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POL 308W - Research and Writing in Political Science / Brophy-Baermann, Michelle

Sources and research tools for political science students
Subjects: Political Science Tags: current events, data, political science, political science journals

How to Write a Research Question

General Topic ---> Specialized Topic ---> Literal Questions about the Topic ---> Possible Research Questions about the Topic --->  Choose the Question that Interests You Most

Example of Formulating a Research Question

(general topic) working mothers --->  (specialized topic) maternity leave ---> (Literal Questions about the Topic) What is maternity leave?; Do all companies provide maternity leave?; How long is the average maternity leave? --->

(Possible Research Questions about the Topic) How does maternity leave in the US compare to maternity leave in Europe?; Do companies allow men to take paternity leave? If so, do they get the same amount of time as women do for maternity leave, what is the policy?; What is the policy regarding whether or not a woman's position will be available when she returns from maternity leave? --->

(Research Question)  How does the maternity leave policy in the US compare to maternity leave in Europe?