What is the starting point for research?

a. identifying a research question

b. locating sources

c. interviewing experts

d. creating an outline

Because you are identifying what it is you are going to research and do your paper on, then you make an outline.

The best starting point for research would be A. Identifying a research question.

The first step is to pick, select, or identify an area of interest based on your background, or in some cases, the subject asked for a thesis, test or research task. Your past experiences in readings, conferences, talks to Professors will help you in the development of this research. If you can choose your research, try to be as specific as possible, you can make a list of topics that interest you. Subsequently, you can direct yourself to the next steps.