Narrow down a research question
A broad topic becomes a question that your paper can actually answer.
- Type
- Prompt
- Level
- Intermediate
- Time
- about 8 min
Results depend on the tool, the model and what you enter.
Fill in
What you type stays in this browser window. We store and send nothing.
Which paper?
- term paper
- bachelor's thesis
- master's thesis
- school project paper
- project report
Which subject?
- sociology
- business studies
- education
- environmental science
- history
Your topic in one sentence
- social media and teenagers
- remote work and productivity
- reading skills in primary school
- urban trees and heat
- women in industrialisation
Your prompt
I am writing a [Paper] in [Subject]. My topic is still broad: [Topic]. Help me narrow it down. Suggest five possible research questions, each with: why it is answerable, what kind of sources or data I would need, and one possible problem. Do not invent studies or authors. At the end, ask me which question interests me most and help me sharpen it.
Matching tools
Tools from our catalog that this prompt works well with.
- ChatGPT Prices and limits
- Claude Prices and limits
- Elicit Prices and limits
How to use it
- Fill in the fields or tap a suggestion. Leave out names, addresses and other personal data.
- Copy the finished prompt into a tool of your choice.
- Discuss the sharpened question with your supervisor before you start searching the literature.
Works in these tools
Prompts work in many chat and generator tools. This selection comes from our catalog; prices as shown on the tool page.
- ChatGPT Free planfrom 8 USD per month
- Claude Free plan
- Elicit Free plan
- Perplexity Free planfrom $20
Why does this work?
Answerability and data needs show early whether a question is feasible. The ban on invented studies protects you from false sources.
Tips
- Search for literature in library catalogues and subject databases and check every source yourself.