Evaluating Research Questions: A Practical Rubric for Dissertations, Essays and Assignments
A strong research question is the backbone of any successful dissertation, essay or assignment. This practical guide gives you a clear, actionable rubric to evaluate and improve your research questions — helping you move from vague ideas to rigorous, dissertation-ready queries.
Why evaluate research questions?
Evaluating research questions early saves time, prevents wasted effort and increases the chance your work will be approved and published. Use this rubric to:
- Spot weak or unfocused questions
- Check feasibility and novelty
- Align topic with methodology and resources
- Prepare a convincing proposal or assignment plan
For step-by-step topic generation and early-stage ideation see How to Generate Original Dissertation, Essay and Assignment Topics: A Step-by-Step Framework.
The practical rubric — criteria, scoring and weights
Use the rubric below to score a research question across eight criteria. Assign each criterion a score 1–5 (1 = very weak, 5 = excellent). Multiply by the criterion weight, sum the weighted scores, and convert to a percentage. Aim for 75%+ as a solid sign the question is ready for proposal stage.
Rubric table (scores: 1–5)
| Criterion | Weight | What to look for (anchors) |
|---|---|---|
| Clarity & Precision | 20% | Is the question specific, free of ambiguity and clearly worded? (1 = vague; 5 = crystal clear) |
| Focus & Scope | 15% | Is the scope appropriate (not too broad/narrow)? Can it be addressed within available time and word limits? |
| Originality & Academic Novelty | 15% | Does it address a gap, offer new angle, or combine fields in a fresh way? |
| Feasibility & Resources | 15% | Are data, sources, methods and access realistic? Does the researcher have skills/resources to deliver? |
| Significance & Impact | 10% | Will the answer contribute meaningfully to the field or solve a practical problem? |
| Methodological Fit | 10% | Can the question be investigated with clear, appropriate methods? |
| Ethical & Practical Considerations | 5% | Are ethical approvals, permissions or sensitivities manageable? |
| Supervisory & Institutional Fit | 10% | Is the question aligned with supervisor expertise and programme expectations? |
Tip: For quick checks and pilot searches, see Quick Validation Techniques: Using Pilot Searches and Supervisory Feedback for Dissertation, Essay and Assignment Topics.
How to use the rubric — step-by-step
- Draft the question in one sentence. If you can’t, you likely lack clarity.
- Score each criterion honestly (1–5) and note brief evidence for the score (e.g., “data available via national dataset”).
- Calculate weighted total: sum(weight × score). Convert to percentage of maximum (5 × total weight).
- Interpret result:
- 75%–100%: Ready to pitch or write proposal.
- 60%–74%: Needs revision (narrow scope, check novelty or feasibility).
- <60%: Rework the question: revisit interest, scope, or methodology.
- Revise and repeat until scores improve.
For help narrowing broad ideas or checking scope, consult Narrowing Big Ideas into Feasible Dissertation, Essay and Assignment Topics: Scope, Gap and Resources Checklist.
Example: Applying the rubric
Sample research question: “How does social media use affect academic performance among South African university students?”
- Clarity: 4 (clear population, variable)
- Focus: 3 (broad — needs timeframe or platform)
- Originality: 3 (common topic — needs novel angle)
- Feasibility: 4 (surveys possible, institutional access needed)
- Significance: 4 (practical implications for policy)
- Method fit: 4 (mixed-methods suits this question)
- Ethics: 3 (consent & privacy concerns)
- Supervisor fit: 4
Weighted score example (simplified): (4×0.2)+(3×0.15)+(3×0.15)+(4×0.15)+(4×0.1)+(4×0.1)+(3×0.05)+(4×0.1)=3.62/5 → 72.4%
Action: Narrow to a specific platform, timeframe or sub-group; consider a novel comparative angle to increase originality. For validating novelty try 10 Proven Techniques to Validate Dissertation, Essay and Assignment Research Questions for Academic Novelty.
Common scoring pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Overestimating originality: do a quick literature search and citation check.
- Underestimating access issues: pilot data requests before committing.
- Ignoring methodology fit: match question form to method — see Matching Your Topic to Methodology: Choosing Dissertation, Essay and Assignment Questions That Fit the Research Design.
- Scope creep: create a one-page project plan to keep scope realistic.
If your question is weak but salvageable, learn recovery strategies in Avoiding Common Topic Pitfalls: How to Rescue Weak Dissertation, Essay and Assignment Ideas.
Practical tips to improve scores quickly
- Use pilot searches and supervisor feedback early. See Quick Validation Techniques.
- Convert assignment questions into dissertation-ready versions by widening the literature or adding comparative cases: Turning Coursework into a Thesis.
- Explore cross-disciplinary angles to increase novelty and impact: Cross-Disciplinary Topic Hunting.
- Follow a guided formulation process from interest to question: From Interest to Question.
- If you need help generating fresh ideas, revisit our step-by-step topic framework: How to Generate Original Topics.
One-page quick checklist (printable)
- Is the question one clear sentence?
- Can I identify primary variables/population/method in one line?
- Is the scope manageable for the word count/time?
- Are data/sources accessible?
- Is there a gap or new angle in the literature?
- Does the methodology fit the question?
- Have I flagged ethical approvals needed?
- Is my supervisor competent to advise on this topic?
Conclusion
A robust evaluation of research questions reduces risk and speeds progress. Use the rubric above as a living tool: score, revise, validate, and repeat. Good questions are clear, focused, feasible, novel and method-ready — and they match your resources and supervisor expertise.
Need writing, editing or proofreading help?
If you want support refining research questions, drafting proposals, or proofreading dissertations, essays and assignments, contact MzansiWriters:
- Use the WhatsApp icon on the page for instant messaging
- Email: info@mzansiwriters.co.za
- Or visit the Contact Us page via the main menu on MzansiWriters
Our team can help with topic generation, validation, methodology matching and full proofreading. Get in touch and we’ll guide your idea to a dissertation-ready question.