Choosing a Topic & Developing a Research Question

Summary

This video offers a step-by-step guide to help students choose a research topic and develop a research question. It emphasizes the importance of brainstorming and exploring subtopics connected to the main theme. Using the example of bees, it explains how to reflect on prior knowledge with a KWL chart and how to differentiate between closed and open questions. The video encourages students to refine their questions into essential, open-ended inquiries, and emphasizes the value of keywords for research. The process is designed to guide students in conducting deeper, more meaningful research.

Takeaways

• 😀 Brainstorming topics related to your assignment can make your research more interesting and enjoyable.
• 😀 It’s helpful to come up with a few different ideas to explore before settling on one.
• 😀 Subtopics are smaller ideas connected to the main topic, and brainstorming them is essential to narrow down your focus.
• 😀 When selecting a topic, consider what you already know and what you're most curious about.
• 😀 The KWL chart is a useful tool to organize what you know, want to know, and eventually learn about your topic.
• 😀 Closed questions (who, what, where, when) have simple answers and are easier to research, while open questions (why) are more complex and lead to deeper thinking.
• 😀 Revising closed questions into open-ended ones can make them more interesting and thought-provoking.
• 😀 An essential question is rich, open-ended, and does not have one simple answer—it requires thorough research to draw conclusions.
• 😀 After brainstorming open questions, choose the one that feels most meaningful and interesting for further exploration.
• 😀 Ensure your essential question is approved by your teacher before diving into your research.
• 😀 Keywords are important for research, and learning how to use them effectively is key to finding useful information.

Q & A

What is the first step in developing a research topic?

The first step is to brainstorm interesting topics that are related to your assignment. You should think of a few different ideas that you'd be interested in studying.

Why is it important to choose a topic you are curious about?

Choosing a topic you are curious about makes the research process more enjoyable and helps you engage more deeply with the subject, which will also make sharing the findings more exciting for others.

What is the purpose of brainstorming subtopics?

Brainstorming subtopics helps break down the main topic into smaller, more specific ideas that are connected to the larger theme, making it easier to focus your research and organize your findings.

What is a KWL chart and how is it useful?

A KWL chart is a tool that helps you organize your thoughts about what you already know ('K'), what you want to know ('W'), and what you have learned ('L') throughout the research process.

What types of questions are generally included in the 'W' section of the KWL chart?

In the 'W' section, you write down questions that you wonder about or want to know more about. These questions are often open-ended and can guide the direction of your research.

What is the difference between closed and open questions in research?

Closed questions have simple, specific answers, often starting with who, what, where, or when. Open questions are more complex, begin with words like why, and require more detailed research and analysis.

How can a closed question be revised into an open question?

A closed question, such as 'How many different kinds of bees are there?', can be revised into an open question like 'Why does the world need different species of bees?', which invites deeper thinking and exploration.

What defines an essential question in the research process?

An essential question is a broad, open-ended question that guides your research. It does not have a simple answer and leads to further questions, helping you build a deeper understanding of the topic.

Why is it important to get approval for your essential question from a teacher?

Getting approval for your essential question ensures that it aligns with the assignment’s objectives and that the scope of your question is appropriate for the research project.

What is the next step after determining your essential question?

After determining your essential question, you should begin the process of choosing keywords, which will help you find relevant sources and information for your research.