Free Research Question Generator for Dissertations
Turn a broad topic into a focused research question you can actually answer. Draft options, compare question types and choose one that fits your method, timeframe and word count.
- Free to use
- Runs in your browser
- Built for UK coursework
How to use the research question generator
Your research question steers your literature search, your method and your structure, so it is worth getting right early.
- Enter your topicGive as much context as you can, including sector, group or setting.
- Choose a question typeDescriptive, comparative, relationship or evaluative, depending on your aim.
- Review the optionsCompare the wording and keep two or three candidates.
- Test your favouriteAsk whether you can answer it with data you can realistically access.
Types of research question and when to use them
The type of question you ask points towards a method. Match the two before you commit.
| Question type | Typical wording | Suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Descriptive | What is the extent of…? How do nurses experience…? | Surveys, interviews, case studies |
| Comparative | How do X and Y differ in…? | Cross-sectional surveys, comparative case studies |
| Relationship | What is the relationship between X and Y? | Correlation and regression analysis |
| Causal or evaluative | To what extent does X affect Y? | Experiments, quasi-experiments, policy evaluation |
| Exploratory | How do participants understand…? | Interviews, focus groups, thematic analysis |
Causal wording needs a suitable design. Questions about effect or impact are only as strong as the design behind them. Health and nursing students often structure clinical questions with PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome), so check whether your department expects it.
Signs your research question needs work
It is too broad
If it could fill a book, add a context, population or time frame until it fits your word count.
It has a yes or no answer
Questions answered with yes or no rarely support analysis. Start with how, why or to what extent.
It cannot be researched with available data
A brilliant question is no use if you cannot reach the participants or datasets.
It assumes the answer
Loaded wording such as “Why is X harmful?” presumes your conclusion before you begin.
Revise, but tell your supervisor. Questions often change after the literature review. That is normal, but update your aims, objectives and methodology to match.
Research question generator FAQs
Is the research question generator free?
Yes. The tool is free to use and you do not need to pay to generate questions.
How long should a research question be?
Aim for one clear sentence. If it needs several clauses, split it into a main question and supporting sub-questions.
Should I have sub-questions?
Many dissertations use one main question with two or three sub-questions. Requirements differ, so follow your handbook.
What is the difference between a research question and an aim?
The question states what you want to find out. The aim states what the study intends to achieve. They should point the same way.
Can I change my question after ethics approval?
Check first. Changes to participants, data collection or methods may need an amended application.
Next step: aims, objectives and hypotheses
Once your question is settled, build the rest of your framework with the aims and objectives generator and the hypothesis builder. Our guide on how to write a research question goes deeper.
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