THE INQUIRY/RESEARCH PROCESS THE PLANNIING STAGE

Morell Regional High School

Planning

Before you get started on your research. Be sure you fully understand what your assignment is. You will need to know such things as how long your assignment should be, what format you will present it in, due dates etc. If you are provided with a rubric, review it carefully. Now is the time to ask your teacher about anything you are unsure about.

Planning

Before you begin any task, it only makes sense to plan for it. You need to consider the following:

• Identify a topic area for inquiry• Decide on your RESEARCH

QUESTION knowing this may change as you go

• Identify possible information sources• Identify audience and presentation

format• Establish evaluation criteria

Take a look …

http://discoveryspace.upei.ca/bas/

SELECTING A TOPIC

Select topic that interests you.

Brainstorm some of your own ideas.

A useful site for debate/symposium/research essays is:

www.idebate.org

Try to avoid topics that have been overdone!! Give your teacher a break!!

Be careful you do not pick a topic that is too broad or too narrow…

SELECTING A TOPIC

Beware of topics that are too broad: The Vietnam War Animal Rights Cancer Violence You could never cover topics such as

these in a typical research paper. You will need to narrow down to get a “doable” topic.

SELECTING A TOPIC

But … Beware of topics that are too

narrow“Foreign Language policy in Botswana”

A topic is too narrow you can’t find enough information available for your research.

“What makes a one karat round F color diamond valuable?”

Try broadening the topic. “ What makes a diamond valuable.”

CHOOSE A RESEARCH QUESTION Once you have decided on a topic area,

it is time to choose a RESEARCH /INQUIRY QUESTION. This should be what you really want to know about a topic.

“What has influenced the music of 50 cent?”

“What are some ways to stop teen gang activity.”

“How does teenage pregnancy affect young fathers and young mothers differently."

But remember, it’s OK to …

… change your research question as you work along. As you find out information you may decide to shift your focus. You may find a new angle about your topic more interesting than what you originally wanted to find out.

Identify possible information sources

Think about where you can find information about your topic

Of course you will look online and use the print /non print resources in the library

The EBSCO database should be an important source

Depending on your topic … don’t forget you can also contact people who are knowledgeable about the topic you are researching. Your community is full of resources.

Finally, be sure you are clear about : Format How will you present your research?

Often your teacher will outline this for you. (ie slide show, speech, debate, research paper)

AudienceWho will hear, see, read your research? Just your teacher, the whole class, the whole school …

EvaluationPay close attention to any evaluation criteria/rubrics for your research. This will help guide your work.

Ready, set …

… get planning!!