Team Name:
Participating team members:
Today’s Activity: Na
ow down three possible topics for your proposal
Preparation
What makes a good research topic?
Watch these videos:
Research Topic: What is Research? Choosing Your Topic, Calvert Li
ary (YouTube Video) 3 minutes
Research Topic: How to Develop a Good Research Topic, KStateLi
aries
When you “Think Like a Researcher” you are focused more on a research question rather than a research topic
You must also be able to articulate the problem that underlies the question.
This problem must have social significance.
The solution you argue for in your proposal must be arguable and feasible based on reliable evidence.
Issue
(Broad)
Research Question
(Na
ower)
Underlying Problems
Social Significance
Proposal/Solution
What is the issue
or overall topic
that interests you?
What is a specific research
question you want to
investigate?
What is the problem that
makes your question worth
investigating?
Is this an actual problem or an
assumed problem?
Does your problem
have social
significance?
What is your proposal for addressing this problem?
Is your proposal both arguable and feasible?
Example:
Organic Farming
Are fruits and vegetables
grown on organic farms
healthier than those grown
on conventional farms?
Conventional farming may
produce vegetables with
pesticide residues leaving
individuals susceptible to
preventable diseases.
Human health
Environment
Consumers should choose fruits
and vegetables grown organically,
especially those fruits and
vegetables that are most
susceptible to pesticide residue.
What ideas do you have for a research question for a possible proposal topic?
Issue/Idea
(Broad)
Research Question
(Na
ower)
Underlying problem
Social Significance
Proposal/Solution
1.
2.
3.