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Moving from a topic to a question to a working hypothesis

Moving from a topic to a question to a working hypothesis . Find a question in your topic. Brainstorm to get research topic ideas. Choosing a topic and getting your question right is probably the most important part of starting any research. Be specific-don't over generalize!

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Moving from a topic to a question to a working hypothesis

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  1. Moving from a topic to a question to a working hypothesis

  2. Find a question in your topic Brainstorm to get research topic ideas. Choosing a topic and getting your question right is probably the most important part of starting any research. Be specific-don't over generalize! Your topic must be narrow and focused enough to be interesting, yet broad enough to find enough information.

  3. Always choose a topic that interests you. • Use these questions to help you gather topic ideas: • What topic you already know something about? • What would you like to know more about? • What issues in your field have you debated with others? • If you have a job in mind, what kind of research report might help you get it?

  4. Make you topic manageable • Scan a general encyclopedia article on two or three topics you're considering. • This will give you an overview ideas on how the topic relates to other issues • Skim a survey in your topic • Skim subheads under your topic in an annual bibliography in your field • Search the internet for your topic

  5. Question Your Topic Any topic will be difficult to research if it is too broad or too narrow. A great way to fine-tune a topic is to use the method traditionally used by newspaper reporters-Who?-What?-Where?-When?-Why? • Who is involved? A particular age group, occupation, ethnic group, men, women, etc. For example, if you are interested in writing about the environment, you might focus on the effects of air pollution on infants and children. • What is the problem? Try stating your topic as a question. For example, if you’re interested in finding out about drinking water, you might ask: Are there preventive measures that government can take to keep the drinking water supply from being contaminated?

  6. Where is it happening? A specific country, region, city, physical environment, rural vs. urban? For example: What environmental issues are most important in the southern plains area of the U.S. • When is this happening? Is this a current issue or an historical event? Will you discuss the historical development of a current problem? Example: How does environmental awareness affect business practices today • Why is it happening / Why is this a problem? You may want to focus on causes, or argue the importance of this problem by outlining historical or current ramifications. Or you may want to persuade your instructor or class why they should care about the issue. Example: Why are some states seriously investigating wind power opportunities now? • Be flexible. It is common to modify your topic during the research process.

  7. Evaluate your question • You can answer it too easily • You can’t find evidence to support the answer • You can’t plausibly disprove the answer • The point us to find a question that you want to answer

  8. Propose some working answers Analyze for concepts Keep track of the words used to describe your topic. To successfully search online article databases and the Internet you need to be specific in asking for what you want-and sometimes creative . Research Idea Concept 1 I want to know about smoking Concept 2 smoking /Does smoking cause cancer? Concept 3. smoking cancer /To what extent do teens know smoking causes cancer? List synonyms and related terms (keywords) for each concept. smoking cigarettes cancer teens, teenagers, adolescents Add synonyms and related words. This will expand your search capabilities.

  9. Decide on a working hypothesis • Create a working hypothesis that answers one or more of your questions. • Your working hypothesis is not necessarily your thesis, although it could be. • The hypothesis guides your research and provides a framework for answering the question. • When you believe you have enough solid evidence to support the working hypothesis, then you can create a solid thesis

  10. Beware the risks in a working hypothesis • When it blinds you to a better one • When you can’t give it up when the evidence says you should

  11. If you can’t find an answer argue for your question • Your job is to become that newer researcher • Only when you ask question after question will you develop the critical imagination you will need in any profession you will follow

  12. Built a story board to plan and guide your work State your question and working hypothesis State your reasons Sketch in the kind of evidence you should look for Look at the whole

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