Developing A Research Question

Summary

This video script guides viewers on crafting a research question that sharpens focus on their topic and leads to a persuasive essay thesis. It emphasizes the importance of formulating arguable questions that streamline research, eliminate off-topic sources, and support strong positions. The script provides examples to illustrate how to refine questions for specificity and persuasiveness. It also highlights the role of the research question in receiving early, constructive feedback from instructors to develop a more compelling argument.

Takeaways

• 🔍 A research question is essential for focusing on a specific topic and guiding the research process.
• 📝 It should lead to a persuasive essay thesis, which is a strong argument or claim that the essay will support.
• 📑 Early in the course, students are encouraged to draft a research question to help structure their work.
• ❓ The question should be arguable, meaning it should provoke discussion and have varying perspectives.
• 💡 Examples are provided to help students formulate their research questions, such as addressing healthcare equity issues.
• 📚 A research question helps streamline the research process by identifying relevant sources and eliminating off-topic ones.
• 💼 It aids in finding sources that support a strong position and filters out those that weaken the argument.
• 👨‍🏫 The research question allows the instructor to provide early feedback on the topic and direction of the research.
• 🔑 Instructors may suggest refining the research question to make it more specific or persuasive.
• 👩‍⚕️ An example of a more specific question is given, focusing on training and resources for nursing staff regarding postpartum depression.
• 🌐 Another example shows how to make a question more persuasive, addressing solutions to digital redlining in the United States.
• 🆘 Students are encouraged to seek help from their instructors if they need assistance with formulating their research question.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a research question?

A research question helps to focus on a specific topic, provides a direction for research and writing, and should lead to a persuasive essay thesis.

At what stage of the course should a research question be drafted?

A research question should be drafted early in the course to guide the research process effectively.

What should a research question achieve in terms of the answer it seeks?

A research question should lead to an arguable answer, which means it should be open to debate and not have a straightforward or obvious answer.

Can you provide an example of a research question related to healthcare and equity?

One example is: 'To solve the problem of healthcare and equity, what does the president of the State College need to do?'

What is the role of a research question in the debate over employee health care?

A research question in this context might explore the effectiveness of employer-funded healthcare, such as: 'Why might employer-funded healthcare be more effective and why?'

How does a research question streamline the research process?

A research question helps to find sources that directly speak to the question, eliminates off-topic sources, and supports a strong position by weeding out sources that might weaken the argument.

What assistance can an instructor provide regarding a research question?

An instructor can provide helpful feedback on the topic and general direction, suggest developing a more specific or persuasive research question, and guide the student to refine their question.

Why might a research question need to be more specific?

A research question might need to be more specific to narrow down the scope of research, making it easier to find relevant sources and arguments, and to develop a focused thesis.

Can you give an example of a research question that needs to be more specific?

A revised question for 'What should we do to help women with postpartum depression?' might be 'What training and resources should hospitals provide nursing staff regarding the signs of postpartum depression?'

What is the importance of making a research question persuasive?

A persuasive research question is one that not only seeks information but also aims to influence or convince the reader about a particular viewpoint or solution to a problem.

Can you provide an example of a research question that needs to be more persuasive?

A revised question for 'What is digital redlining?' might be 'What is a viable solution to the problem of digital redlining in the United States?'