{"id":382,"date":"2013-10-16T09:55:25","date_gmt":"2013-10-16T09:55:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/finding-the-right-research-question-is-the-first-step-to-successful-publication\/"},"modified":"2025-01-15T06:45:41","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T06:45:41","slug":"finding-the-right-research-question-is-the-first-step-to-successful-publication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/finding-the-right-research-question-is-the-first-step-to-successful-publication","title":{"rendered":"Finding the right research question is the first step to successful publication"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first and most important step when writing an academic paper is choosing a topic that will advance knowledge and add another building block to the study of science and humanity. As a corollary, it\u2019s quite unlikely that a journal editor will accept a paper that does not have a good research question.<\/span>

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\nA clearly defined research question increases chances of publication, because it gives the researchers greater clarity on developing the study protocol, designing the study, and analyzing the data.<\/span>1,2<\/sup> A well-defined research question also makes a good initial impression on journal editors and peer reviewers. In contrast, a poorly formulated research question can seriously harm your chances of publication, among other adverse effects, because it can easily lead to the perception that the research wasn\u2019t well thought out.<\/span>3<\/sup> <\/span>

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\nAlthough a single paper can address more than one research question, it is good practice to focus on one primary research question.<\/span>3<\/sup> So what makes a good research question? While the answer may vary for different types of papers and across disciplines, there are a few overall criteria that you should keep in mind, whether you are writing about Shakespeare, stem cells, or steel processing.<\/span><\/span>

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So what?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

First and foremost, any research question should pass the \u201cso what?\u201d test<\/span>4<\/sup>: the findings that result from pursuing this question must be important, interesting, and meaningful. Once you have determined the possible outcomes of your research, always ask yourself \u201cSo what?\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"So<\/span>
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For example, the research question \u201cAre good surgeons likely to have long fingers?\u201d is highly unlikely to yield any meaningful knowledge. On the other hand, a targeted question like \u201cDo dexterity tests predict surgical performance among residents?\u201d could help medical training professionals improve training programs in surgical techniques.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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Unobviousness<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n

Lack of originality in findings – in other words, \u201cnovelty\u201d – is one of the most common reasons for rejection by journals. Editors of scientific journals stress on novelty and \u201cunobviousness\u201d; the research question should not already have an obvious or undisputed answer.<\/span>4,5<\/sup> As some journals reject up to 90% of the papers submitted for publication, it is important to ensure that your paper stands out and provides value in one of the following ways<\/span>6<\/sup>:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n