First-Year Research Guide

An inquiry question is the central idea of your paper. The question seeks to investigate a specific angle or aspect of your topic of interest (e.g., sustainability). For example: What types of sustainability programs are currently being introduced on college campuses?

Some of the qualities of a good inquiry question:

• It's asked without bias. 
• It does not have a simple answer, and often has multiple answers.
• It has a clear focus.
• The question is researchable.  
• It's a topic that is interesting to you.

Use the worksheet below to guide you as you search for articles and books that relate to your inquiry question.

When was the United States Navy attacked at Pearl Harbor?

   There is specific answer to this question:  December 7, 1941. 

How is gender portrayed in the media? 

What about "gender" is being portrayed?

"Media" is too broad of a topic for an inquiry question.