it all starts with a strong research question

What makes a strong research question

A strong research question serves as the foundation of your dissertation. It should be specific enough to be answerable yet broad enough to be significant. The most compelling questions emerge from genuine curiosity about unexplored areas in your field.

refining your research focus

Aim for questions that begin with "how" or "why" rather than those answerable with simple facts. Remember that your question will likely evolve as you delve deeper into your research—this refinement is a natural part of the scholarly process.

Crafting an Effective Research Question

innovative

researchable

innovative

An innovative research question contributes new knowledge or perspectives to your field.

focused

researchable

innovative

A focused question is narrow enough to be manageable within the scope of your dissertation.

grounded

researchable

A grounded question is clearly connected to existing literature and ongoing scholarly conversations.

researchable

A researchable question can be effectively explored using available methods, data, and resources.

Narrowing Your Research Topic

From Idea to Impact: Choosing a Topic That Works

The best dissertation topics aren’t just interesting—they’re achievable. A strong topic reflects your curiosity while staying grounded in what’s realistically possible given your time, resources, and scope. When your topic is well-defined, it becomes the foundation for a focused, meaningful research journey that leads to real academic contribution.

a strategic approach

From Idea to Impact: Choosing a Topic That Works

Look for intersections between different themes or subfields—these often reveal underexplored areas worth investigating. Once you’ve narrowed your focus, test it by drafting potential research questions. Ask yourself: Can these questions be answered with the methods and resources I have?

key considerations

Feasibility – Can your topic be completed within your available time and resources?

Resources – Do you have access to the data, materials, or equipment you’ll need?

Passion – Will this topic sustain your interest over months of deep work?

Relevance – Does your topic contribute something meaningful to your field?

REfine your topic

key considerations

Start broad by identifying a general area that genuinely interests you. Then, narrow your focus through:

Reviewing current literature to identify gaps or emerging questions

Talking with faculty or peers to get feedback and new perspectives

Using tools like concept maps or outlines to visualize connections between ideas

Pinpointing the Problem Your Research Solves

what is a problem statement

how to draft a problem statement

A compelling problem statement articulates the core issue your research addresses. It should be concise (typically 1-3 paragraphs) yet comprehensive enough to establish the foundation for your entire study. The strongest problem statements demonstrate both intellectual significance and real-world relevance.

how to draft a problem statement

When writing your problem statement, avoid vague language or sweeping claims. Instead, use precise terminology from your field and cite key studies that establish the existence of the problem. Your statement should convince readers that your research question addresses a meaningful gap that, when filled, will advance understanding in your discipline.

Framing Research Purpose and Significance

The purpose and significance sections establish your dissertation's value proposition. While related, they serve distinct functions: purpose outlines what you'll do, while significance explains why it matters. Together, they justify the time and resources invested in your research.

Purpose Statement

A clear declaration of your research aims and objectives. It answers the question:

"What do you intend to accomplish with this study?"

Uses action verbs (examine, analyze, determine)

Specifies research approach

Identifies central concepts

Significance Statement

An explanation of why your research matters. It answers: "So what? Why should anyone care about this work?"

Theoretical contributions

Practical applications

Methodological innovations

When articulating significance, consider multiple dimensions of impact. Beyond theoretical contributions, explore implications for practice, policy, or future research. The most compelling dissertations demonstrate significance that extends beyond narrow academic interests to broader disciplinary or societal concerns.

FRAMING RESEARCH PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE

Writing a Research Background Section

Write your research background section in 5 easy steps.

Chapter one: the background

Your background section sets the stage for your entire dissertation. It introduces readers to your research area and establishes why your study matters.

Establish the Research Context

Begin broadly by identifying the field and narrowing to your specific research area. Show how your study fits within existing scholarship.

Identify the Knowledge Gap

Clearly articulate what remains unknown or problematic in current literature. This gap justifies your research question.

Connect to Key Terminology

Integrate the core terms you've mapped previously. Define them contextually within your specific research framework.

Signal Your Contribution

Preview how your study will address the identified gap. This creates a seamless transition to your purpose statement.

set the stage

Remember—your research background constructs a compelling narrative that makes your research question inevitable.

Outline → Write → Learn: A Simple Way to Start writing

Additional Information

Getting started on your dissertation can feel like standing at the bottom of a mountain. The Outline → Write → Learn method breaks it into three easy steps that help you build momentum and stay focused—like planning, building, and improving a treehouse.

1. Outline – Make a Plan

Before you start writing, sketch out your ideas. This is like drawing a map before going on a road trip. You don’t need every detail—just the big stops along the way. Think about your main points, the order they go in, and what you want to say in each section.

2. Write – Build the First Version

Now it’s time to put your ideas into words. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just get your thoughts down. This is like building the frame of a treehouse. It might be a little wobbly at first, but you’re creating something real that you can improve later.

3. Learn – Get Feedback and Improve

Once you’ve written a draft, share it with someone—your advisor, a peer, or a writing group. This is like asking a friend to test your treehouse and tell you what needs fixing. Their feedback helps you see what’s working and what needs more support.

Learn More: Take the Guesswork Out of Dissertation Writing

Want to take the Outline → Write → Learn method even further? Grab one of our Dissertation Writing Playbooks—packed with step-by-step guidance, templates, and tools to help you write with clarity and confidence.

Find out more

the quick method

Outline

Outlining isn’t just a way to plan—it’s a powerful thinking tool that helps you organize your ideas before you ever start writing. In this video, you’ll learn how to structure your outline using headings, subheadings, and key points to create a clear roadmap for your dissertation. We’ll show you how outlining reduces overwhelm, clears mental clutter, and makes the writing process faster and more focused. If you’re stuck staring at a blank page, this is where to start.

Write

Write a little every day using your outline and short, focused sessions—small steps lead to big progress in your dissertation. Draft content following your outline, focusing on getting ideas down without perfectionism. Write in 25-minute focused sessions.

Learn

Writing your dissertation is just the beginning—real progress happens in the revision. In this video, we explore how to use feedback from peers, mentors, and advisors to improve your work. You’ll learn how to identify gaps, clarify your arguments, and strengthen your structure. Revision isn’t about fixing mistakes—it’s about refining your thinking and sharpening your voice. Discover how to turn feedback into growth and make your dissertation stronger with every draft.

Start Strong: Chapter 1 Research Background Guide

BACKGROUND, CONTEXT, AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Feeling stuck on Chapter 1? Your research background sets the tone for your entire dissertation—make it count. The Quick Scholar guide helps you organize your thoughts, track your sources, and build a strong foundation with clarity and confidence. Whether you're mapping out historical context or defining your research gap, this tool keeps your ideas sharp and your progress on track..

Learn how to write your research background, study questions and research purpose today

Expert Dissertation success toolkits and MEthods guides

it all starts with a strong research question

What makes a strong research question

refining your research focus

Crafting an Effective Research Question

innovative

researchable

innovative

focused

researchable

innovative

grounded

researchable

researchable

researchable

researchable

researchable

Narrowing Your Research Topic

From Idea to Impact: Choosing a Topic That Works

From Idea to Impact: Choosing a Topic That Works

From Idea to Impact: Choosing a Topic That Works

a strategic approach

From Idea to Impact: Choosing a Topic That Works

From Idea to Impact: Choosing a Topic That Works

key considerations

key considerations

key considerations

REfine your topic

key considerations

key considerations

Pinpointing the Problem Your Research Solves

what is a problem statement

how to draft a problem statement

how to draft a problem statement

how to draft a problem statement

how to draft a problem statement

how to draft a problem statement

Developing Your Problem Statement

Identify the Knowledge Gap

Articulate the Consequences

Articulate the Consequences

Articulate the Consequences

Articulate the Consequences

Articulate the Consequences

Propose Your Contribution

Articulate the Consequences

Propose Your Contribution

Framing Research Purpose and Significance

Writing a Research Background Section

Chapter one: the background

Establish the Research Context

Identify the Knowledge Gap

Connect to Key Terminology

Signal Your Contribution

set the stage

Keeping Your Dissertation Moving Forward

Outline → Write → Learn: A Simple Way to Start writing

Additional Information

1. Outline – Make a Plan

2. Write – Build the First Version

3. Learn – Get Feedback and Improve

Learn More: Take the Guesswork Out of Dissertation Writing

the quick method

Outline

Write

Learn

Start Strong: Chapter 1 Research Background Guide

BACKGROUND, CONTEXT, AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS

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