The Big 6 Effective Research

Step One: Task Definition 1.1 Define the problem 1.2 Identify the information needed

1.1: Define the problem Assigned prompt (ex: Compare/contrast Sold with the documentary Very Young Girls about trafficking in NYC— trafficking in Nepal vs. USA) Assigned topic (ex: write 3 pages on Sold ) Self-generated problem (ex: write a 3-page persuasive paper)

Your APA Research Assignment: 3-5 pages on any topic that you want (provided it is effectively researchable & can be analyzed)

Step 1: Essential Question(s) EQ: A self-generated, broad question that your research/analysis paper will answer Cannot open a book and just “find” the answer to it Begins with “how” or “why”

Example 1 Topic: fad diets EQ: How does the popularity of fad diets reflect American values? OR EQ: Why are fad diets so prominent throughout American culture?

Example 2 Topic: Macbeth EQ: How does Macbeth reflect Shakespeare’s desire to please James I?

Example 3 Topic: “The Demon Lover” EQ: How did World War II psychologically impact those affected by it?

Now Your Turn: Task: with a partner, create an EQ for the topic: Social Media Consider how to begin the question Consider what about the story you can research Both partners must write down the EQ in his or her notes

Step 2: Supporting Questions SQs- Unlike the EQ, you will have multiple of these (at least 2-3 for shorter papers) Can be answered by opening a book “What” “Where” “When” “Who”

Example 1 Topic: fad diets EQ: How does the popularity of fad diets reflect American values? SQ1: What is a “fad diet”? SQ2: What groups of people usually try fad diets? SQ3: Who are the spokespeople for fad diets? SQ4: What are statistics of obesity in the US?

Example 2 Topic: Macbeth EQ: How does Macbeth reflect Shakespeare’s desire to please James I? SQ1: What did James believe to be true about Banquo? SQ2: What did James believe to be true about witches? SQ3: What did James believe to be true about killing kings? SQ4: How did Shakespeare employ witchcraft within the play? SQ5: How did Shakespeare characterize Banquo? …

Example 3 Topic: “The Demon Lover” EQ: How did World War II psychologically impact those affected by it? SQ1: Who was mainly affected by WWII? SQ2: What new weapons/warfare arose within WWII? SQ3: What psychological disorders appeared to have been exacerated from WWII? ….

Now Your Turn: For the EQ you wrote for social media write at least 6 SQs. Consider what you will need to research in order to answer the EQ. Each partner must write down the SQs.