Develop Your Research Questions
Your research question guides your project from beginning to completion. Unlike your topic, which may be fairly general, your research question will define the specific scope of your project. In other words, the research question tells readers what you’re trying to find out.
DEVELOP YOUR RESEARCH QUESTION
1. DEFINE THE TOPIC AREA
In a sentence or two, describe your broad topic or area of research. (Example: “Smoking cessation.”)
2. DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM
In a sentence or two, describe a problem that could be addressed in your topic or area of research. (Example: “Smokers often relapse because of complex physical and psychological factors.”)
3. SPECIFY THE GAP & JUSTIFY THE INVESTIGATION
What is unknown or unresolved? Why should we bother investigating it? (Example: We don’t know what combination of physical and psychological factors is most often associated with smoking relapse.)
4. CREATE THE RESEARCH QUESTION
(1) Brainstorm as many questions as you can think of that relate to your research topic/problem/gap. Try starting questions with what, why, when, where, who, and how; in general, avoid questions that will result in only “yes” or “no” answers.
(2) Draft a primary question: Do you see one main question emerging from the list above? If not, try doing some additional reading or thinking, or talk to your supervisor or instructor (Example: How do the physiological and psychological effects of smoking make it difficult for young adults to quit smoking?)
(3) Draft secondary research questions: What information do you need to gather to answer your primary question? (Example: Before we can answer the question of “how” physiological and psychological effects make it difficult to quit smoking, we need to identify what the key effects are.)
ASSESS AND REFINE
Evaluate your research question. Ask yourself the following questions: will readers understand it on first reading? Is it feasible given your time and resources? Does it contribute to a wider academic conversation?
Tighten your focus. Look at every word in your question. Replace as many as you can with more specific language or ideas (e.g., instead of “students,” say “Grade 9 students in Ontario”).
Talk it over. Use this worksheet to talk with your supervisor or instructor about the scope and direction of your research plan.
Revisit often! Keep your research question in mind throughout the research and writing process.
You may find that you need to adapt your research question as you learn more.
Adapted from University of Guelph, Developing a Research Question via https://learningcommons.lib.uoguelph.ca/item/developing-research-question-worksheet
Find Background Information
Search in these resources for background information on the mental health disorder your group selected.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), is the most comprehensive, current, and critical resource for clinical practice available to today's mental health clinicians and researchers. DSM-5-TR includes the fully revised text and references, updated diagnostic criteria and ICD-10-CM codes since DSM-5 was published in 2013. It features a new disorder, Prolonged Grief Disorder, as well as codes for suicidal behavior available to all clinicians of any discipline without the requirement of any other diagnosis. With contributions from over 200 subject matter experts, this updated volume boasts the most current text updates based on the scientific literature. Now in four-color and with the ability to authenticate each printed copy, DSM-5-TR provides a cohesive, updated presentation of criteria, diagnostic codes, and text. This latest volume offers a common language for clinicians involved in the diagnosis and study of mental disorders and facilitates an objective assessment of symptom presentations across a variety of clinical settings--inpatient, outpatient, partial hospital, consultation-liaison, clinical, private practice, and primary care. Stay current with these important updates in DSM-5-TR: * Fully revised text for each disorder with updated sections on associated features, prevalence, development and course, risk and prognostic factors, culture, diagnostic markers, suicide, differential diagnosis, and more.* Addition of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) to Section II--a new disorder for diagnosis* Over 70 modified criteria sets with helpful clarifications since publication of DSM-5* Fully updated Introduction and Use of the Manual to guide usage and provide context for important terminology* Considerations of the impact of racism and discrimination on mental disorders integrated into the text* New codes to flag and monitor suicidal behavior, available to all clinicians of any discipline and without the requirement of any other diagnosis* Fully updated ICD-10-CM codes implemented since 2013, including over 50 coding updates new to DSM-5-TR for substance intoxication and withdrawal and other disorders* Updated and redesigned Diagnostic Classification This manual is a valuable resource for other physicians and health professionals, including psychologists, counselors, nurses, and occupational and rehabilitation therapists, as well as social workers and forensic and legal specialists. The new DSM-5-TR is the most definitive resource for the diagnosis and classification of mental disorders.
Call Number: ebookISBN: 9780890425756Publication Date: 2022-03-18
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
This link opens in a new window
Articles from encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference books. Covers all major academic areas. An excellent place to start when learning the basics of any topic. Will help focus your topic, find keywords and people, and discover more in-depth books and articles. Images, audio and video files are included.
