HDE1001: Prenatal Development to Age 12 (Kurkul)

A research question is a statement that defines what is to be studied. It is the core of the research project, study, or literature review. Your research question focuses the study, determines the methodology, and guides all stages of inquiry, analysis, and reporting.

Example:

Have social media sites led to an increase in bullying among young adults? 

Your research question should...

• Be focused 
• Identify the problem you're writing about
• Establish significance 

Once you have a basic understanding of your topic and the issues surrounding it, narrow your research question by asking the following questions:

Who? - Are you interested in a specific group of people? Can you narrow your focus to a group or demographic, such as age, gender, ethnicity, location, or socioeconomic status?
What? - What are current issues around this topic? Is there anything in the news about it?
When? - Is your topic current or historical? Did it happen during a specific time period? Are there any important events surrounding your topic? 
Where? - Can your topic focus on a specific location? Where, geographically, might this topic be significant?
Why? - Why is this topic important? Why should others be interested?

Examples for HDE1001:

• How do maternal stress levels during pregnancy affect fetal development and long-term child outcomes?
• What impact does prenatal nutrition have on cognitive development in early childhood?
• What are the effects of prenatal exposure to [alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, opioids, etc. -choose one] on fetal brain development?
• How do cultural practices and beliefs influence prenatal care and development across different populations?
• What are the long-term effects of preterm birth on cognitive, social, and/or emotional development?
• How does prenatal exposure to music impact fetal development and early childhood sensory processing?

Remember:

It’s perfectly normal for your research question to evolve as you delve deeper into your topic. As you gather more information, you may discover new insights, or recognize that certain ideas don't align with your original question. This process of refining, adjusting, or even completely changing your research question is a valuable part of conducting research. Adapting your question allows you to focus on the most relevant, impactful aspects of your topic, ensuring that your study remains meaningful and well-grounded in the evidence you uncover.