Global Perspective

What does this picture represent?

• WiFi connection

• DATA towers

• Transportation

• Globalization

Which is one of the criteria making research questions strong?

• Specific and Relevant

• Focused and Researchable

• Arguable and Simple

How many types of research questions are there?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

A simple question gets a simple answer. Avoid questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no" or a single word or phrase.

Which of these questions is a GOOD question?

• Does owning a pet improve quality of life for older people?

• In what ways does owning a pet improve quality of life for older people?

A good research question should be focused on a single topic or on several closely related ideas.

Which of these questions is a GOOD question?

• Does medication help alleviate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms? And do kids need more exercise?

• How effective are the various types of medication in treating elementary students with ADHD?

It's possible to ask a really interesting question and not be able to find the answer. If you can't answer it, you can't write a paper or do the project.

Which of these questions is a BAD question?

• Is there a higher power in the universe?

• What factors affect people's belief in a higher power?

If you ask a question that's already been answered a thousand times before, you're only doing research that someone else has already done. Ask a question with an original slant to it.

Which of these questions is a GOOD question?

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of cell phone use in schools?

• How does restricting cell phone use in school affect student social interaction?

You need a question that has a clear and specific answer - try to avoid "why" questions.

Which of these questions is a BAD question?

• Why do some corporations pollute the water if they aren't regulated?

• How do government regulations prevent corporations from polluting the water?

You want to create a question based on data and objective evidence - you don't want opinions.

Which of these questions is a BAD question?

• Which national park is the best?

• What features do the most popular national parks have in common?

A good research question can be answered with primary sources or secondary sources. It doesn't ask for an opinion or require a guess.

Which of these questions is a BAD question?

• Are white mice better than gray mice?

• When tested for intelligence and longevity, how do white mice and gray mice compare?