Research Process: A Step-by-Step Guide: Step 1: Develop Topic

Once you have selected a topic, the next step is to develop research questions.

• Write down what you already know or don't know about the topic.
• Use that information to develop questions.
  • Use probing questions, such as - why? and/or what if?
  • Avoid "yes" and "no" questions. 

What do or don't I know about Homelessness in Australia?

I know:

Homeless people in Australia is a big problem.

There are charities set up to help the homeless.

I don't know:

Why are people homeless?

What can be done to prevent homelessness?

Is affordable housing a part of the problem?

Research questions:

1. What is homelessness and why is it an important issue?
2. What background information is necessary to understand this issue?
   1. What causes homelessness?
   2. What are the effects of homelessness?
   3. Is it even possible to “cure: homelessness?
3. What can be done to help the homeless find permanent residences?

The keywords you use can have a profound impact on the results of your research. Using the “right” words will speed up the research process, while the “wrong” words can bring to it to a halt.

Before you can begin searching for information, you need to identify keywords related to your topic. Key terminology can be easily be found by scanning:

• Your research questions
• Articles found from background research
• Bibliographies found at the end of books and articles

If you are still struggling:

• Use a thesaurus to identify synonyms
• Find pictures related to your topic, then describe them
• Brainstorm keywords with a librarian, your instructor, or a friend