 Research requires a question for which no ready answer is available.  It is answered in your thesis & throughout your paper  Whenever a yes / no question lies behind a research question, an assumption has been made; therefore, you should: ◦ Identify the assumption ◦ Support it in your paper (introduction)

 Asking a topic as a question (or series of related questions) has several advantages: 1- Questions require answers They are not like general topics or statements that are too broad to be answered and sometimes they are confusing

2-A clear open-ended question calls for real research and thinking. Assuming that your research may solve significant problems or expand the knowledge base of a discipline involves you in more meaningful activity of community and scholarship

Examples of RQs. TopicQuestion Drugs and Crime Could liberalization of drug laws reduce crime in the U.S.? University Education in Egypt To what extent is university education in Egypt preparing students for the workplace? foreign aid for agricultural development in India To what extent is foreign aid for agricultural development in India benefiting the country?

Now…What Are The Topics of these Questions? ? Why has the Egyptian government failed to overhaul the education curriculum? ? Why is European aid for industrial development to India ineffective?

Example I : Working Women Are women victims of discrimination in the workplace? Is sexual harassment in the workplace exaggerated? Should women serve in military combat? Has women's increased participation in the work force harmed society? Does day care harm children?

Possible Questions Templates What are the reasons behind… Who is responsible for … What are the advantages and disadvantages of…

Look at question markers for clues, and Consider how you would form the question

USAID to Egypt for agriculture WhyHowWhatDoes

 What are the reasons behind…  Who is responsible for …  What are the advantages and disadvantages of…

Cont. RQ’s Templates Is the use of…effective/ legal / useful What is the truth behind the events of … What are the differences… Which is better…

Exercise II: Put two Research Questions for each of the following topics: Laws regarding divorce in Egypt AIDS awareness campaign held in Egypt Political Participation in Egypt