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POSC 4370: International Relations

This course provides a conceptual overview of the international system, examining the determinants of state behavior in the pursuit of security and prosperity.

Asking a Good Research Question

One of the most important parts of research is asking a good question. A good research question can help you narrow down your topic so that it's manageable. It can also help you come up with keywords to find resources. A good research question has these characteristics:

  • Clear:  the question provides enough specifics that your audience understands the purpose of your research without needing more information or explanation.
  • Focused:  your topic is narrow enough that it can be answered thoroughly within the page limits of the assignment.
  • Concise:  your research question is only as long as it needs to be. Avoid using words or terms that don't add anything to your research question.
  • Complex:  the answer to your research question requires analyzing and synthesizing of your research ideas and sources before answering your research question. In other words, your research question can't be answered with "yes" or "no."
  • Arguable:  the potential answers to your research question are open for debate, and not a simple statement of facts.

George Mason University Writing Center. (2018).  How to Write a Research Question. https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources/research-based-writing

How to Write a Powerful Research Question

We know the characteristics of a good research question, but how do you go about writing one? This video from David Taylor, a college writing and communications professor, breaks down the process of writing a strong research question..