Formulating a Research Question

Operation: History Dork

Effective

Research

Questions

Students often believe that the most important thing about writing a research paper is having a strong thesis and therefore try to produce that thesis as early as possible in the research process.

But experienced researchers know that good research begins with questions, and that those questions drive the research and writing process, even as that process leads to revision and refinement of the questions. Today we will go into more detail about what that looks like.

Bell Ringer

Video

"Picking your topic IS research!"

Formulating a Research Question: Criteria QuickNotes

Criteria QuickNotes 1:

Needs More than Yes or No

Your question should make you dig deep for the answer. It's not about getting a quick "yes" or "no" but exploring the "why" or "how."

Criteria QuickNotes 2:

Asks an Open, Fair Question

Make sure your question is asking for genuine information without making it sound like you've already decided the answer. Avoid wording that sways the answer one way or another.

Criteria QuickNotes 3:

Can Find Answers Through Research

Your question should be something you can find solid information on, either through the internet, books, interviews, or other reliable sources. Others should have thought about or researched this topic too.

Criteria Quicknotes 4:

Just Right in Scope

Your question shouldn't be too narrow or too broad. If it's too specific, you might not find enough information. If it's too general, you could end up with way too much to sort through.

Are there health risks for teens who only eat convenience foods (fast food)?

Do genetically modified foods endanger the health of those who consume them?

Should the United States government make it more difficult for individuals to buy a gun if they have a documented mental illness?

What are the most effective ways to reduce racial profiling in police departments?

Correcting Research Questions

HUSH

April 17th

I'm glad you're here!

* Chromebooks! * Pick Up Worksheet * Turn In Image Analysis (Last Call!) * Be ready to begin when the bell rings! * FIVE Wednesdays left before finals!

* Headphones, airpods, phones, etc. OFF & PUT AWAY WHEN THE BELL RINGS.

Rapid History:Wikipedia Edition (Finish last week's OP:HD assignment first & Turn in if needed)

Start Simple:

* Type initial research topic into search bar* Three quick facts * Why did they catch your attention?

If Your Topic Seems Too Broad: If your topic covers too much ground (e.g., "World War II"), focus on a specific aspect or event within that topic (like "D-Day" or "Home Fronts in World War II"). Use subheadings in the Wikipedia article to help narrow your focus. Choose a subtopic that catches your interest and list three facts about that more specific area.

If Your Topic Seems Too Narrow: If your topic is very specific (e.g., "The Signing of the Declaration of Independence") and information seems limited, try to broaden your perspective by considering related themes or larger contexts. For example, explore related political movements, key figures involved, or broader historical impacts that connect to your topic. If the Wikipedia page is short, check the "See also" section for related topics that might offer a broader view.

Initial Exploration

* Two additional insights* How do they expand your understanding of the topic?

Impact Snapshot

* Identify one impact of the outcome of your topic* Explain impact in 2-3 setnences

Extended Connections

* Follow link to a related page* Explain one new insight from this related page

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