research-question

Refine academic research questions using FINER, PICO, and InfAU frameworks.

Updated Feb 12, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Bauhaus-InfAU/infau-skill-base --skill research-question-bauhaus-infau
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: research-question
Source: https://github.com/Bauhaus-InfAU/infau-skill-base/tree/main/research/skills/research-question
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Bauhaus-InfAU/infau-skill-base --skill research-question-bauhaus-infau

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) and assets (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps students and researchers transform vague or poorly structured research questions into clear, focused, and answerable questions suitable for academic work.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Iterative Refinement: Guides users through a step-by-step process to improve their questions.
  • Framework Application: Utilizes frameworks like FINER, PICO, and InfAU-specific ones (CDRF, VREF, SSF) to ensure questions are robust.
  • Use Case: A student struggling with their thesis question can input their initial idea, and the Skill will ask targeted questions to clarify scope, measurability, and relevance, leading to a well-defined research question.

Quick Start

Use the research-question skill to improve my research question: "How can we make cities better?"

Frequently Asked Questions about research-question

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I refine a research question for my thesis?

To refine a research question, you diagnose its scope, clarity, and measurability, then iteratively improve it using structured frameworks like FINER and PICO. This process transforms broad academic ideas into focused, answerable inquiries suitable for thesis and paper planning.

What is the FINER framework for academic writing?

The FINER framework is a criteria-based model used in academic writing to evaluate and refine research questions. It ensures your question is feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant, guiding the transformation of vague ideas into robust academic inquiries.

How do I use the PICO framework to improve research question scope?

You use the PICO framework to improve research question scope by structuring your inquiry around Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome. This targets measurability and clarity issues, ensuring your academic question is focused and answerable.

Can I fix a broad research question using iterative refinement?

Yes, you can fix a broad research question using iterative refinement. By inputting your initial idea, the system asks targeted questions to clarify scope, measurability, and relevance, applying frameworks like CDRF and VREF to achieve a well-defined inquiry.

What's the best way to structure a research question for academic papers?

The best way to structure a research question for academic papers is applying frameworks like FINER, PICO, or SSF to diagnose scope and clarity issues. This iterative process ensures your final inquiry is focused, measurable, and answerable.

Are there limitations to using frameworks for research question refinement?

While frameworks like FINER and PICO effectively diagnose scope and measurability issues, their limitation is relying heavily on your initial input quality. If the core academic idea lacks relevance, structural refinement cannot guarantee the inquiry's ultimate academic viability.