Research Question Formulation
The process of developing a specific, focused question that guides historical investigation. A good research question is narrow enough to be answerable through available evidence but broad enough to generate significant analysis.
Real World
A student investigating the causes of the 1984–85 Miners' Strike might ask 'To what extent was Thatcher's government responsible for provoking the 1984 Miners' Strike?' — this is specific, debatable, and answerable through available Cabinet papers and NUM records.
Exam Focus
Ensure your research question is analytical ('To what extent…', 'How far…'), not descriptive or moral — examiners reward debatable questions.
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