Developing a research question for a semester-long project–such as those required in WR 151, WR 152, or WR 153–is a challenging process. The strategies outlined below help students use AI tools to focus in on a question that is meaningful for them and appropriate for their project. Where necessary, feel free to replace the examples below (taken from a seminar focused on social science and educational research) with ones that are connected to the topic of your seminar.

Objective

Use AI tools to generate, refine, and expand research questions related to education and social issues. This exercise will help you develop a meaningful, researchable topic for your upcoming assignments.

Key Terms

research; metacognition; research question

Strategy 1: Adopting a Persona

How does perspective shape the way we frame research questions?

This is for initial information gathering about your topic. Use these prompts to gain diverse perspectives and ask for example research questions based on these personas to help you construct your own unique one. 

Tips:

Be sure students understand what makes a good research question, using this Flipped Learning Module or Essential Lesson.

Refer students to the BU Libraries guide on developing research paper topics using AI tools such as ChatGPT.

Activity: Persona-Based Prompting
 Generate AI responses to the same core question but from different perspectives.

Core Prompt:
 “How does socioeconomic status impact access to higher education in the United States?”

Persona Variations:

  • Education Policy Expert:
     “As an education policy expert, analyze how financial aid policies, standardized testing, and legacy admissions impact low-income students’ access to college.”
  • College Admissions Officer:
     “As a college admissions officer, explain how selective universities evaluate applicants from underprivileged backgrounds. What factors are considered, and how do they attempt to promote equity?”
  • Sociologist:
     “As a sociologist, explore the long-term effects of educational access on social mobility. How do barriers to higher education reinforce existing class structures?”
  • First-Generation College Student:
     “As a first-generation college student, discuss the challenges of navigating the admissions process, securing financial aid, and adjusting to academic and social expectations.”

Reflection:

    • Which persona gave you the most interesting perspective?
    • How did adjusting the framing change the focus of the response?
    • How might adopting different perspectives help you refine your own research topic?

Strategy 2: Chain-of-Thought Prompting

How can step-by-step reasoning improve the depth of your research question?

This prompt gives you a robust overview of a research question or topic that interests you, providing supporting reasons within your final question. 

Activity: Structuring Research Questions with CoT
 Compare these AI-generated responses and discuss how a structured approach clarifies complex topics.

Basic Prompt (Without CoT):
 “How do standardized tests affect college admissions?”

CoT Version 1: Step-by-Step Breakdown of Standardized Testing’s Impact
 “Break down the effects of standardized testing in college admissions. First, explain its historical role in evaluating applicants. Then, examine how it correlates with socioeconomic status. Next, explore alternatives like test-optional policies. Finally, discuss the broader implications on diversity and equity in higher education.”

CoT Version 2: Psychological and Social Effects of Standardized Testing
 “Analyze how standardized testing affects students beyond admissions. Begin with its impact on high school curriculum and teaching strategies. Then, discuss test anxiety and mental health concerns. Explore how scores influence students’ self-perception and aspirations. Conclude by evaluating efforts to reduce test-related stress and bias.”

Reflection:

    • Which structured response gives a clearer pathway for research?
    • How can breaking a broad topic into stages improve your research process?
    • Try applying a step-by-step approach to your own topic.

Strategy 3: Refining through Iteration

How can we improve research focus through targeted refinement?

After gathering ideas, use these prompts to extract meaningful information that helps you articulate the research question. This allows you to steer your research objective clearly. 

Activity: Iterative Refinement of a Research Topic
 Use AI to refine a research question step by step.

Step 1: Initial Broad Prompt
 “What are the effects of rising tuition costs on college enrollment?”

Step 2: First Refinement – Adding Specific Examples
 “Revise the response to include specific case studies. How have tuition hikes affected enrollment in public vs. private universities? What policies have been implemented to mitigate financial barriers? Do not list the research here but use them as supporting factors in the research question.” 

Step 3: Second Refinement – Thematic and Ethical Depth
 “Refine the response further by exploring ethical concerns. Does rising tuition contribute to educational inequality? How do student debt burdens differ across racial and socioeconomic groups?”

Step 4: Final Refinement – Addressing Counter Arguments
 “Incorporate potential counterarguments. What are the arguments in favor of high tuition? How do proponents justify tuition increases in terms of educational quality and institutional sustainability?”

Reflection:

  • How did refining the topic improve its depth and specificity?
  • Try refining your own research question using these steps.

    Putting it All Together: Final Steps and Reflections

    Step 1: Draft a Broad Research Question

    Write a general question related to education and social issues that interests you.

    ➡ Example: How do exam schools and elite college admissions reinforce class privilege?

    Step 2: Apply a Chain-of-Thought Breakdown

    Rewrite your question as a structured, step-by-step prompt.

    ➡ Example: Explain how exam schools function as pathways to elite universities. First, explore their admissions processes and criteria. Then, analyze demographic trends in student enrollment. Next, discuss whether these schools create meritocratic opportunities or reproduce class advantages. Finally, consider potential reforms to make admissions more equitable.

    Step 3: Use Iterative Refinement

    Revise your question by incorporating a specific case study, ethical angle, or counterargument.

    ➡ Example: Compare the impact of exam school admissions policies in Boston and New York. How do these policies shape racial and economic diversity? Should standardized testing play a role in these admissions?

    Key Takeaways:

    • Adopting different perspectives helps refine research focus
    • Breaking down complex topics into steps improves clarity
    • Iterative refinement sharpens research questions over time