This line is the book’s quiet thesis about research writing: the question is not just a starting prompt; it’s the organizing principle. Read “inform” as constrain and shape. If a subsection, paragraph, or citation doesn’t help answer the question you’ve posed, it’s ornamental—cut it. Practically, this means (1) operationalizing your terms (What exactly counts as “psychological well-being”? Which population, time frame, and context?), (2) reverse-outlining your draft to check that every section maps to a sub-task of the question (define, contextualize, test, interpret), and (3) applying a ruthless relevance test to sources: each should either supply evidence, methods, or counter-arguments that bear directly on the claim your question implies. This alignment prevents the two most common failures in student research: the “data dump” (too many unfocused sources) and the “tour” (interesting but aimless background). A strong question automatically yields a coherent structure because it dictates what must be established, measured, compared, or explained—and in what order. Quick check: write your research question atop your draft; under every paragraph, jot the specific part of the question it answers. Anything blank signals a tangent.

This sentence underscores the importance of context in academic research. It reminds the reader that research is not about gathering all possible information, but rather about selecting sources that are meaningful to the specific question or task at hand. What counts as "appropriate" evidence shifts depending on factors such as the scope of the project, the intended audience, and the assignment’s requirements. For instance, a brief presentation benefits from concise, accessible sources that highlight key points, whereas a comprehensive paper demands more thorough engagement with peer-reviewed scholarship. This flexibility highlights a central skill in research: discernment. A student’s ability to distinguish between what is necessary and what is extraneous not only makes their work more efficient but also strengthens the credibility and focus of their argument.

This sentence emphasizes that research is not simply a mechanical task but a developmental process requiring persistence and self-awareness. By highlighting time, effort, and reflection, the text suggests that research skills are cultivated gradually, through repeated practice and critical engagement with information. The inclusion of “reflection” points to metacognition—thinking about one’s own thinking—as an essential part of becoming an effective researcher. In other words, the ability to question how we search, evaluate, and apply information is just as important as the act of finding sources itself. This perspective reframes research as a growth-oriented journey rather than a one-time hurdle to clear for a grade.

Have you ever been met with a deceitful piece of misinformation on TikTok? If so, what was it, and how did it affect your view of the platform?

Do you believe the SIFT method is better than any other method? Why or why not?

This is a very nice warning. In any level of education, one sliver of mis info' will more often than not land you in big trouble down the line.