The scientific work requires the right question. Finding the topic and formulating the central question is not an easy task. However, it does not belong to the beginning of the research. Perspectively, the question must be appropriate, after scientific examination and sufficient reasoning, to provide the answer to the research question.

How to prepare the research question?

First of all, it is important to narrow down the topic. This can be realized well with an outline. It is also important to find the right time for the final question. This is achieved if the student is not shameless and does not have to complete any further exams. Already during the study it becomes clear which topics are particularly exciting.

It is advisable to focus on these topics in the topic selection and to record them as a perspective for the later questions. The final research question is only appropriate if it is relevant and needs to be formulated precisely. It is easier to determine if the student concentrates on formulating a W question, which can be answered at the end of the work.

First of all, it is important to narrow down the topic. This can be realized well with an outline. It is also important to find the right time for the final question. This is achieved if the student is not shameless and does not have to complete any further exams. Already during the study it becomes clear which topics are particularly exciting.

It is advisable to focus on these topics in the topic selection and to record them as a perspective for the later questions. The final research question is only appropriate if it is relevant and needs to be formulated precisely. It is easier to determine if the student concentrates on formulating a W question, which can be answered at the end of the work.

Which topic suits the student?

Before the question is formulated, the topic must be established. For the limitation the following questions should be answered:

• Which subject fits?
• Should a specialization follow afterwards?
• How relevant is the preferred topic?
• Is there sufficient research material available?
• Are the sources resilient?
• Is the literature research associated with hurdles?

The question of relevance is easily neglected. She is particularly important. It should also be examined for whom the answer to the later research question might be particularly interesting. This can be very important in later professional practice.

Companies that are important to answering are usually particularly interested in graduates who are exploring their priorities and working towards solutions. The research question should therefore also include the professional future as far as possible.

Another advantage in a research question that is important for companies

If the thesis is in the interest of a company, it is quite possible that this company will pay the costs. But it may also be necessary in principle to ask the research question with the support of the company, if this results in an advantage. Thus the author underpins his competence.

The data can be confidential. The company is therefore entitled to the research being not made available to the public. She receives a blocking notice. This must be taken into account by the student when considering the research question.

If he is planning further publications on the topic or if he would like to build on the answer to the question, possibly in another assignment, the question arises as to whether he can use the findings of the master’s thesis at all. This can be a difficult decision factor for very popular topics or those of great public interest.

Personal identification with the question is important

Even a significant topic does not help the student if he can not identify with the topic and therefore with the questions to be asked. Therefore, personal interests are important and to be considered.

Although it is not possible for every student to work on his dream topic, but questions that can be related to the main area of ​​interest. Carefully handling a master’s thesis is challenging. Observations show that motivation suffers when the graduate can not identify with the topic. This can significantly endanger the success of the work.

The following tips will help you to find the right questions

Tracing interesting topics from the beginning
During the course of study, students will encounter topics that interest them most. It does not matter whether it is political science, education or another subject.

It is worthwhile to elaborate a little more on such focal points and to examine whether this topic might be suitable for a thesis later on. Students who keep an eye on this right from the beginning are vigilant through their studies and also provide the necessary intellectual connections. It’s fine if more topics are added during the course of study and the first one is discarded.

Carefully research

Formulating the right research question is also detective work. This includes looking around interesting topics in the library and examining which relevant literature already exists and whether the central question has actually not yet been answered.

Should that be the case, it is not uncommon for further questions to be based on it or even partial aspects have not yet been examined. Again, interesting research questions may arise.

Get help with helplessness

For subjects that are well researched or for those that may not have sufficient literature available, graduates may sometimes reach their limits in search of the research question. This can happen even if the fear of the unsuitable question is too great for a final decision.

Here it is advisable to address the supervisor. The supervisor himself expects the student to think about the choice of topic and the research question. He is also the contact person, if it comes to problems. The supervisor will normally help the student to formulate the question a bit more aptly.

Be careful when formulating

The research question must be neatly worded. In the case of very complex topics or if the student is afraid to commit himself to the question, this can lead to unsuitable research questions. It is better then to divide the question and to consider whether partial aspects should be omitted. Again, the supervisor is the right contact person when it comes to uncertainty.