2 Research Questions And Subquestions 61681r

Research Questions and Subquestions

Research Questions • Over arching umbrella questions that address your topic. • Include KEY that you can use to help you research your topic. • Generally, research questions are questions you do not know the answer to. The idea is you are using your research to gain new knowledge.

Research Questions Cont’d • Research Questions should be Well Grounded. • Well Grounded means that they are searchable questions, that include Key , you can enter into a search engine that will help guide your research. • Well Grounded are not too narrow, too broad, nor too challenging.

Example of a Good Research Question Topic: Physical Education in the Schools Research Question: What are the health benefits of physical education in elementary, middle school, and high school in public education?

Practice • Aim: How will a research question guide your research? • Do Now: Describe 2-3 characteristics of a good research topic. Explain your answer in one additional sentence

Based on Your Answer • What makes a good research project? • Share your answer with your friend sitting next to you

What makes a good research project? • Share out ideas you heard from friends sitting next to you.

• Example: Sara’s idea was……. I dis/agree because………

Answer • Good research projects are guided by an engaging research question. • A research question addresses an issue, problem or controversy. It cannot be answered by a single fact or source.

Problem Questions • • • •

Too Narrow: Does Sweden have a nationalized health care system? When did D-Day begin during WWII? These questions have a “Yes” or “No” answer, or can be answered by a one word answer.

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Too Broad: What is the history of Christianity? This question cannot be covered in the scope of an essay.

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Too Challenging: Why is hip hop dancing so raunchy? This question is too opinionated and is based upon people’s feeling rather than research.

Practice • Consider a broad topic • Narrow the topic by focusing on a specific aspect • Write 3-4 open-ended questions about the specific aspect • Select the most engaging question • Example: The Progressive Era. Women’s suffrage Movement. How did women struggle for the right to vote?

Subquestions •

Subquestions are narrower questions that answer research questions.

Example: Research Question: What are the health benefits of physical education in elementary, middle school, and high school in public education? Subquestions: 1. What are the standards for physical education in Washington State? 2. Is there a difference between the amount time devoted to physical education in elementary, middle school, or high school? 3. Does physical education emphasize a certain type of exercise?

Your task… 1. Develop a research question that answers a broad question on your topic. 2. Create three subquestions that will help you answer your research question. 3. Use your research question and subquestions to guide your research.

Home Practice • Topic: research topic • Write the topic that you have finally chosen to do your paper on. • Explain in 2-3 sentences why you chose the topic. • Be prepared to share your explanation in class.