic or focus your search.
P opulation/patients
I ntervention/indicator
C omparator/control
O utcome
Try asking yourself these questions to help develop a research question:
EXAMPLES
Topic: Obesity
Who? teenagers
What? consumption of high fat foods
Where? school cafeterias
Question: How does the consumption of high fat foods in school cafeterias contribute to teenager obesity?
Topic: Smoke Exposure
Who? children exposed to smoke
What? developmental abilities
Question: How does smoke exposure alter the developmental abilities of children?
Below is worksheet which will help illustrate how a research question develops from a broad topic to a focused question. This could be a helpful resource for you during the process of creating your research question.