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Researching and writing a literature review Biomedical Skills |
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1.3 Developing a research question
Developing a research question can be tricky and you will probably revise your research question as you learn more about your topic. But where to start?
A good place to start to find a ‘hot topic’ in your research area is to check out some recent reviews and editorials in some quality journals.
For example in cardiovascular research:
- 'Cross talk debates' - Journal of Physiology
- Circulation Research
- American Journal of Physiology
- Hypertension
Or you could try some science news sources:
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Me: Hey, you did medsci last year, eh?
Ana: Yep.
Me: I have to do a lit review and come up with my own topic.
Ana: Haha, yeah. I remember that assignment. What are you doing it on?
Me: I was thinking maybe different targets for treating heart disease.
Ana: Um, bit vague!
Ana: And broad.
Ana: Be more specific.
Ana: Otherwise you’ll be reading forever!
Ana: Which targets?
Me: Hmm, we just had a lecture on the nitric oxide system.
Me: And I found a recent trial that showed improvements by targeting this system.
Ana: Ok. But remember they usually don’t just want you to discuss trial data.
Ana: You need to include some stuff about the underlying biology.
Me: Ok. Sweet. I can talk about the eNOS enzyme.
Me: And treatments that target it specficially.
Ana: Sounds much better.
Ana: Oh and remember to think about different points of view and conflicting research.
Ana: Happy to proofread in exchange for coffee [smiley face].
Remember: it can be tricky coming up with a research question and it is a circular process. You will probably start off broadly and as you read more, refine your question further.
