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Having a framework for your research question can help identify key concepts of your research and facilitate the process of document selection.
The 5 Ws are questions whose answers are considered the basis of information-gathering:
- What is my research about?
- Who is involved?
- When did it take place (time period, key dates)?
- Where did it take place (geographical scope)?
- Why did it happen (purpose, reasons)?
Mind mapping your research question framework enables you to visualise the relationships between concepts and information, teasing out themes and keywords.
Identify and keep a record of keywords, terms and phrases expressing your research question. Find synonyms, alternative words. Translate them if necessary, since the language in which you search will influence the results.