Geography: Starting Points

Think about your topic and what question you want your research to answer. 
Your research question:

• Identifies the primary construct you want to research;
• Conveys significance of the research (the 'So What' factor);
• Has the ability to surprise you as you research;
• Encourages a complex answer (not a simple 'yes' or 'no').

You will naturally refine your question and topic as you research. Be flexible! :-)
Adapted from the Queensland University of Technology AIRS; Based on Foss & Waters, 2016.

Always have a plan to guide your research. SMART goals are one method of planning your research. Consider your research question, and ask yourself if it is:

• Specific: is your research question clear and specific enough to guide your search?
• Measurable: consider the measures you will use to answer your question.
• Attainable: is the answer to your research question attainable given the scope of your project?
• Relevant: is there generalizability or broader significance to your research?
• Time-bound: set clear time goals to ensure your research can be completed in a timely manner.