As you prepare to search for sources, it’s best to have an idea of what you’re looking for. Focus your efforts to collect, read, evaluate, and take notes on sources by developing a research question — a brief question that asks about a specific aspect of your subject, reflects your writing situation, and is narrow enough to allow you to collect information in time to meet your deadlines.

To develop your research question, generate ideas for potential questions and assess them in light of your interests, role, and writing situation.