📚 Topic Summary
A research question is the burning question your research aims to answer. It's more than just a topic; it's a focused inquiry that guides your investigation and shapes your argument. A strong research question is clear, focused, complex, and arguable. It's the foundation upon which your entire research paper is built, ensuring your efforts are directed and meaningful. Developing a solid research question saves time, prevents scope creep, and strengthens the overall quality of your work. Think of it as your compass, guiding you through the vast landscape of information.
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Hypothesis |
A. The extent to which your research question is manageable given the available resources and time. |
| 2. Scope |
B. The quality of being easily understood; clarity in your research question's wording. |
| 3. Clarity |
C. A testable prediction or educated guess about the relationship between variables. |
| 4. Relevance |
D. The importance or significance of your research question to the field of study. |
| 5. Feasibility |
E. The quality of being logically or factually sound; supported by evidence. |
(Answers: 1-C, 2-D, 3-B, 4-E, 5-A)
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph with the correct terms:
A good research question should be __________, __________, and __________. It should also be original, contributing something new to the existing __________ of knowledge. Finally, it should be __________, meaning you have the resources and time to investigate it thoroughly.
(Answers: focused, clear, arguable, body, feasible)
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Imagine you're writing a research paper on the impact of social media on teenagers. What is one potential research question you could explore? Explain why it's a strong question.