can thesis title be a question

Can a Research Title Be a Question? Real-World Examples

I analyzed a random sample of 9,830 full-text research papers, uploaded to PubMed Central between the years 2016 and 2021, to answer the questions:

Can a research title be a question? And do questions make good titles?

I used the BioC API to download the data (see the References section below).

Popularity of question titles

It is not that popular for a research title to be a question. In fact, only 3.2% of titles in our sample contained a question mark (n=314 out of 9,830 titles).

The titles of review articles (systematic reviews and meta-analyses) are slightly more likely to be phrased as questions than those of original research articles (4.3% versus 3%)

Examples of question titles in PubMed

Example #1:.

“Why do I need it? I am not at risk! Public perceptions towards the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine” Link to the article on PubMed

Example #2:

“Enterohepatic Helicobacter in Ulcerative Colitis: Potential Pathogenic Entities?” Link to the article on PubMed

Example #3:

“Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis for a Binary Outcome: One-Stage or Two-Stage?” Link to the article on PubMed

Example #4:

“How to Design the Control Group in Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture?” Link to the article on PubMed

Example #5:

“Which Genetics Variants in DNase-Seq Footprints Are More Likely to Alter Binding?” Link to the article on PubMed

Example #6:

“Does Tai Chi relieve fatigue? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials” Link to the article on PubMed

Length of question titles

Question titles were slightly longer than other types of titles. The median question title was 17 words long (IQR=7 words) compared to 16 words (IQR=6 words) for non-question titles:

Do questions attract more citations?

According to our data, I found no evidence that question titles attract more citations. On the contrary, the median article with a question mark in its title had 2 citations per year, compared to a median of 2.2 citations per year for articles without a question mark in their titles.

Do high-quality journals publish question titles?

In our sample, question titles were published in journals with slightly lower impact factors than non-question titles (median impact factor of 2.5 versus 2.7).

So, journals with high impact factors are less likely to publish question titles.

Comeau DC, Wei CH, Islamaj Doğan R, and Lu Z. PMC text mining subset in BioC: about 3 million full text articles and growing, Bioinformatics , btz070, 2019.

Thesis Title: Examples and Suggestions from a PhD Grad

Graphic of a researcher writing, perhaps a thesis title

When you’re faced with writing up a thesis, choosing a title can often fall to the bottom of the priority list. After all, it’s only a few words. How hard can it be?!

In the grand scheme of things I agree that picking your thesis title shouldn’t warrant that much thought, however my own choice is one of the few regrets I have from my PhD . I therefore think there is value in spending some time considering the options available.

In this post I’ll guide you through how to write your own thesis title and share real-world examples. Although my focus is on the PhD thesis, I’ve also included plenty of thesis title examples for bachelor’s and master’s research projects too.

Hopefully by the end of the post you’ll feel ready to start crafting your own!

Why your thesis title is at least somewhat important

It sounds obvious but your thesis title is the first, and often only, interaction people will have with your thesis. For instance, hiring managers for jobs that you may wish to apply for in the future. Therefore you want to give a good sense of what your research involved from the title.

Many people will list the title of their thesis on their CV, at least for a while after graduating. All of the example titles I’ve shared below came from my repository of academic CVs . I’d say roughly 30% of all the academics on that page list their thesis title, which includes academics all the way up to full professor.

Your thesis title could therefore feature on your CV for your whole career, so it is probably worth a bit of thought!

My suggestions for choosing a good thesis title

Make it descriptive of the research so it’s immediately obvious what it is about! Most universities will publish student theses online ( here’s mine! ) and they’re indexed so can be found via Google Scholar etc. Therefore give your thesis a descriptive title so that interested researchers can find it in the future.
Don’t get lost in the detail . You want a descriptive title but avoid overly lengthy descriptions of experiments. Unless a certain analytical technique etc was central to your research, I’d suggest by default* to avoid having it in your title. Including certain techniques will make your title, and therefore research, look overly dated, which isn’t ideal for potential job applications after you graduate.
The title should tie together the chapters of your thesis. A well-phrased title can do a good job of summarising the overall story of your thesis. Think about each of your research chapters and ensure that the title makes sense for each of them.
Be strategic . Certain parts of your work you want to emphasise? Consider making them more prominent in your title. For instance, if you know you want to pivot to a slightly different research area or career path after your PhD, there may be alternative phrasings which describe your work just as well but could be better understood by those in the field you’re moving into. I utilised this a bit in my own title which we’ll come onto shortly.
Do your own thing. Having just laid out some suggestions, do make sure you’re personally happy with the title. You get a lot of freedom to choose your title, so use it however you fancy. For example, I’ve known people to use puns in their title, so if that’s what you’re into don’t feel overly constrained.

*This doesn’t always hold true and certainly don’t take my advice if 1) listing something in your title could be a strategic move 2) you love the technique so much that you’re desperate to include it!

Thesis title examples

To help give you some ideas, here are some example thesis titles from Bachelors, Masters and PhD graduates. These all came from the academic CVs listed in my repository here .

Bachelor’s thesis title examples

Hysteresis and Avalanches Paul Jager , 2014 – Medical Imaging – DKFZ Head of ML Research Group – direct link to Paul’s machine learning academic CV

The bioenergetics of a marine ciliate, Mesodinium rubrum Holly Moeller , 2008 – Ecology & Marine Biology – UC Santa Barbara Assistant Professor – direct link to Holly’s marine biology academic CV

Functional syntactic analysis of prepositional and causal constructions for a grammatical parser of Russian Ekaterina Kochmar , 2008 – Computer Science – University of Bath Lecturer Assistant Prof – direct link to Ekaterina’s computer science academic CV

Master’s thesis title examples

Creation of an autonomous impulse response measurement system for rooms and transducers with different methods Guy-Bart Stan , 2000 – Bioengineering – Imperial Professor – direct link to Guy-Bart’s bioengineering academic CV

Segmentation of Nerve Bundles and Ganglia in Spine MRI using Particle Filters Adrian Vasile Dalca , 2012 – Machine Learning for healthcare – Harvard Assistant Professor & MIT Research Scientist – direct link to Adrian’s machine learning academic CV

The detection of oil under ice by remote mode conversion of ultrasound Eric Yeatman , 1986 – Electronics – Imperial Professor and Head of Department – direct link to Eric’s electronics academic CV

Ensemble-Based Learning for Morphological Analysis of German Ekaterina Kochmar , 2010 – Computer Science – University of Bath Lecturer Assistant Prof – direct link to Ekaterina’s computer science academic CV

VARiD: A Variation Detection Framework for Color-Space and Letter-Space Platforms Adrian Vasile Dalca , 2010 – Machine Learning for healthcare – Harvard Assistant Professor & MIT Research Scientist – direct link to Adrian’s machine learning academic CV

Identification of a Writer’s Native Language by Error Analysis Ekaterina Kochmar , 2011 – Computer Science – University of Bath Lecturer Assistant Prof – direct link to Ekaterina’s computer science academic CV

On the economic optimality of marine reserves when fishing damages habitat Holly Moeller , 2010 – Ecology & Marine Biology – UC Santa Barbara Assistant Professor – direct link to Holly’s marine biology academic CV

Sensitivity Studies for the Time-Dependent CP Violation Measurement in B 0 → K S K S K S at the Belle II-Experiment Paul Jager , 2016 – Medical Imaging – DKFZ Head of ML Research Group – direct link to Paul’s machine learning academic CV

PhD thesis title examples

Spatio-temporal analysis of three-dimensional real-time ultrasound for quantification of ventricular function Esla Angelini – Medicine – Imperial Senior Data Scientist – direct link to Elsa’s medicine academic CV

The role and maintenance of diversity in a multi-partner mutualism: Trees and Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Holly Moeller , 2015 – Ecology & Marine Biology – UC Santa Barbara Assistant Professor – direct link to Holly’s marine biology academic CV

Bayesian Gaussian processes for sequential prediction, optimisation and quadrature Michael Osborne , 2010 – Machine Learning – Oxford Full Professor – direct link to Michael’s machine learning academic CV

Global analysis and synthesis of oscillations: a dissipativity approach Guy-Bart Stan , 2005 – Bioengineering – Imperial Professor – direct link to Guy-Bart’s bioengineering academic CV

Coarse-grained modelling of DNA and DNA self-assembly Thomas Ouldridge , 2011– Bioengineering – Imperial College London Senior Lecturer / Associate Prof – direct link to Thomas’ bioengineering academic CV

4D tomographic image reconstruction and parametric maps estimation: a model-based strategy for algorithm design using Bayesian inference in Probabilistic Graphical Models (PGM) Michele Scipioni , 2018– Biomedical Engineer – Harvard Postdoctoral Research Fellow – direct link to Michele’s biomedical engineer academic CV

Error Detection in Content Word Combinations Ekaterina Kochmar , 2016 – Computer Science – University of Bath Lecturer Assistant Prof – direct link to Ekaterina’s computer science academic CV

Genetic, Clinical and Population Priors for Brain Images Adrian Vasile Dalca , 2016 – Machine Learning for healthcare – Harvard Assistant Professor & MIT Research Scientist – direct link to Adrian’s machine learning academic CV

Challenges and Opportunities of End-to-End Learning in Medical Image Classification Paul Jager , 2020 – Medical Imaging – DKFZ Head of ML Research Group – direct link to Paul’s machine learning academic CV

K 2 NiF 4 materials as cathodes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells Ainara Aguadero , 2006 – Materials Science – Imperial Reader – direct link to Ainara’s materials science academic CV

Applications of surface plasmons – microscopy and spatial light modulation Eric Yeatman , 1989 – Electronics – Imperial Professor and Head of Department – direct link to Eric’s electronics academic CV

Geometric Algorithms for Objects in Motion Sorelle Friedler , 2010 – Computer science – Haverford College Associate Professor – direct link to Sorelle’s computer science academic CV .

Geometrical models, constraints design, information extraction for pathological and healthy medical image Esla Angelini – Medicine – Imperial Senior Data Scientist – direct link to Elsa’s medicine academic CV

Why I regret my own choice of PhD thesis title

I should say from the outset that I assembled my thesis in quite a short space of time compared to most people. So I didn’t really spend particularly long on any one section, including the title.

However, my main supervisor even spelled out for me that once the title was submitted to the university it would be permanent. In other words: think wisely about your title.

What I started with

Initially I drafted the title as something like: Three dimensional correlative imaging for cartilage regeneration . Which I thought was nice, catchy and descriptive.

I decided to go for “correlative imaging” because, not only did it describe the experiments well, but it also sounded kind of technical and fitting of a potential pivot into AI. I’m pleased with that bit of the title.

What I ended up with

Before submitting the title to the university (required ahead of the viva), I asked my supervisors for their thoughts.

One of my well intentioned supervisors suggested that, given that my project didn’t involve verifying regenerative quality, I probably shouldn’t state cartilage regeneration . Instead, they suggested, I should state what I was experimenting on (the materials) rather than the overall goal of the research (aid cartilage regeneration efforts).

With this advice I dialled back my choice of wording and the thesis title I went with was:

Three dimensional correlative imaging for measurement of strain in cartilage and cartilage replacement materials

Reading it back now I’m reminder about how less I like it than my initial idea!

I put up basically no resistance to the supervisor’s choice, even though the title sounds so much more boring in my opinion. I just didn’t think much of it at the time. Furthermore, most of my PhD was actually in a technique which is four dimensional (looking at a series of 3D scans over time, hence 4D) which would have sounded way more sciency and fitting of a PhD.

What I wish I’d gone with

If I had the choice again, I’d have gone with:

Four-dimensional correlative imaging for cartilage regeneration

Which, would you believe it, is exactly what it states on my CV…

Does the thesis title really matter?

In all honesty, your choice of thesis title isn’t that important. If you come to regret it, as I do, it’s not the end of the world. There are much more important things in life to worry about.

If you decide at a later stage that you don’t like it you can always describe it in a way that you prefer. For instance, in my CV I describe my PhD as I’d have liked the title to be. I make no claim that it’s actually the title so consider it a bit of creative license.

Given that as your career progresses you may not even refer back to your thesis much, it’s really not worth stressing over. However, if you’re yet to finalise your thesis title I do still think it is worth a bit of thought and hopefully this article has provided some insights into how to choose a good thesis title.

My advice for developing a thesis title

Draft the title early. Drafting it early can help give clarity for the overall message of your research. For instance, while you’re assembling the rest of your thesis you can check that the title encompasses the research chapters you’re included, and likewise that the research experiments you’re including fall within what the title describes. Drafting it early also gives more time you to think it over. As with everything: having a first draft is really important to iterate on.
Look at some example titles . Such as those featured above!
If you’re not sure about your title, ask a few other people what they think . But remember that you have the final say!

I hope this post has been useful for those of you are finalising your thesis and need to decide on a thesis title. If you’ve enjoyed this article and would like to hear about future content (and gain access to my free resource library!) you can subscribe for free here:

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How to Write a Great Title

Maximize search-ability and engage your readers from the very beginning

Your title is the first thing anyone who reads your article is going to see, and for many it will be where they stop reading. Learn how to write a title that helps readers find your article, draws your audience in and sets the stage for your research!

How your title impacts the success of your article

Researchers are busy and there will always be more articles to read than time to read them. Good titles help readers find your research, and decide whether to keep reading. Search engines use titles to retrieve relevant articles based on users’ keyword searches. Once readers find your article, they’ll use the title as the first filter to decide whether your research is what they’re looking for. A strong and specific title is the first step toward citations, inclusion in meta-analyses, and influencing your field.

What to include in a title

Include the most important information that will signal to your target audience that they should keep reading.

Key information about the study design

Important keywords

What you discovered

Writing tips

Getting the title right can be more difficult than it seems, and researchers refine their writing skills throughout their career. Some journals even help editors to re-write their titles during the publication process!

Keep it concise and informative What’s appropriate for titles varies greatly across disciplines. Take a look at some articles published in your field, and check the journal guidelines for character limits. Aim for fewer than 12 words, and check for journal specific word limits.
Write for your audience Consider who your primary audience is: are they specialists in your specific field, are they cross-disciplinary, are they non-specialists?
Entice the reader Find a way to pique your readers’ interest, give them enough information to keep them reading.
Incorporate important keywords Consider what about your article will be most interesting to your audience: Most readers come to an article from a search engine, so take some time and include the important ones in your title!
Write in sentence case In scientific writing, titles are given in sentence case. Capitalize only the first word of the text, proper nouns, and genus names. See our examples below.

Don’t

Write your title as a question In most cases, you shouldn’t need to frame your title as a question. You have the answers, you know what you found. Writing your title as a question might draw your readers in, but it’s more likely to put them off.
Sensationalize your research Be honest with yourself about what you truly discovered. A sensationalized or dramatic title might make a few extra people read a bit further into your article, but you don’t want them disappointed when they get to the results.

Examples…

Format: Prevalence of [disease] in [population] in [location]

Example: Prevalence of tuberculosis in homeless women in San Francisco

Format: Risk factors for [condition] among [population] in [location]

Example: Risk factors for preterm births among low-income women in Mexico City

Format (systematic review/meta-analysis): Effectiveness of [treatment] for [disease] in [population] for [outcome] : A systematic review and meta-analysis

Example: Effectiveness of Hepatitis B treatment in HIV-infected adolescents in the prevention of liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Format (clinical trial): [Intervention] improved [symptoms] of [disease] in [population] : A randomized controlled clinical trial

Example: Using a sleep app lessened insomnia in post-menopausal women in southwest United States: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Format (general molecular studies): Characterization/identification/evaluation of [molecule name] in/from [organism/tissue] (b y [specific biological methods] )

Example: Identification of putative Type-I sex pheromone biosynthesis-related genes expressed in the female pheromone gland of Streltzoviella insularis

Format (general molecular studies): [specific methods/analysis] of organism/tissue reveal insights into [function/role] of [molecule name] in [biological process]

Example: Transcriptome landscape of Rafflesia cantleyi floral buds reveals insights into the roles of transcription factors and phytohormones in flower development

Format (software/method papers): [tool/method/software] for [what purpose] in [what research area]

Example: CRISPR-based tools for targeted transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in plants

Tip: How to edit your work

Editing is challenging, especially if you are acting as both a writer and an editor. Read our guidelines for advice on how to refine your work, including useful tips for setting your intentions, re-review, and consultation with colleagues.

How to Write an Abstract
How to Write Your Methods
How to Report Statistics
How to Write Discussions and Conclusions
How to Edit Your Work

The contents of the Peer Review Center are also available as a live, interactive training session, complete with slides, talking points, and activities. …

The contents of the Writing Center are also available as a live, interactive training session, complete with slides, talking points, and activities. …

There’s a lot to consider when deciding where to submit your work. Learn how to choose a journal that will help your study reach its audience, while reflecting your values as a researcher…

Can A Thesis Statement Be A Question? A Guide

In academic writing, writing a thesis statement is fundamental, often prompting the question: Can a thesis statement be a question? If you are wondering about this, you are at the right place.

Here, we look into the thesis statement, exploring its purpose in an essay, and addressing whether it can take the form of a question. We’ll uncover the details of thesis statement construction, offering clarity and guidance for you to to enhance your academic writing skills.

What Is A Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is your essay’s backbone, the single sentence that holds your entire argument together. See it as all of these in your writing:

Argument, and
The roadmap.

A thesis statement not just an answer to a question posed by your assignment; it’s a concise summary of the main idea you want to convey to your reader. It is usually definitive statement that provides an answer to the central question of your essay.

The thesis statement usually appears in the earlier part of your writing. In a regular essay, it may show up on the first paragraph. In longer writing such as a Ph.D thesis, it may show up in the first chapter.

The length of a thesis statement is often a single sentence.

However, this one sentence packs a punch; it needs to be engaging and logical, offering a clear point of view that you will support with evidence throughout the rest of the paper.

A thesis statement is not a simple observation or a vague proposition.

For example, if your essay discusses the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class, your thesis would present a strong argument, convincing the reader of your perspective.

Let’s consider an example.

Suppose you’re writing about the policy implications of storytelling in political campaigns. An effective thesis might be,

“Storytelling techniques in political campaigns significantly influence voter behaviour by engaging emotions and framing candidates’ narratives.”

Thesis statement not only introduces your topic but also presents an interpretation that you will elaborate and support with evidence.

A good thesis statement is clear and to the point, avoiding wandering words and open-ended questions. It sets the tone for the rest of your essay, making your writing more structured and your argument more compelling.

Thesis statement examples

Environmental Science : “This paper argues that the rapid decline in bee populations globally is not only a threat to biodiversity but also poses significant risks to crop pollination, highlighting the need for immediate and coordinated conservation efforts.”
History : “The fall of the Roman Empire was not a singular event caused by barbarian invasions, but rather a culmination of factors including economic instability, overexpansion, and the failure of its political systems.”
Literature : “In ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ Harper Lee uses the innocence of childhood to expose the deeply rooted racial prejudices in 1930s Southern America, challenging the moral integrity of societal norms.”
Technology and Society : “The widespread use of social media has fundamentally altered interpersonal communication, fostering a culture of instant gratification and superficial relationships while diminishing privacy and deep connections.”
Education : “The current standard testing system in U.S. schools undermines creativity and critical thinking in students, leading to an educational environment that prioritizes rote memorization over genuine learning and skill development.”
Economics : “The rise of cryptocurrency challenges the traditional financial systems by offering decentralization and transparency, but it also raises significant concerns regarding market stability and regulatory oversight.”
Psychology : “Attachment theory demonstrates that early childhood experiences significantly influence emotional development and interpersonal relationships in adulthood, underscoring the importance of nurturing parent-child bonds.”
Healthcare Policy : “Universal healthcare, while costly, is essential in ensuring equitable access to medical services for all citizens, reducing health disparities, and promoting overall societal well-being.”
Philosophy : “Existentialism, as explored through the works of Jean-Paul Sartre, argues that individual freedom and choice are paramount, positing that humans define their own meaning in a world that intrinsically lacks it.”
Political Science : “The increasing polarization in American politics is not just a result of ideological differences but is also amplified by the media’s tendency to sensationalize and create echo chambers rather than facilitating balanced discourse.”

Can A Thesis Statement Be A Question?

The straight answer is no; a thesis statement should not be phrased as a question.

This is because the thesis statement is the heart of your essay, the main argument that guides the entire narrative. It’s not about posing more questions; it’s about providing clear, decisive answers.

Imagine you’re writing a paper on the impact of storytelling in political campaigns. Let’s say you write a thesis statement as a question, asking, “How does storytelling influence voters?”

Now compare that with a thesis statement that assertively present your point of view:

“Storytelling in political campaigns significantly shapes voter perceptions by weaving complex narratives around candidates.”

This statement does more than just answer the initial question; it sets a clear direction for your essay. It’s usually placed at the end of the first paragraph, giving the reader a lens through which to interpret the information you present.

This single sentence is your opportunity to present a strong, compelling argument that will guide the rest of your essay.

In academic writing, a good thesis statement is crucial. It’s not just an observation or a vague proposal; it’s a well-defined stance.

For instance, if your topic is the use of computers in fourth-grade classes, your thesis shouldn’t vaguely suggest that computers might be beneficial.

Instead, it should present a strong argument, like, “Integrating computers into fourth-grade curricula dramatically improves students’ engagement and technological skills.”

A robust thesis statement requires you to:

Evaluate your topic,
Take a specific stance, and
Persuade your reader with a logical, coherent argument.

It’s the cornerstone of your essay, providing a foundation for the arguments and evidence you will present.

Can a Thesis Statement Be an Opinion?

Yes, a thesis statement is essentially an opinion, but it’s more than just a personal viewpoint.

Think of your thesis statement as the main argument or point of view that your essay will support and develop. It’s not just any opinion; it’s a well-considered, persuasive argument that addresses the main topic of your essay.

For example, if you’re writing about the role of storytelling in political campaigns, your thesis might be, “Storytelling in political campaigns is a crucial strategy that significantly influences voter behaviour by framing candidates’ narratives.”

This is your opinion, yes, but it’s also an argument that you will substantiate with evidence and analysis throughout your essay.

In crafting your thesis statement, you’re not just stating what you believe. You’re constructing an argument that you’ll support with logical reasoning and empirical evidence.

It’s the anchor of your essay, providing both a guide for your writing and a point of engagement for your reader. This is where your voice, as the writer, comes into play, offering a unique interpretation or evaluation of the topic at hand.

So, while a thesis statement is an opinion, it’s an opinion formed through careful thought and supported by rigorous analysis.

How Can You Write a Good Thesis Statement?

Writing a good thesis statement is a skill you can master with practice and understanding. Here are five ways to craft an effective thesis statement for your essay:

Answer the Prompt Directly : Your thesis statement should directly answer the question posed by your assignment. If the prompt asks about the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class, your thesis statement should provide a clear, concise response.
Be Specific and Concise : Vagueness can make your thesis statement less effective. Instead of a broad statement like “Computers are helpful in education,” opt for specificity: “Using computers in a fourth-grade class significantly improves engagement and understanding in mathematics and science.”
Take a Clear Stance : A strong thesis statement presents a clear point of view. Let’s say your topic is storytelling in political campaigns. Instead of a neutral observation, your thesis should take a stance: “Storytelling in political campaigns reshapes voter perceptions more effectively than policy discussions.”
Make it Debatable : Your thesis should invite discussion and not just state a fact – “The Brexit referendum’s outcome was influenced by social media” could be more engaging if phrased as: “Social media swayed public opinion more than rallies during the Brexit referendum.”
Revise as Necessary : What starts as “Storytelling affects voter behaviour” can evolve into a more nuanced thesis: “Narrative storytelling in campaigns transforms voter engagement by personalising candidates and creating emotional connections.”

Thesis Statement Is A Statement, Not A Question

While a thesis statement serves as the guiding star of an essay, framing it as a question is not the standard approach. Instead, it should assertively present a clear, debatable argument, setting the foundation for your essay’s direction and focus.

Understanding this key aspect of academic writing empowers you to craft compelling, thought-provoking thesis statements that effectively guide your reader through your essay’s narrative and arguments.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Can Essay Titles Be Questions? A Guide to Writing Effective Essay Titles

Can essay titles be questions? Discover our guide to see when it makes sense to use a question as an essay title and when to avoid it.

The title is an important part of the piece when writing a research paper or essay for an academic writing situation. You may be wondering, “can essay titles be questions?” The answer is yes, but only if they are well-written and suitable for the topic of your essay.

A good title is relevant to the arguments within the essay and the thesis you create, and if a question fits that well, then it can be your essay title.

Argumentative Essay

Persuasive essay, narrative essay, college essay, analytical essays, using questions as high school of college essay titles, how to write a strong essay question, 1. look at your research question, 2. write the title last, 3. grab the attention of the reader , 4. add keywords, 5. make the title specific, 6. format the title properly, 7. avoid “yes” or “no” question titles, 8. set the tone, 9. test the title on other people, tips to create a good essay title, examples of question-based essay titles, using a question as an essay title.

The purpose of essay and research paper titles is to grab the reader’s attention and show a little bit about what the piece of writing will cover. Creative essay titles can make the reader want to read your piece, giving you a small place to showcase your writing skills. No matter what type of scientific or academic essay you write, you will need a title. Using a question as an essay title depends mainly on the type of essay you write. Some types lend themselves well to question titles, and others do not. Here are some common types you may need to write.

The essay title can be a question when writing an argumentative essay with two possible arguments. First, posing the question, you’ll be arguing in the title guides the reader to your opening paragraph and thesis statement. In addition, it can get the reader thinking about the question you’ll be arguing. On the other hand, if there are not two possible arguments, then the title should state your position, not ask a question. Thus, argumentative essays can have question titles sometimes, but sometimes they do not make the most sense.

If you are writing a persuasive essay, a question may not work as well as the title. Instead, you’ll want a statement to summarize the thesis statement. Remember, your goal is not to get the reader to think about two sides of an argument with this type of essay. Instead, your goal is to persuade the reader that your position on the topic is the right one.

A narrative essay is another place where you might be able to title an essay with a question. A question could make the entire essay more intriguing in this type of essay. It pauses the reader and invites them to read your narration to discover the answer.

A college essay is one place where you’ll often see a question as the title. In these essays, admissions teams want to see that you know how to answer a question thoughtfully, so using that question as the title makes sense.

In analytical essays, a question often makes the essay weaker. While it can work well in certain circumstances, most analytical essays need a statement of the problem or the solution the writer will analyze.

Many students are looking for creative essay titles, but it can be a bit of a challenge. A few reasons why you might have a difficult time coming up with the best essay title include:

You might have difficulty finding an adequate title that accurately reflects all the information you will cover in your essay.
You might be concerned that the best title for your essay has already been taken, causing you to get worried about plagiarism.
You might be trying to formulate your essay title before you write the rest of the essay. As a result, you might have to change the title when you realize what your essay is about.

If you are having trouble finding a solid title to summarize your piece of writing adequately, you may want to consider using a question. You can use an essay title that is a question as long as it is appropriately framed to suit the topic on which you are writing. You must make sure that the question you use to title your essay is still relevant to the arguments you make in the essay. It should also adequately reflect the thesis statement.

A question title might be appropriate if you feel like there are multiple perspectives on your topic that you need to cover. On the other hand, if you are writing an argumentative or persuasive essay, you might want to turn your essay title into a statement. Therefore, a question title can be a solid option for an academic essay, but it is not necessarily appropriate for every type of essay.

Whether you use a question or not, writing a good title is essential in essay writing. Both types of titles, whether phrases or questions, need to summarize the main ideas of your essay. They should be short but practical because the main focus is on the content, not the title. They also should be catchy and creative, which is why a question can work well if appropriate to the essay.

Your research question should not be the essay title but can give you a starting point. If you are given a research question, use it to start some initial research and form a preliminary thesis statement. This can help you write your title.

If you can, write the title of your essay last. This allows you to see where your arguments take you, so you can focus on a well-developed essay first, then tailor the title to it.

Ultimately, you need a catchy title that will grab the reader’s attention. This does not mean you need something pulled from social media, but the title should spark enough curiosity that the reader will want to read the essay.

Keywords should be pulled from the essay, and tell your reader what they will read in the piece. These are not keywords for online marketing purposes, but if your title uses keywords from your piece, you will more easily write a title relevant to the rest of the essay. Keywords can be helpful if you eventually have your essay published in an online database. In addition, research conducted at college and university levels often becomes a part of online databases; thus, learning how to use keywords in the title will help the essay find more readers in the future.

Next, you should ensure that your title is specific. Remember that your essay has to be an accurate reflection of what is covered. If it is too general, your readers will have difficulty figuring out what the essay is about. For example, the statement “Concussions in the NFL” is far too general. There are a lot of different opinions on concussions in the NFL , and research has changed significantly during the past few decades. Instead, you may want to choose a title such as “What Is the Impact of Repeated Concussions in the NFL on Player Safety?” This is a much more specific statement that will give the reader a better idea of what your essay covers.

As you write your title, make sure you format it correctly. Use these rules:

Capitalize the first and last words, as well as most other words. Do not capitalize articles and short prepositions.
If you use questions for titles, end them with a question mark, but do not end statements with a period.
Do not add additional punctuation, except if the title includes the title of a published work, in which case you punctuate the title of the published work according to the appropriate rules.

If you decide to use a question as the essay title, do not phrase it so that it has a yes or no answer. For example:

Does Cell Phone Use Impact Social Communication?

The answer is probably yes, and you would not need much explanation. Instead, format the title so that it invites more discussion.

How Has Cell Phone Use Impacted Social Communication?

Here you have room to develop several points as you explore the answer to the question.

Essays all have a tone. For example, academic essays tend to be severe and factual, while narrative essays can have a more humorous tone. You can set the tone of your essay in your title so the reader knows what to expect as they read the work.

Finally, getting an outside perspective on your title could be prudent. Just as you may want to have people read your essay to identify confusing statements, typos, or grammatical issues you may have overlooked, you should also ask people for their opinions on your title. See if they can figure out what the essay is about based on the title. Find out if they have more creative ideas you can incorporate into the title of your essay. Remember that you are not obligated to follow their advice, but it could be helpful to see what other people have to say.

Regardless of the essay title you choose, it must be relevant to the essay’s contents. Here are a few tips to consider when writing your essay title.

Summarize: Your essay title should summarize the essay’s main ideas. That is why it might be smart to wait until the essay is written before developing your essay title. Then, you can look at your thesis statement, analyze your topic sentences, and develop a title that adequately summarizes the essay’s main ideas.
Concise: You should keep your title as short as possible. Even though you need to include enough words to adequately describe what is covered in your essay, you do not want the title to be too long. The shorter your title is, the easier it will be for people to be hooked by your essay title.
Specific: You should also ensure that your essay title is specific. If your title is too general, people may have difficulty figuring out what your essay is about. You do not want to leave them guessing. But, on the other hand, you want people to know what your essay is about right away.
Creative: Finally, your essay title should be creative. Remember that your essay title is responsible for the first impression you will have on your reader. It would help if you hooked your reader’s attention right away. Otherwise, they will not read the rest of the essay. You need your title to do exactly that. You can convince someone to keep reading if you use a curious, profound question.

Remember that you may want to try multiple titles before you decide which one to use. You must find the one that best describes your essay’s contents while grabbing potential readers’ attention.

The best essay title is the one that fits the essay you are writing. Sometimes questions work, and sometimes they do not. Here are some examples of essay titles that work well in question format:

Are Cameras in Public Places Good Security or a Violation of Privacy Rights? (Argumentative essay)
Why Is Social Media a Threat to Modern Teenagers? (Argumentative essay)
Does Paying Children for Their Grades Help? (High school essay)
What Parenting Style Is the Most Effective? (High school essay)
Is “Fake News” Real, and How Does It Affect People’s Political Views? (College essay)
How Has Cell Phone Technology Changed the Way We Communicate? (College essay
What Are the Top Benefits of Antioxidants: The Research (Research paper)
Do Violent Video Games Cause More Violence in Society? (Research paper_
What Role Did the Marshall Plan Play in Rebuilding Europe After World War II? (High school essay)

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

If you’re still stuck, check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

Meet Rachael, the editor at Become a Writer Today. With years of experience in the field, she is passionate about language and dedicated to producing high-quality content that engages and informs readers. When she's not editing or writing, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, finding inspiration for her next project.

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Research Guides

Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper

Choosing a Title
Purpose of Guide
Design Flaws to Avoid
Independent and Dependent Variables
Glossary of Research Terms
Reading Research Effectively
Narrowing a Topic Idea
Broadening a Topic Idea
Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
Academic Writing Style
Applying Critical Thinking
Making an Outline
Paragraph Development
Research Process Video Series
Executive Summary
The C.A.R.S. Model
Background Information
The Research Problem/Question
Theoretical Framework
Citation Tracking
Content Alert Services
Evaluating Sources
Primary Sources
Secondary Sources
Tiertiary Sources
Scholarly vs. Popular Publications
Qualitative Methods
Quantitative Methods
Insiderness
Using Non-Textual Elements
Limitations of the Study
Common Grammar Mistakes
Writing Concisely
Avoiding Plagiarism
Footnotes or Endnotes?
Further Readings
Generative AI and Writing
USC Libraries Tutorials and Other Guides
Bibliography

The title summarizes the main idea or ideas of your study. A good title contains the fewest possible words needed to adequately describe the content and/or purpose of your research paper.

Importance of Choosing a Good Title

The title is the part of a paper that is read the most, and it is usually read first . It is, therefore, the most important element that defines the research study. With this in mind, avoid the following when creating a title:

If the title is too long, this usually indicates there are too many unnecessary words. Avoid language, such as, "A Study to Investigate the...," or "An Examination of the...." These phrases are obvious and generally superfluous unless they are necessary to covey the scope, intent, or type of a study.
On the other hand, a title which is too short often uses words which are too broad and, thus, does not tell the reader what is being studied. For example, a paper with the title, "African Politics" is so non-specific the title could be the title of a book and so ambiguous that it could refer to anything associated with politics in Africa. A good title should provide information about the focus and/or scope of your research study.
In academic writing, catchy phrases or non-specific language may be used, but only if it's within the context of the study [e.g., "Fair and Impartial Jury--Catch as Catch Can"]. However, in most cases, you should avoid including words or phrases that do not help the reader understand the purpose of your paper.
Academic writing is a serious and deliberate endeavor. Avoid using humorous or clever journalistic styles of phrasing when creating the title to your paper. Journalistic headlines often use emotional adjectives [e.g., incredible, amazing, effortless] to highlight a problem experienced by the reader or use "trigger words" or interrogative words like how, what, when, or why to persuade people to read the article or click on a link. These approaches are viewed as counter-productive in academic writing. A reader does not need clever or humorous titles to catch their attention because the act of reading research is assumed to be deliberate based on a desire to learn and improve understanding of the problem. In addition, a humorous title can merely detract from the seriousness and authority of your research.
Unlike everywhere else in a college-level social sciences research paper [except when using direct quotes in the text], titles do not have to adhere to rigid grammatical or stylistic standards. For example, it could be appropriate to begin a title with a coordinating conjunction [i.e., and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet] if it makes sense to do so and does not detract from the purpose of the study [e.g., "Yet Another Look at Mutual Fund Tournaments"] or beginning the title with an inflected form of a verb such as those ending in -ing [e.g., "Assessing the Political Landscape: Structure, Cognition, and Power in Organizations"].

Appiah, Kingsley Richard et al. “Structural Organisation of Research Article Titles: A Comparative Study of Titles of Business, Gynaecology and Law.” Advances in Language and Literary Studies 10 (2019); Hartley James. “To Attract or to Inform: What are Titles for?” Journal of Technical Writing and Communication 35 (2005): 203-213; Jaakkola, Maarit. “Journalistic Writing and Style.” In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication . Jon F. Nussbaum, editor. (New York: Oxford University Press, 2018): https://oxfordre.com/communication.

Structure and Writing Style

The following parameters can be used to help you formulate a suitable research paper title:

The purpose of the research
The scope of the research
The narrative tone of the paper [typically defined by the type of the research]
The methods used to study the problem

The initial aim of a title is to capture the reader’s attention and to highlight the research problem under investigation.

Create a Working Title Typically, the final title you submit to your professor is created after the research is complete so that the title accurately captures what has been done . The working title should be developed early in the research process because it can help anchor the focus of the study in much the same way the research problem does. Referring back to the working title can help you reorient yourself back to the main purpose of the study if you find yourself drifting off on a tangent while writing. The Final Title Effective titles in research papers have several characteristics that reflect general principles of academic writing.

Indicate accurately the subject and scope of the study,
Rarely use abbreviations or acronyms unless they are commonly known,
Use words that create a positive impression and stimulate reader interest,
Use current nomenclature from the field of study,
Identify key variables, both dependent and independent,
Reveal how the paper will be organized,
Suggest a relationship between variables which supports the major hypothesis,
Is limited to 5 to 15 substantive words,
Does not include redundant phrasing, such as, "A Study of," "An Analysis of" or similar constructions,
Takes the form of a question or declarative statement,
If you use a quote as part of the title, the source of the quote is cited [usually using an asterisk and footnote],
Use correct grammar and capitalization with all first words and last words capitalized, including the first word of a subtitle. All nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs that appear between the first and last words of the title are also capitalized, and
Rarely uses an exclamation mark at the end of the title.

The Subtitle Subtitles are frequently used in social sciences research papers because it helps the reader understand the scope of the study in relation to how it was designed to address the research problem. Think about what type of subtitle listed below reflects the overall approach to your study and whether you believe a subtitle is needed to emphasize the investigative parameters of your research.

1. Explains or provides additional context , e.g., "Linguistic Ethnography and the Study of Welfare Institutions as a Flow of Social Practices: The Case of Residential Child Care Institutions as Paradoxical Institutions." [Palomares, Manuel and David Poveda. Text & Talk: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Language, Discourse and Communication Studies 30 (January 2010): 193-212]

2. Adds substance to a literary, provocative, or imaginative title or quote , e.g., "Listen to What I Say, Not How I Vote": Congressional Support for the President in Washington and at Home." [Grose, Christian R. and Keesha M. Middlemass. Social Science Quarterly 91 (March 2010): 143-167]

3. Qualifies the geographic scope of the research , e.g., "The Geopolitics of the Eastern Border of the European Union: The Case of Romania-Moldova-Ukraine." [Marcu, Silvia. Geopolitics 14 (August 2009): 409-432]

4. Qualifies the temporal scope of the research , e.g., "A Comparison of the Progressive Era and the Depression Years: Societal Influences on Predictions of the Future of the Library, 1895-1940." [Grossman, Hal B. Libraries & the Cultural Record 46 (2011): 102-128]

5. Focuses on investigating the ideas, theories, or work of a particular individual , e.g., "A Deliberative Conception of Politics: How Francesco Saverio Merlino Related Anarchy and Democracy." [La Torre, Massimo. Sociologia del Diritto 28 (January 2001): 75 - 98]

6. Identifies the methodology used , e.g. "Student Activism of the 1960s Revisited: A Multivariate Analysis Research Note." [Aron, William S. Social Forces 52 (March 1974): 408-414]

7. Defines the overarching technique for analyzing the research problem , e.g., "Explaining Territorial Change in Federal Democracies: A Comparative Historical Institutionalist Approach." [ Tillin, Louise. Political Studies 63 (August 2015): 626-641.

With these examples in mind, think about what type of subtitle reflects the overall approach to your study. This will help the reader understand the scope of the study in relation to how it was designed to address the research problem.

Anstey, A. “Writing Style: What's in a Title?” British Journal of Dermatology 170 (May 2014): 1003-1004; Balch, Tucker. How to Compose a Title for Your Research Paper. Augmented Trader blog. School of Interactive Computing, Georgia Tech University; Bavdekar, Sandeep B. “Formulating the Right Title for a Research Article.” Journal of Association of Physicians of India 64 (February 2016); Choosing the Proper Research Paper Titles. AplusReports.com, 2007-2012; Eva, Kevin W. “Titles, Abstracts, and Authors.” In How to Write a Paper . George M. Hall, editor. 5th edition. (Oxford: John Wiley and Sons, 2013), pp. 33-41; Hartley James. “To Attract or to Inform: What are Titles for?” Journal of Technical Writing and Communication 35 (2005): 203-213; General Format. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Kerkut G.A. “Choosing a Title for a Paper.” Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology 74 (1983): 1; “Tempting Titles.” In Stylish Academic Writing . Helen Sword, editor. (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2012), pp. 63-75; Nundy, Samiran, et al. “How to Choose a Title?” In How to Practice Academic Medicine and Publish from Developing Countries? A Practical Guide . Edited by Samiran Nundy, Atul Kakar, and Zulfiqar A. Bhutta. (Springer Singapore, 2022), pp. 185-192.

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Last Updated: May 9, 2024 11:05 AM
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Can a Research Paper Title Be a Question (Quick Answer)

by Antony W

September 10, 2021

We’ve been writing research papers for long enough to know that the title is one of the most important sections of the assignment. In fact, readers first look at the title of the paper to determine whether the research work is worth reading.

If you want to grab the attention of your lecturer or professor and get them to read the rest of your research work, spare some to write a title that stands out.

A well thought out research paper title is one that summarizes the idea(s) of your study. In the fewest words possible, the title should describe the purpose of the research and make it easy for you audience to know the focus of the research.

Many research paper titles are usually in the form of statements that give readers the clue on what the research work focused on. So can research paper titles be questions or should you stick to statements instead?

Research paper titles can be questions provided they provide enough information on the focus of the work. The questions shouldn’t be long or short. Rather, they should have the right word limit to communicate the central message of the paper.

In other words, readers should read the question title and know immediately what the research paper is.

Can Research Paper Titles Be Questions?

The title of a research paper can be a question provided it can draw the attention of the reader to the problem you wish to investigate. By looking at the purpose of the research, the tone of the narrative, and the research method used, it should be easy to construct a question title for the research project.

When Should You Write the Title?

You’ll create two types of titles for your research paper: a working title and a final title.

1. The Working Title

You’ll create a working title first. Doing so is important because it’s the only possible way to anchor the focus of your study on the specific research problem. With this title, you can as stick to the main purpose of the study and easily find your way back on track should you lose focus a bit.

2. The Final Title

You will derive the final title from the research you conducted and it’s what you will replace the working title with before submitting your research paper for review.

The following are some of the characteristics of a well-constructed final title for a research paper assignment:

Have a word limit of between 10 and 15 words, which is enough to tell what the paper focuses on.
It describes the subject under investigation and shows the scope of the study
The title uses impressive words that spark readers’ interest and easily grab their attention to read the rest of the paper
It doesn’t use abbreviations
The title of the document may identify the most significant independent and dependent variables
Title can give a strong suggestion of the relationship between one variable and another and support a particular hypothesis .
It doesn’t include “an analysis of”, “a study of”, or similar generic constructions.
All the first words of the research paper titles, including adjectives, verbs, and nouns, should be uppercase.

How Long Should a Research Paper Title Question Be?

A research paper title shouldn’t be too long or too short. It should have the right number of words to communicate the intended message.

On the one hand, short titles fail to provide enough information on the focus of the research paper. A two-word title such as “African Politics” would make no sense here.

On the other hand, long titles tend to have unnecessary words that don’t add meaning to the title of the research paper.

Keep in mind that research questions have to be specific. That means your title will be addressing a particular issue within a broad topic.

Can I Use Subtitles in a Research Paper?

Subtitles are handy in writing because they break down big chunks of paragraphs and make content east to read. They also break the monotony of reading walls of texts because they transition readers from an issue to another within the subject under investigation.

You can use subtitles (subheadings) throughout your research paper for the following reasons:

1. Provide Additional Content

Some section of your research paper will need additional context for clarity and coherence. You can use subtitles to provide the additional information, making it easy for your reader to find the information that they would have otherwise thought is missing.

2. Explaining Ideas

If you have multiple ideas in your research paper and you believe it would make a difference if you provided more information about each idea, consider using subheadings in the research paper.

The subtitles will generally make it easy for you to investigate each idea or theory independently, hence clarity.

Our Take On Research Paper Titles in Question Format

Researchers suggest that the title of your research paper should be in the form of statement and informative enough to grab the attention of the reader. The argument is that statement titles are effective in providing accurate overview about your research and the expected outcome.

Another argument is that readers opt to read research papers because they’re looking for answers to questions, therefore making titles that are in question form rather unappealing.

Based on what we understand, however, there are no specific academic guidelines that bar students from using questions as titles for their research papers. So provided the title in the question format captures the essence of your research and engages the target audience.

Get Research Paper Writing Help

Writing a research paper can be challenging and time consume. Even if you know all the elements of the paper, and you can do research and write the paper, you may still find the work overwhelming given your other assignments.

Don’t worry because we’re here to help. Get our research paper writing service here and let us help you get the work done.

About the author

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Organizing Academic Research Papers: Choosing a Title

Purpose of Guide
Design Flaws to Avoid
Glossary of Research Terms
Narrowing a Topic Idea
Broadening a Topic Idea
Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
Academic Writing Style
Choosing a Title
Making an Outline
Paragraph Development
Executive Summary
Background Information
The Research Problem/Question
Theoretical Framework
Citation Tracking
Content Alert Services
Evaluating Sources
Primary Sources
Secondary Sources
Tertiary Sources
What Is Scholarly vs. Popular?
Qualitative Methods
Quantitative Methods
Using Non-Textual Elements
Limitations of the Study
Common Grammar Mistakes
Avoiding Plagiarism
Footnotes or Endnotes?
Further Readings
Annotated Bibliography
Dealing with Nervousness
Using Visual Aids
Grading Someone Else's Paper
How to Manage Group Projects
Multiple Book Review Essay
Reviewing Collected Essays
About Informed Consent
Writing Field Notes
Writing a Policy Memo
Writing a Research Proposal
Acknowledgements

The title summarizes the main idea or ideas of your study. A good title contains the fewest possible words that adequately describe the contents and/or purpose of your research paper.

The title is without doubt the part of a paper that is read the most, and it is usually read first . If the title is too long it usually contains too many unnecessary words, e.g., "A Study to Investigate the...." On the other hand, a title which is too short often uses words which are too general. For example, "African Politics" could be the title of a book, but it does not provide any information on the focus of a research paper.

Structure and Writing Style

The following parameters can be used to help you formulate a suitable research paper title:

The purpose of the research
The narrative tone of the paper [typically defined by the type of the research]
The methods used

The initial aim of a title is to capture the reader’s attention and to draw his or her attention to the research problem being investigated.

Create a Working Title Typically, the final title you submit to your professor is created after the research is complete so that the title accurately captures what was done . The working title should be developed early in the research process because it can help anchor the focus of the study in much the same way the research problem does. Referring back to the working title can help you reorient yourself back to the main purpose of the study if you feel yourself drifting off on a tangent while writing. The Final Title Effective titles in academic research papers have several characteristics.

Indicate accurately the subject and scope of the study.
Avoid using abbreviations.
Use words that create a positive impression and stimulate reader interest.
Use current nomenclature from the field of study.
Identify key variables, both dependent and independent.
May reveal how the paper will be organized.
Suggest a relationship between variables which supports the major hypothesis.
Is limited to 10 to 15 substantive words.
Do not include "study of," "analysis of" or similar constructions.
Titles are usually in the form of a phrase, but can also be in the form of a question.
Use correct grammar and capitalization with all first words and last words capitalized, including the first word of a subtitle. All nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs that appear between the first and last words of the title are also capitalized.
In academic papers, rarely is a title followed by an exclamation mark. However, a title or subtitle can be in the form of a question.

The Subtitle Subtitles are quite common in social science research papers. Examples of why you may include a subtitle:

Explains or provides additional context , e.g., "Linguistic Ethnography and the Study of Welfare Institutions as a Flow of Social Practices: The Case of Residential Child Care Institutions as Paradoxical Institutions."
Adds substance to a literary, provocative, or imaginative title , e.g., "Listen to What I Say, Not How I Vote: Congressional Support for the President in Washington and at Home."
Qualifies the geographic scope of the research , e.g., "The Geopolitics of the Eastern Border of the European Union: The Case of Romania-Moldova-Ukraine."
Qualifies the temporal scope of the research , e.g., "A Comparison of the Progressive Era and the Depression Years: Societal Influences on Predictions of the Future of the Library, 1895-1940."
Focuses on investigating the ideas, theories, or work of a particular individual , e.g., "A Deliberative Conception of Politics: How Francesco Saverio Merlino Related Anarchy and Democracy."

Balch, Tucker. How to Compose a Title for Your Research Paper . Augmented Trader blog. School of Interactive Computing, Georgia Tech University; Choosing the Proper Research Paper Titles . AplusReports.com, 2007-2012; General Format. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University.

<< Previous: Academic Writing Style
Next: Making an Outline >>
Last Updated: Jul 18, 2023 11:58 AM
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Dissertation titles

The dissertation title is your first opportunity to let the reader know what your dissertation is about. With just a few words, the title has to highlight the purpose of the study, which can often include its context, outcomes, and important aspects of the research strategy adopted. But a poorly constructed title can also mislead the reader into thinking the study is about something it is not, confusing them from the very start.

In our articles on EXPECTATIONS and LEARNING , we explain what the reader expects and learns from your dissertation title, before setting out the major COMPONENTS that can be included in dissertation titles. Finally, since your dissertation title should follow a specific written style, which explains when to capitalise words, which words to capitalise, how to deal with quotation marks, abbreviations, numbers, and so forth, we provide some guidance in our article on STYLES .

EXPECTATIONS: What readers "expect" from a dissertation title
LEARNING: What the reader "learns" from a dissertation title
COMPONENTS: The main "components" of a dissertation title
STYLES: Make sure your title uses the correct "style"

Reference management. Clean and simple.

Is it a good thesis topic?

Does the topic have a clear aim?

Is the topic researchable, is the topic original enough, will the topic be interesting to your audience.

What methodology will your topic require?

Additional criteria for a good thesis topic

Frequently asked questions about having a good thesis topic, related articles.

Before starting the actual research for your thesis, you need to make sure that your topic is well formed. Take a look at this list of questions to find out if your topic is ready to work on.

First things first, is your topic clear enough? The ideal path of deciding a topic starts by making it as comprehensive as possible. This is easier said than done, as people often have one idea in mind but another one in the paper.

Tip: To ensure that your topic is clear and comprehensible, try explaining it to a friend or colleague.

As James Hamilton, coach for Ph.D. students, concludes in his guide on finding a thesis topic “clarity is the key.” Therefore, we recommend explaining your topic to someone foreign to your field.

Dissect every part of the topic and describe them in the most simple way. This will help you see your topic from a different perspective. Once you have a simplified version, you can start adding layers of complexity.

Once you are sure the topic is crystal clear, it is time to find out the most important factor: does the topic offer enough information? If you came up with the topic from material you read before, or you heard about it in a lecture, it means the topic is probably highly researchable.

Use keywords related to your topic and search for them in:

library catalogs
academic databases
academic search engines
Google scholar
academic repositories

Consider meeting with an academic librarian, who can help you generate keywords.

Every thesis requires a level of originality but, let's be honest, research is never completely original. Still, why not make it as original as you can within your limits? You will dive in a sea of papers with a similar approach to yours. This is your chance of finding an angle that has never been taken before.

Therefore, we recommend finding a gap in the research, or a certain angle that has been done before but could be further developed. How? By simply paying particular attention to your sources.

Tip: To determine if your thesis topic is original, consider speaking with your advisor, or others in your field, who may know the research landscape really well.

Academic writing shouldn’t be boring. Depending on the level of your thesis, its appeal will vary. Identify the audience of your thesis and adapt its style and structure accordingly.

A bachelor’s thesis has to be interesting for the professor who grades it it. An MA thesis should attract your supervisor, and potential future employers. A Ph.D. thesis should strive to make a clear intervention in the field that will catch the attention of other scholars. It should engage peers, supervisor, and general researchers.

Once you know who you are writing for, it becomes easier to adapt your style to your target audience. We also recommend these 13 ways to make your writing more interesting to read.

W hat methodology will your topic require?

Picking a suitable research methodology is one of the most important components that can make a project fail or succeed.

Being aware of what type of outcome you want and how much time you have to conduct research will help you choose the right methodologies. For example, if you want qualitative data and you have enough time, then you can carry out a focus group.

If you want quantitative data in a short period of time then an online survey suffices. Time and goal will be the decisive factors in almost every project.

Check out our guide on How to gather data for your thesis for further instructions on collecting empirical data and choosing a methodology.

Qualitative : focus groups, interviews, literature reviews, etc.
Quantitative : surveys, experiments, longitudinal studies, etc.

You might also ask yourself these questions when you are assessing if your thesis topic is good:

Is the topic easy to find?
Is the topic of interest in contemporary culture?
Will the topic bring you any benefit after graduation?

Every thesis requires a level of originality but let's be honest, research is never completely original. To have an original topic, we recommend finding a gap in the research. How? By simply finding a certain angle that has been done before but could be further developed.

Academic writing shouldn’t be boring. In order to make it interesting, you should identify the audience of your project and adapt it accordingly. A bachelor’s thesis has to be interesting for the professor who grades it it. An MA thesis should attract your supervisor, and potential future employers. A Ph.D. thesis should strive to make a clear intervention in the field that will catch the attention of other scholars.

We recommend explaining your topic to someone foreign to your field. Dissect every part of the topic and describe it in the most simple way. This will help you see your topic from a different perspective.

If you came up with the topic from material you read before, or you heard about it in a lecture, it means the topic is probably highly researchable. Use keywords related to your topic and search for them in catalogs, databases, search engines, and libraries.

Some other questions you can ask yourself (or others) to know if your thesis topic is good:

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Can a Thesis Statement Be a Question: Tips on Writing the Perfect Thesis Statement

You have probably struggled with your thesis statement when writing a research paper on whether the statement can be a question or not. And for many finding the perfect statement is one of the struggles in writing.

But in this blog, we’ll explore the formal and informal definitions of a thesis statement and then talk about whether or not it can be a question. It covers what your thesis statement should be as well as tips and tricks on how to write one.

After reading this post, you will be better placed to write your thesis statement and generally understand its structure.

Can a Thesis Statement Be a Question

Generally, your thesis statement cannot be a question because it essentially answers the question, “what is this paper about?” However, it’s a good idea to think of your thesis statement as a question, but it shouldn’t be an actual question.

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Your thesis statement is a declarative sentence that tells readers what you will discuss in your essay. If you have a question instead of a statement, it will be hard for people to know what your paper is about.

Further, the statement is a sentence in your essay providing your paper’s main idea. It is also the purpose or theme of your article and often appears near the beginning of your writing. This further shows that questions may not be the best if used as thesis statements.

Also see: Best thesis generator for your college paper

Thesis statements can be various, but they all have one thing in common; they state an opinion or position on a particular subject. Therefore, a thesis statement is not just a statement of fact. It is an assertion that you will prove with evidence from your research.

Further, a question does not present or state a fact or claim. Thus questions should appear in the body but not as a thesis statement.

Can You Ask a Question in a Thesis Statement

In most cases, you cannot ask a question in a thesis statement because it will not help your readers understand what your paper is about.

It is essential to understand a thesis statement to know why you cannot ask a question in it. A thesis statement is used when writing an academic paper and is usually found at the end of your introduction paragraph, which states what you will talk about in your essay. It can also be used as a summary or summary sentence for your paper.

Similarly, it is the central point of your paper. It states what you’re going to talk about and how you’re going to talk about it. In most cases, it’s a declarative sentence that tells your reader what your argument is without giving away the conclusion. Thus, it is the backbone of your essay and acts as your chance to tell the reader what you’ll talk about and why it’s crucial.

For these reasons, you cannot ask a question here because it will be more confusing. The general rule is to make it clear and concise, and questions do not provide this clarity or conciseness.

How to Write a Good Thesis Statement With Examples

The thesis statement is the most critical element of your essay. The statement tells your reader what to expect and why it’s worth reading.

A good thesis statement is clear, concise, and specific. It states your position on an issue but doesn’t overstate or understate it. It contains a word or phrase that will grab the attention of your reader and make them want to keep reading.

The following are some tips to help you craft a good statement;

Be clear and focused.

This means you should ensure your thesis statement clearly states the main idea of your paper without any ambiguity or vagueness. You should avoid using superlatives in your statement as they do not add anything substantial but make it more difficult for the reader to understand what you are trying to say.

Also, do not use phrases like “this paper argues” or “this paper will discuss” as they do not give much information about what is going on in the rest of your paper

Further, don’t try to cover everything in one sentence. Instead, choose one main idea and make it clear what that idea is. The thesis statement should not have several ideas or multiple points because doing so will confuse readers and make it difficult for them to follow your argumentation in the body paragraphs of your essay.

Make sure it’s a declarative sentence

A good thesis statement is a declarative sentence that clearly states what your paper is about. It must be specific enough to serve as an organizing principle for the article but not so narrow that it limits your ability to explore other ideas during research and writing.

For example, you can say dogs do not like milk rather than dogs may like milk.

Additionally, don’t use words like “I believe” or “I think.” Instead, come up with a fact that you want to prove. For example, if you’re writing about the effects of pollution on the environment, write something like “Air pollution is responsible for millions of deaths each year.”

Include appropriate keywords or phrases related to your topic

Your thesis statement should contain proper keywords or phrases related to your subject to help readers understand what they’ll learn from reading your essay.

Use short sentences, active verbs, and simple words in your thesis statement; they improve readability and make it easy for readers to understand your statement quickly.

For example, if the topic is factors contributing to dog illnesses, your statement may include keywords like dog illnesses.

A strong analytical question

speaks to a genuine dilemma presented by your sources . In other words, the question focuses on a real confusion, problem, ambiguity, or gray area, about which readers will conceivably have different reactions, opinions, or ideas.
yields an answer that is not obvious . If you ask, "What did this author say about this topic?” there’s nothing to explore because any reader of that text would answer that question in the same way. But if you ask, “how can we reconcile point A and point B in this text,” readers will want to see how you solve that inconsistency in your essay.
suggests an answer complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of discussion. If the question is too vague, it won't suggest a line of argument. The question should elicit reflection and argument rather than summary or description.
can be explored using the sources you have available for the assignment , rather than by generalizations or by research beyond the scope of your assignment.

How to come up with an analytical question

One useful starting point when you’re trying to identify an analytical question is to look for points of tension in your sources, either within one source or among sources. It can be helpful to think of those points of tension as the moments where you need to stop and think before you can move forward. Here are some examples of where you may find points of tension:

You may read a published view that doesn’t seem convincing to you, and you may want to ask a question about what’s missing or about how the evidence might be reconsidered.
You may notice an inconsistency, gap, or ambiguity in the evidence, and you may want to explore how that changes your understanding of something.
You may identify an unexpected wrinkle that you think deserves more attention, and you may want to ask a question about it.
You may notice an unexpected conclusion that you think doesn’t quite add up, and you may want to ask how the authors of a source reached that conclusion.
You may identify a controversy that you think needs to be addressed, and you may want to ask a question about how it might be resolved.
You may notice a problem that you think has been ignored, and you may want to try to solve it or consider why it has been ignored.
You may encounter a piece of evidence that you think warrants a closer look, and you may raise questions about it.

Once you’ve identified a point of tension and raised a question about it, you will try to answer that question in your essay. Your main idea or claim in answer to that question will be your thesis.

point of tension --> analytical question --> thesis

"How" and "why" questions generally require more analysis than "who/ what/when/where” questions.
Good analytical questions can highlight patterns/connections, or contradictions/dilemmas/problems.
Good analytical questions establish the scope of an argument, allowing you to focus on a manageable part of a broad topic or a collection of sources.
Good analytical questions can also address implications or consequences of your analysis.
picture_as_pdf Asking Analytical Questions

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COMMENTS

Can a research paper title be a question?
1 Answer to this question. Answer: Ideally, the title of your research paper should be more informative so that it attracts the attention of the readers. It should provide more information about your research and the main outcome that you have achieved. It is not advisable to have a question as the title of your paper as it is the first thing ...
Can a Research Title Be a Question? Real-World Examples
It is not that popular for a research title to be a question. In fact, only 3.2% of titles in our sample contained a question mark (n=314 out of 9,830 titles). The titles of review articles (systematic reviews and meta-analyses) are slightly more likely to be phrased as questions than those of original research articles (4.3% versus 3% ...
Can a thesis title be a question?
It can be your research question than be the title of the thesis/dissertation. It will look good/better. For example: "Do 9th Graders achieve higher in Integrated Math in a cooperative learning ...
Thesis Title: Examples and Suggestions from a PhD Grad
Master's thesis title examples. Creation of an autonomous impulse response measurement system for rooms and transducers with different methods. Guy-Bart Stan, 2000 - Bioengineering - Imperial Professor - direct link to Guy-Bart's bioengineering academic CV. Segmentation of Nerve Bundles and Ganglia in Spine MRI using Particle Filters.
Developing A Thesis
A good thesis has two parts. It should tell what you plan to argue, and it should "telegraph" how you plan to argue—that is, what particular support for your claim is going where in your essay. Steps in Constructing a Thesis. First, analyze your primary sources. Look for tension, interest, ambiguity, controversy, and/or complication.
How to Write a Great Title
Write your title as a question In most cases, you shouldn't need to frame your title as a question. You have the answers, you know what you found. Writing your title as a question might draw your readers in, but it's more likely to put them off. Sensationalize your research Be honest with yourself about what you truly discovered.
Can A Thesis Statement Be A Question? A Guide
The straight answer is no; a thesis statement should not be phrased as a question. This is because the thesis statement is the heart of your essay, the main argument that guides the entire narrative. It's not about posing more questions; it's about providing clear, decisive answers. Imagine you're writing a paper on the impact of ...
Can Essay Titles Be Questions? A Guide To Writing Effective Essay Titles
You can use an essay title that is a question as long as it is appropriately framed to suit the topic on which you are writing. You must make sure that the question you use to title your essay is still relevant to the arguments you make in the essay. It should also adequately reflect the thesis statement.
PDF WRITING AN EFFECTIVE TITLE
1. Copy out of your draft a sentence that could serve as a title. 2. Write a sentence that's not in the draft to use as a title. 3. Write a title that is a question beginning with What, Who, When, or Where. 4. Write a title that is a question beginning with How or Why. 5. Write a title that is a question beginning with Is/Are, Do/Does, or Will. 6.
How to write a thesis statement + Examples
It is a brief statement of your paper's main argument. Essentially, you are stating what you will be writing about. Organize your papers in one place. Try Paperpile. No credit card needed. Get 30 days free. You can see your thesis statement as an answer to a question. While it also contains the question, it should really give an answer to the ...
Choosing a Title
The working title should be developed early in the research process because it can help anchor the focus of the study in much the same way the research problem does. Referring back to the working title can help you reorient yourself back to the main purpose of the study if you find yourself drifting off on a tangent while writing. The Final Title
Writing Strong Research Questions
A good research question is essential to guide your research paper, dissertation, or thesis. All research questions should be: Focused on a single problem or issue. Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources. Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints. Specific enough to answer thoroughly.
How to Write a Thesis Statement
Placement of the thesis statement. Step 1: Start with a question. Step 2: Write your initial answer. Step 3: Develop your answer. Step 4: Refine your thesis statement. Types of thesis statements. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about thesis statements.
Can a Research Paper Title Be a Question (Quick Answer)
The title of a research paper can be a question provided it can draw the attention of the reader to the problem you wish to investigate. By looking at the purpose of the research, the tone of the narrative, and the research method used, it should be easy to construct a question title for the research project.
Organizing Academic Research Papers: Choosing a Title
All nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs that appear between the first and last words of the title are also capitalized. In academic papers, rarely is a title followed by an exclamation mark. However, a title or subtitle can be in the form of a question. The Subtitle. Subtitles are quite common in social science research papers.
How to write a great dissertation title
The dissertation title is your first opportunity to let the reader know what your dissertation is about. With just a few words, the title has to highlight the purpose of the study, which can often include its context, outcomes, and important aspects of the research strategy adopted. But a poorly constructed title can also mislead the reader ...
Q: How to write the title for a thesis or an article
How to write the title for a thesis or an article. Detailed Question -. Title of Study (Please state the title of your study in a brief and concise manner, as the title of a thesis or an article.) (Maximum 30 words) this question came from Turkish master program scholarship. Asked by Qamaruddin muhammadi on 17 Feb, 2018.
Can an essay title be a question and does it need punctuation?
The only punctuation mark needed for a title would be a question mark at the end—if the title is a question. It is always considered perfectly acceptable to use questions as titles for any piece ...
4 tips for creating the perfect dissertation title
What this title does is; (a) ask a question; (b) make it clear what is being studied; and (c) allude to the "how", the methodology. After reading it, we understand what the rest of the pages are about. Specifying is a key way of guiding the reader toward understanding what the rest of your project is about. 3.
Can a Title of an Essay Be a Question: Tips on How to Write Killer
Be creative. Be specific. Use active verbs. Include a number if possible. Avoid abbreviations. Essay writing can sometimes be daunting for many students, especially those doing it for the first time. But it can be more challenging when it comes to writing the title. The title can mean the difference between people reading your essay and not.
The perfect thesis topic: 5 questions you need to ask
For example, if you want qualitative data and you have enough time, then you can carry out a focus group. Organize your papers in one place. Try Paperpile. If you want quantitative data in a short period of time then an online survey suffices. Time and goal will be the decisive factors in almost every project.
academic writing
For that reason, exerimental papers in the natural sciences all have the same structure, and the main sections usually all have the same headings: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion. For most natural scientists writing up their experimental findings, your question of phrasing a section heading as a question cannot arise, because the ...
Can a Thesis Statement Be a Question: Tips on Writing the Perfect
Further, a question does not present or state a fact or claim. Thus questions should appear in the body but not as a thesis statement. Can You Ask a Question in a Thesis Statement. In most cases, you cannot ask a question in a thesis statement because it will not help your readers understand what your paper is about.
Asking Analytical Questions
Your answer to that question will be your essay's thesis. You may have many questions as you consider a source or set of sources, but not all of your questions will form the basis of a strong essay. For example, your initial questions about a source may be answered by reading the source more closely. On the other hand, sometimes you will ...
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Mission. The Purdue On-Campus Writing Lab and Purdue Online Writing Lab assist clients in their development as writers—no matter what their skill level—with on-campus consultations, online participation, and community engagement. The Purdue Writing Lab serves the Purdue, West Lafayette, campus and coordinates with local literacy initiatives.

Can a Research Title Be a Question? Real-World Examples

Popularity of question titles

Examples of question titles in PubMed

Example #2:

Example #3:

Example #4:

Example #5:

Example #6:

Length of question titles

Do questions attract more citations?

Do high-quality journals publish question titles?

Further reading

Thesis Title: Examples and Suggestions from a PhD Grad

Why your thesis title is at least somewhat important

My suggestions for choosing a good thesis title

Thesis title examples

Bachelor’s thesis title examples

Master’s thesis title examples

PhD thesis title examples

Why I regret my own choice of PhD thesis title

What I started with

What I ended up with

What I wish I’d gone with

Does the thesis title really matter?

My advice for developing a thesis title

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Can Research Paper Titles Be Questions?

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Can a Thesis Statement Be a Question

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Can You Ask a Question in a Thesis Statement

How to Write a Good Thesis Statement With Examples

Be clear and focused.

Make sure it’s a declarative sentence

Include appropriate keywords or phrases related to your topic

How to come up with an analytical question

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