How do you adapt a research question for a presentation or poster?

1 Why adapt your research question?

Your research question guides your inquiry and communicates your main goal to your readers or listeners. However, not every research question is equally effective or appropriate for every situation. Depending on the length, scope, and style of your presentation or poster, you may need to adjust your research question to fit the expectations and interests of your audience, the available time and space, and the level of detail and complexity you can convey.

2 How to refine your research question?

One way to adapt your research question is to refine it by narrowing or broadening its focus, specificity, and relevance. For example, if your original research question is too broad or vague, you may need to narrow it down by specifying the population, location, time period, or variables of your study. On the other hand, if your original research question is too narrow or specific, you may need to broaden it by generalizing, comparing, or relating it to a larger issue or theme. The key is to find a balance between being too general and too specific, and to align your research question with the scope and purpose of your presentation or poster.

3 How to rephrase your research question?

Another way to adapt your research question is to rephrase it by changing the wording, tone, and structure of your sentence. For example, if your original research question is too complex or technical, you may need to simplify it by using plain language, avoiding jargon, and defining terms. On the other hand, if your original research question is too simple or informal, you may need to make it more sophisticated by using academic vocabulary, adding qualifiers, and acknowledging limitations. The key is to match the level of language and formality with the expectations and background of your audience, and to make your research question clear and concise.

4 How to restructure your research question?

A third way to adapt your research question is to restructure it by changing the format, type, and order of your question. For example, if your original research question is too long or multi-faceted, you may need to split it into sub-questions or bullet points that can be easily displayed and discussed on a poster or slide. On the other hand, if your original research question is too short or simple, you may need to combine it with a hypothesis, a rationale, or a hook that can capture the attention and curiosity of your audience. The key is to choose a format and type of question that suits the mode and medium of your presentation or poster, and that creates a logical and coherent flow of information.

5 Examples of adapted research questions

To demonstrate how to modify a research question for a presentation or poster, here are a few examples from various fields and formats. For instance, an original inquiry of ‘How does social media affect the mental health of teenagers?’ can be changed to ‘What are the main psychological risks and benefits of social media use among adolescents?’ for a 10-minute oral presentation or ‘Social media and mental health in adolescents: A mixed-methods study’ for a poster. Similarly, an original question of ‘What factors influence the success of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic?’ can be rephrased to ‘How can online learning be improved during the COVID-19 crisis? A survey of students' and teachers' perspectives and experiences’ for a 15-minute webinar or ‘Online learning during COVID-19: Challenges and opportunities’ for a slide. Lastly, an inquiry of ‘What is the impact of climate change on the biodiversity of coral reefs?’ could be altered to ‘How does climate change affect the distribution and diversity of coral reef species? A meta-analysis of global data’ for a 20-minute conference presentation or ‘Climate change and coral reef biodiversity: A global synthesis’ for a poster.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?