Free Tool

Research Question Builder.

Enter your topic, target population, and the variable or focus you’re studying, and this tool drafts several starting-point research questions for your thesis, dissertation, or paper -- a first draft to refine, not a finished RQ.

Treat this as a starting point

A workable research question also needs to be answerable with the data and time you actually have -- refine it further with your supervisor.

Narrower is usually stronger

If a question could be answered in a single sentence, it likely isn’t specific enough yet for a thesis or dissertation.

Not sure it’s researchable?

Pen Scholar's academic coaches can help you pressure-test a question before you commit your time to it.

Want your research question pressure-tested?

A Pen Scholar specialist in your field can help sharpen its scope, focus, and feasibility.

Get a free quote