How to Create Key Inquiry Questions (History Research Process - Step 1)

Summary

This video guides viewers through the process of formulating a key inquiry question for historical research. It emphasizes the importance of having a focused question to enhance research efficiency and determine its success. Viewers learn the characteristics of effective inquiry questions, which should start with interrogatives, avoid closed formats, be based on historical knowledge skills, and include specific historical details. The video also discusses an alternative approach that involves testing existing hypotheses, demonstrating how to transform a hypothesis into a key inquiry question. For more resources, viewers are encouraged to visit historyskills.com.

Takeaways

• 📚 A key inquiry question is essential for guiding your research focus.
• ❓ Start your key inquiry question with interrogative words like who, what, when, where, why, or how.
• 🚫 Avoid closed questions that can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no'.
• 🔍 Base your key inquiry question on historical knowledge skills such as change, continuity, causes, and significance.
• 🎯 Be specific in your question by including details like historical figures, events, or concepts.
• 💡 Examples of effective key inquiry questions help illustrate the proper format and focus.
• 🔄 An alternative method for creating a key inquiry question involves testing a hypothesis.
• 🧐 To assess the validity of a hypothesis, turn it into a key inquiry question for research.
• 🖥️ Additional resources, like history skills websites, can provide further guidance on forming key inquiry questions.
• 👍 Developing a clear key inquiry question increases confidence in historical studies.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a key inquiry question in historical research?

A key inquiry question helps clarify the research focus, guiding the investigation and preventing unnecessary reading. It ultimately allows researchers to assess the success of their research.

What are the essential components of a great key inquiry question?

Great key inquiry questions should start with an interrogative word, avoid being closed questions, be based on historical knowledge skills, and be specific about historical context.

Which interrogative words are recommended for starting key inquiry questions?

The recommended interrogative words include who, what, when, where, why, and how.

What constitutes a closed question in the context of inquiry questions?

Closed questions can be answered with a single word, typically starting with interrogatives like does, did, was, or are. Examples include yes/no questions.

What historical knowledge skills should be considered when forming key inquiry questions?

Historical knowledge skills to consider include change, continuity, causes, consequences, significance, motives, historical empathy, and contestability.

Can you provide an example of a strong key inquiry question?

One example is: 'What were the economic, military, and political causes of Rome's departure from Britain in AD 410?'

How can existing hypotheses be transformed into key inquiry questions?

To transform a hypothesis into a key inquiry question, rephrase the hypothesis into a question format that allows for investigation, such as 'What evidence supports the claim that Constantine the Great founded the Catholic Church at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325?'

Why is specificity important when creating key inquiry questions?

Specificity is crucial because it narrows the research focus, ensuring that the inquiry addresses particular historical details and contexts, such as specific people, times, places, or concepts.

What should researchers do if they lack knowledge about historical skills?

If researchers lack knowledge about historical skills, they are encouraged to visit resources such as the history skills website to enhance their understanding.

What is the final outcome of the research process related to key inquiry questions?

At the end of the research process, researchers will write a one-sentence answer to their key inquiry question, which will serve as their hypothesis.