Dissertations
What Makes a Strong Dissertation Research Question?
Eight tests your dissertation research question must pass before you commit to it.
The eight tests
Specific. Researchable. Original. Significant. Feasible. Ethical. Aligned with your discipline. Anchored in the literature. If your question fails any test, refine it before writing a word.
Examples
Too broad: 'How does social media affect mental health?' Better: 'How does daily Instagram use affect self-reported anxiety among UK undergraduate women?'
Get a supervisor sign-off
Don't start drafting until your supervisor has explicitly approved your research question in writing.