Formulating a Research Question: Guide & Examples

Q: Can I change my research question during the writing process?

Yes, it is perfectly normal to sharpen or slightly adjust your research question during the writing process. However, always discuss changes with your supervisor, as a modified research question may also affect methodology and structure.

Q: How many research questions should my bachelor's thesis have?

Typically, a bachelor's thesis has one central research question and optionally one or two sub-questions that concretize the main question. More than three questions often cause the thesis to lose focus and result in each question being treated only superficially.

Q: What is the difference between a research question and a hypothesis?

A research question is an open question that the investigation aims to answer. A hypothesis is a preliminary assumption or conjecture that is tested empirically. Qualitative studies usually use research questions, while quantitative studies often use hypotheses derived from the research question.

February 3, 2026·2 min read

David BorgerFounder & CEO

The research question is the heart of every academic paper. It determines the focus of your investigation, guides your methodology, and gives your bachelor's thesis a clear direction. A poorly formulated research question inevitably leads to an unstructured thesis — whereas a precise question makes writing significantly easier. In this article, you will learn about the different types, the criteria a good research question must meet, and how to arrive at your own step by step.

Types of Research Questions

Not every research question is structured the same way. Depending on your research interest, there are different types, each requiring a different kind of investigation. The choice of the right type depends on your topic and methodology.

Example

Descriptive: "Which digital teaching formats are most commonly used at German universities in Business Administration?" — Explanatory: "What influence does the introduction of hybrid teaching models have on examination performance of BA students?" — Design-oriented: "How can a hybrid teaching concept be designed that demonstrably improves examination performance in undergraduate Business Administration?"

Criteria for a Good Research Question

A good research question must meet several criteria simultaneously. It must be specific enough to be answerable within the given scope, yet broad enough to provide sufficient material for a complete thesis. It should be clearly and comprehensibly worded, reference existing literature, and be answerable with the chosen methodology. Vague questions like "What is marketing?" are just as unsuitable as overly complex questions that exceed the scope of a bachelor's thesis.

Specific — the question is narrow enough to be answerable within the given scope
Relevant — the question has scientific or practical significance
Answerable — the question can be investigated with the chosen methodology
Clearly worded — the question is unambiguous and understandable, without jargon overload
Literature-based — the question builds on existing research and addresses a gap
Open-ended — the question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no

Step by Step to Your Research Question

The path to the perfect research question begins with broad topic research. Read up on your field and identify research gaps or open questions. Then narrow your topic step by step: from a broad subject area to a specific sub-topic to a concrete question. Draft several versions and evaluate each against the criteria above. Discuss your favorites with your supervisor before committing. Tools like myessay.io help you build your outline around your formulated research question.

Tip

Formulate at least three different versions of your research question and evaluate each against the criteria of specificity, relevance, and answerability. Discuss your favorites with your supervisor before making a final decision.

Explore the topic area and review current literature
Identify a research gap or open question
Narrow the topic and choose a specific aspect
Draft multiple versions of the research question
Evaluate each version against the criteria (specificity, relevance, answerability)
Discuss with your supervisor and finalize

Common Mistakes with Research Questions

The most common mistake is a research question that is too broad or too vague. Questions like "How does social media marketing work?" cannot be answered in a bachelor's thesis. Equally problematic are closed questions that can be answered with yes or no, as they leave no room for a nuanced investigation. Other mistakes include a lack of connection to the literature, a question that does not match the methodology, and formulating multiple research questions that point in different directions.

Conclusion

The research question is the compass of your bachelor's thesis. Invest sufficient time in formulating it, because a precise research question makes the entire process easier — from the literature review and methodology to the conclusion. Use the criteria presented here as a checklist and do not hesitate to refine your question throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my research question during the writing process?

How many research questions should my bachelor's thesis have?

What is the difference between a research question and a hypothesis?