Identify one or two problems you are interested in researching. To identify a problem area, you can reference journals, signature publications of major professional associations, white papers, magazines, and/or discussions with employers and colleagues. Oftentimes, authors point out controversial areas and/or areas requiring additional research. As you evaluate potential research problems/topics, keep this important criteria in mind before making you selection:
1. Is there already a substantial body of literature on the problem area?
2. Is the problem area timely/relevant?

Step 2 – Develop Research Question(s)
Assuming you have successfully identified a problem, the next step is to frame some sort of researchable question(s) within that area. The form such questions should take is fairly specific. In coming up with a researchable question, keep in mind that it should have a place in the literature. After all, science is the cumulative process of knowledge generation. Think about: What will answering this question tell us? Why it is important?