SCC Research Guides: The Research Process: 4. Research Question and Thesis Statement

Research Question and Thesis Statement

Research Question

Research is all about finding finding the answer to a question. Once you have chosen your research topic and completed some background research, you are ready to come up with your research question. Your research question will be the overall question you are going to answer in your essay.

For example, let's say you decided to write a paper on the Polar Ice Caps melting. While you were doing your background research, you decided you were interested in human involvement in the Polar Ice Caps melting. Your research question would become: How can humans stop the Polar Ice Caps from melting?

Thesis Statement

Next, you will transform your research question into a thesis statement, which is the answer to your research question. Your thesis statement will clearly show the position you will take in your paper and how you intend to argue that position including some of the supporting information you plan to cover.

For example, if your research question is How can humans stop the Polar Ice Caps from melting?, an answer to that question (and the position to take in a paper) might be: Humans can stop the Polar Ice Caps from melting by becoming more conscientious with their use of electricity.

It is ok for your research topic, question, or thesis to be adjusted, especially as you do more research and learn more about your topic. Remember, research is a process, and you can always go back and revisit steps when needed.

For more information on creating a thesis: you can visit the other tabs for videos, webpages, and articles.

If you are still having issues coming up with a thesis statement, your instructor or the TLC are the best resources to help with that. The TLC has English tutors that have the expertise in helping students with their writing.

Crafting a Thesis Statement Video (1:25 min)
Video from Tutor.com writing resources on how to craft a thesis.
How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement Video (4:12 min)
In this Scribbr video, the host breaks down the 3 things needed to create a strong thesis.
Harvard College Writing Center: Thesis
This website has a good explanation of the different types of thesis in addition to a basic definition.
Writing a Thesis Statement
From the database Writer's Reference Center, a document defining thesis statements with examples of thesis statements.
Thesis statement: a vital element in expository essays.
In this article, the authors review the definition of the thesis statement, mistakes on the construction of thesis statements and how to write captivating thesis statements.

If you are still having issues coming up with a thesis statement, your instructor or the TLC are the best resources to help with that. The TLC has English tutors that have the expertise in helping students with their writing.

How to Write an Advanced Literary Thesis Video (5:19 min)
This video goes over how to create a thesis for a literature thesis.
How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Literary Analysis Essay Video (3:30 min)
This video gives several examples of literary theses as well as discussing the different parts of the thesis and gives questions to ask yourself when coming up with a thesis.
Bloom's Literature Thesis Statement
This is Bloom's Literature write-up about a thesis statement so it will have more of a literature angle.
UTA Libraries Literary Criticism Sample Thesis Statements
This webpage has some good examples of literary theses as well as sample patterns for theses on literary works,
Colorado State Thesis Statements for a Literature Assignment
This webpage gives a good overview of what you should include and not include in your literature thesis statement.

If you are still having issues coming up with a thesis statement, your instructor or the TLC are the best resources to help with that. The TLC has English tutors that have the expertise in helping students with their writing.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The Learning Center (TLC) offers free tutoring (in-person or online).

Free, online virtual tutoring is available 24/7 through NetTutor (link found on the TLC Page or in D2L)
Visit the TLC in-person at Giles or other campuses. Visit the TLC Portal Page (SCC Log in Required) for hours and English and Computer tutor availability.
Email your paper/project to them at askatutor@sccsc.edu. They offer a 48 hour turn-around on papers (excluding weekends and holidays), and ask that you send a copy of the assignment as well. The paper needs to be Microsoft Word format (don't share a copy of your OneDrive/cloud account), and please include your due date and SCC college ID number in the email.

Visit the The Learning Center located in the P. Dan Hull Building, rooms E2, E5, E6. See TLC Portal Page (SCC log in required) for additional locations. Contact The Learning Center for more information.