Writing a research question paper can seem like an overwhelming task if you don’t follow a clear process. Developing a flow chart to map out the key steps in your research can help you stay organized and on track. In this article, we will discuss how to create an effective research question paper flow chart.
Start by brainstorming potential research topics. Make a list of broad subject areas or issues that interest you. You want your topic to have sufficient scope to write a full paper but still be narrow enough to research thoroughly within your time constraints. Talk to your professor and review course materials to ensure your topic is suitable and aligned with the goals of the class.
Once you have a list of potential research topics, start refining them into actual research questions. A research question should be specific, answerable, and guide the direction of your research. Turn each broad topic into an “I wonder” statement that can be investigated with evidence. For example, “Socioeconomic status and educational opportunities” could become the research question “How does socioeconomic status impact a student’s access to advanced placement courses in high school?”
On your flow chart, draw an oval or box labeled “Research Questions.” Inside, list each potential question you’ve developed from your topic brainstorming. Review and refine your questions at this stage to ensure they are focused yet broad enough to allow exploration from multiple angles.
The next step is identifying relevant scholarly sources to inform your paper. On your flow chart, draw another box labeled “Scholarly Source Research.” This stage involves searching library databases and bibliographies to find peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books and papers, government reports and statistics, and other credible sources that will help answer your research question.
As you find relevant sources, keep track of them systematically. On your flow chart, add notations underneath the “Scholarly Source Research” box to indicate the number of sources found through specific databases, citations found through reviewing other papers’ bibliographies, etc. You may also want to add boxes for specific databases searched and the number of results found through each. Tracking your source discovery process will help ensure a robust literature review.
With sources in hand, it’s time to start exploring the existing literature related to your research question. On your flow chart, draw another box called “Literature Review.” This stage involves identifying common themes, debates, key authors and theories, methodology approaches, and gaps in the scholarly conversation surrounding your topic based on the sources you’ve collected. Take detailed notes on your sources to aid the writing of your literature review section later.
At this stage, you may also want to refine your research question based on what you’re learning from others’ work. Draw an arrow from “Literature Review” back to “Research Questions” to show this iterative process. Your question may need tweaking to best address gaps, avoid redundancy, or build upon previous studies in a unique way. Revise your question as needed.
Next, the flow chart should show formulation of a clear argument or hypothesis based on the literature. Draw a box called “Thesis Development” where you articulate an answer to your research question and the stance or perspective you will take. Your thesis should be debatable yet supported by evidence found in reputable sources.
Following thesis development, plan how you will collect any needed empirical data through methodology. On your flow chart, create a box for “Research Methodology” that explains your approach such as interviews, surveys, field work, experiments, etc. if applicable. Make sure your methodology matches your research question and enables you to support your thesis. IRB approval may also be part of this stage.
Then come the key steps of research paper writing. On your flow chart, outline these phases: data analysis, results, discussion sections where applicable based on your methodology. Also include boxes for writing draft thesis statement, outline, introduction, literature review, and conclusion sections related to your key argument. Be sure to leave time for scholarly writing, proofreading and revision.
Finally, conclude by highlighting completion of a full research paper draft meeting style guide requirements. On your flow chart, signify submission of the final draft for review. Consider adding a feedback loop arrows back to earlier stages if revision is needed.
By mapping out the process on a flow chart, you ensure all necessary components are included for a successful research paper aligned with assignment guidelines. Refer back to your flow chart as needed throughout the research and writing process for guidance and to keep your project moving in the right direction. Let me know if any part of the research question paper flow chart process needs further explanation!