# Research Question Planner

Turn a broad topic into answerable research questions, define the evidence each answer needs, and set boundaries, priorities, and stopping rules.

## Usage note

Use this planner before collecting large amounts of material. It helps a team decide what it is trying to learn and what evidence could responsibly answer the question. The template does not turn an editorial project into formal academic research, and it cannot compensate for missing subject expertise, unethical data collection, or a question framed to predetermine the result.

## How to use this template

1. Write the reader's situation, the intended use of the answer, and the broad topic in neutral language.
2. Break the topic into one primary question and smaller definition, context, evidence, and action questions.
3. Add scope boundaries and define what evidence would be sufficient for each answer.
4. Rank questions, identify dependencies and contrary perspectives, and assign research owners.
5. Apply the stopping rule, documenting unresolved questions that require qualification or removal.

## Blank template

### Project framing

- **Broad topic:** [Neutral topic]
- **Primary reader:** [Role, context, and knowledge]
- **Reader decision or task:** [What the answer supports]
- **Primary research question:** [One bounded, answerable question]
- **Population or object:** [Who or what]
- **Place or jurisdiction:** [Where relevant]
- **Period:** [Current, historical, or defined dates]
- **Key terms to define:** [Potential ambiguity]
- **Explicit exclusions:** [What this project will not answer]

### Question and evidence map

- **Question 1:** [Essential question]
- **Answer shape:** [Definition, description, comparison, explanation, or recommendation]
- **Required evidence:** [Source type and quality]
- **Question 2:** [Supporting question]
- **Required evidence:** [Source type and quality]
- **Question 3:** [Contrary or boundary question]
- **Required evidence:** [Source type and quality]
- **Dependency:** [Question that must be answered first]
- **Likely limitation:** [What evidence may not establish]

### Readiness checks

- [ ] Questions do not assume the conclusion.
- [ ] Scope names relevant population, period, and context.
- [ ] Important terms have operational definitions.
- [ ] Evidence requirements match the type of answer.
- [ ] Contrary evidence and affected perspectives are included.
- [ ] Essential and optional questions are distinguished.
- [ ] Unethical or infeasible collection plans were removed.
- [ ] The stopping rule is based on evidence coverage and known uncertainty.