Choosing an interesting research question is your first challenge. Here are some tips:
- Consider starting with something specific:
- a particular an environment or workplace
- a specific type of exposure, disease, or toxin
- a specific regulation or national standard
- a specific practice or technology used in an environment or workplace
- Think of the who, what, when, where and why questions:
- WHY did you choose the topic? Why is it important?
- WHAT are the major concerns or questions about this topic? What interests you about it?
- WHO is affected by the topic? Is it applicable to a particular population, such as a specific type of worker?
- WHERE is your topic important? Is it applicable to a specific work environment or industry?
- WHEN is your topic important?
- Narrow your question:
- Methodology: Limit your question to a particular approach, such as an evaluation or assessment.
- Technology: Limit to a specific kind of technology such as work harnasses.
- Aspect or sub-area: Consider only one piece of the question. For example if your question is on fall prevention, you might only consider a specific height range.
- Population group: Limit by age, sex, race, occupation, etc.
- Geographical location: Such as Butte or Southwestern Montana.
- Still stuck? Brainstorm by looking at what others have done
