Ask a researchable question
The idea
A topic names an area; a research question identifies something you can investigate. Narrow a broad topic by choosing a place, time, group, or relationship. Questions should leave room for evidence rather than assume the answer.
Worked example
“Water” is a topic. “How does ground cover affect runoff in our school courtyard?” identifies a relationship and a location. Evidence could include rainfall observations, photographs, and published explanations of runoff.
Another application
Compare “Why is our courtyard bad?” with “Which courtyard surfaces stay wet longest after rain?” The second can be investigated using defined observations, while the first requires defining what “bad” means.
A common misunderstanding
A question with a preferred answer built into it can lead you to ignore conflicting evidence. A researchable question is specific without predetermining the result.
Try it yourself
Write a broad topic, then three narrower questions. For each, name the evidence you would need. Choose the question you can investigate with available resources.
Check your understanding
Which is more researchable: “Plants are great” or “How does light affect seedling height?”
Reveal the explained answer
The second: it identifies variables that can be observed and compared.