Before you start a research project identify and refine your questions for exploration. The process of refining the question helps you to identify what you do and don't know and whether or not your question is answerable. Effective research begins with understanding exactly what you are researching:

1. Define the task - read the task sheet and criteria to gain a better understanding of what is expected of you.

2. Brainstorm what you know and what you need to find out.

3. Restate the research question.

4. Explore the topic.

5. Identify keywords - this helps to focus your research on areas relevant to the topic.