Crafting Research Questions

The Question Is Everything

The quality of your AI research output is directly proportional to the quality of your input. A vague question gets a vague answer. A precise, well-structured question gets actionable intelligence.

This isn't just about being specific. It's about understanding how AI interprets your requests and structuring them for maximum effectiveness.

The SCOPE Framework

Use SCOPE to structure research questions that deliver results:

S - Specific: Define exactly what you want to know C - Context: Provide relevant background information O - Output format: Specify how you want the answer structured P - Parameters: Set boundaries and constraints E - Examples: Show what good looks like (when helpful)

SCOPE in Action

Weak question:

"Tell me about electric vehicles"

SCOPE-optimized question:

"I'm a marketing manager at a mid-size auto dealership (Context). What are the top 5 consumer objections to buying electric vehicles in 2024, and what counter-arguments address each objection? (Specific) Present this as a table with columns for Objection, Counter-Argument, and Supporting Data Point (Output format). Focus on the US market for vehicles under $50,000 (Parameters)."

The difference in response quality is dramatic.

Question Types and When to Use Them

Exploratory Questions

Purpose: Understand a topic broadly before diving deep.

Pattern: "What are the main aspects/components/factors of [topic]?"

Example: "What are the main factors driving the shift to renewable energy in manufacturing?"

Use when: Starting research on an unfamiliar topic.

Comparative Questions

Purpose: Understand differences and make decisions.

Pattern: "Compare [A] and [B] in terms of [criteria]"

Example: "Compare solar and wind energy for a manufacturing facility in terms of initial cost, maintenance requirements, space needs, and ROI timeline."

Use when: Evaluating options or understanding trade-offs.

Analytical Questions

Purpose: Understand causes, effects, and implications.

Pattern: "What are the implications/causes/effects of [topic] on [specific area]?"

Example: "What are the implications of new EU carbon regulations on US-based exporters in the chemical industry?"

Use when: You need to understand impacts and consequences.

Synthesis Questions

Purpose: Combine information into actionable insights.

Pattern: "Based on [information], what are the key insights/recommendations for [specific situation]?"

Example: "Based on current market trends in AI, remote work statistics, and skills gap research, what are the key hiring recommendations for a tech startup scaling from 20 to 100 employees?"

Use when: You have gathered information and need conclusions.

The Iteration Technique

Great research rarely happens in one question. Use iterative refinement:

Round 1 - Explore:

"What are the main challenges in implementing AI in healthcare?"

Round 2 - Focus:

"Of those challenges, which are most significant for small rural hospitals with limited IT budgets?"

Round 3 - Actionable:

"What are three practical steps a rural hospital administrator could take this quarter to begin addressing data privacy concerns when implementing AI diagnostic tools?"

Each round narrows the focus until you have exactly what you need.

Prompt Templates for Research

Market Research Template

I'm researching [market/industry] for [purpose].

Please analyze:
1. Current market size and growth rate
2. Top 3-5 players and their market share
3. Key trends shaping the market in the next 2-3 years
4. Main challenges facing companies in this space
5. Opportunities for new entrants or innovations

Focus on [geographic region] and [specific segment if applicable].
Cite sources where possible.

Literature Review Template

I'm conducting research on [topic] for [purpose: thesis/report/article].

Please provide:
1. An overview of the current state of research
2. Key theories or frameworks in this field
3. Major debates or controversies
4. Gaps in existing research
5. Seminal papers or authors I should explore

Academic rigor is important. Note where claims would need verification.

Competitive Analysis Template

Analyze [Company A] compared to [Company B] for a [role/purpose].

Cover:
- Business model differences
- Target market and positioning
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Recent strategic moves
- Competitive advantages

Present as a structured comparison I can use in [presentation/report/memo].

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Being Too Broad

Bad: "Tell me about marketing" Good: "What are the most effective B2B marketing channels for SaaS companies with ARR under $1M?"

2. Assuming Knowledge

Bad: "What should we do about the Q3 numbers?" Good: "Our Q3 sales dropped 15% YoY in the enterprise segment. What are potential causes and corrective actions for a B2B software company?"

3. Asking Multiple Questions at Once

Bad: "What's the market size, who are the competitors, and what's the best strategy?" Good: Ask each as a separate, focused question in sequence.

4. Not Specifying Output Format

Bad: "Analyze this data" Good: "Analyze this data and present findings as: 1) Executive summary (3 sentences), 2) Key metrics table, 3) Three recommended actions"

Practice: Transform These Questions

Try improving these weak questions using SCOPE:

1. "What's happening with AI?"
2. "Should my company use social media?"
3. "Tell me about climate change"

Sample improvements:

1. "What are the three most significant AI developments in the past 6 months that will impact the legal industry? Focus on practical applications, not research breakthroughs."

2. "I run a B2B consulting firm with 50 employees targeting Fortune 500 CFOs. Which social media platforms would be most effective for thought leadership, and what content format works best on each?"

3. "Summarize the key findings from the 2024 IPCC report that are most relevant for corporate sustainability officers at manufacturing companies. Focus on actionable compliance requirements and risks."

Key Takeaways

1. Use the SCOPE framework to structure effective questions
2. Choose your question type based on your research stage
3. Iterate from broad to specific through multiple questions
4. Use templates for common research patterns
5. Avoid being too broad, assuming context, or combining multiple questions

In the next lesson, you'll learn how to verify and fact-check the responses you receive—a critical skill for any researcher.