Baker College
Research Guides
BUS 8310: Quantitative Research Methods II
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Getting Started: What is Your Research Question?
Before you start searching:
- Think about what information you are trying to find.
- What question are you trying to answer through your research?
- It is okay if your research question changes as you explore your topic.
- Is there a better kneading technique I could be using when I make bread?
- Should restaurant managers prioritize building sales or controlling costs?
- How did migration impact Mediterranean food cultures?
- What is a reliable recipe for paella?
Use your own culinary knowledge to work through the following steps.
Step 1: Identify Big Ideas
Identify the main concepts in your research question.
Example:
Step 2: Brainstorm Keywords
Brainstorm keywords (a.k.a. search terms) that relate to your main concept.
Example:
Questions to ask yourself:
- Are there more specific words or subcategories that relate to this main concept? (Example: Scotch is a kind of whiskey, so if you want information about whiskey, you might search for "Scotch")
- Are there more general/broad words or categories that relate to this main concept? (Example: whiskey is a kind of liquor, so if you want information about whiskey, you might search for resources about "liquor")
- Are there any synonyms (words that mean the same thing or almost the same thing) as the keywords I have already brainstormed?
Step 3: Build Your Search
Build your search by combining some of the keywords you brainstormed. Include words from each of the main concept categories.
Example:
Quick Tip
- Use quotation marks to group together words that represent a single idea, such as "West Michigan".
Step 4: Search
Step 5: Evaluate Your Results
Evaluate your initial search results.
Look at your initial search results, do you see the information you need?
- If yes- congratulations!
- If no
- Dig deeper into the results and don't be afraid to click around.
- You may need to move on to step 6.
Step 6: Improve Your Search
Improve your search strategy.
If you didn't find what you needed in your initial search results:
- Try another set of keywords from your original brainstorming session.
- See if you can brainstorm better keywords based on what you did (or didn't) find in your initial search.
- Keep informal notes on what search terms you have tried and what you haven't tried so you don't end up doing the same unsuccessful search over and over again.
It is called REsearch for a reason. Sometimes you have to circle back to earlier steps and try different things. That is okay! It is all part of the research process.