Research Question Why write one?

Why write a research question? A focused question provides structure to the search for information A well-crafted research question helps avoid aimless searching and wasted time

How to write a research question? Start with a general topic Dogs Michigan Middle School Students Then ask . . . What do I want to know about the topic

Use “Question words” Why How Who What Where when

Don’t use these kinds of questions Can be answered Yes or no Recall questions One word answers Require little or no research

use these kinds of questions Comprehension Questions Requires you to read and find an answer Like . . . How did the original 13 colonies became the united states? How was the Mississippi delta formed? synthesis questions Requires looking for the answer from a variety of sources Like . . . How does Hawaii’s location affect its economy How would our history be different if George Washington had not been our first President

What makes a good research question? Is it interesting? Which breeds of dog make good hunters? Is it significant? What are some different ways of funding public schools? Can it be researched? What are Michigan’s top vacation spots and why? Is it manageable? Who were three of the most important people in Idaho’s history?