This method is one in which you narrow your topic  by focusing on a question you have about the topic. The question will have to be complex enough to deserve a thoughtful answer. It is generally not a question with a simple factual answer, although people may have already expressed many opinions on the matter. In many cases the answer may require you to interpret factual information and give your own opinion. In this case, these questions are called "interpretive questions". It is worth taking the time to develop such questions.

The Question Method

You will need to have a fairly good overview of your topic already to develop a question. You may already have a good, interpretive question in mind. If you need some ideas for good questions, go to Brainstorming Research Questions.

Developing your own interpretive questions will allow you the most creative freedom in your research project.

Example:

Let's use World War II for this example.

You may wonder why the Germans lost the war, or why the Americans didn't get involved earlier.

Why did so many nations refuse Jewish refuges fleeing from Nazi Germany, or why did Germans want to get rid of all Jews so badly that they decided to kill them?

Why did America feel justified in dropping the Atomic bomb on 2 Japanese cities even though they knew how much death and destruction it would bring to innocents?

What would possibly have happened in the Pacific war if America had not dropped the atomic bombs?

There are many possible questions about any topic. Take some time to develop and refine your question until you can state it clearly as a Statement of Purpose. Ask your teacher for help with this part of the process.