Developing Your Inquiry Topic for Multi-Genre Research



Developing Your Inquiry Topic for Multi-Genre Research

Brainstorm a list of topics you want to explore this trimester. Next to your topic, list the theoretical lens or lenses that relate to your topic. You must come up with at least six ideas.

|Potential Topic |Theory |

|Example: Hip-hop |Gender Studies OR CRT |

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Class Brainstorm List: Choose any topics that seem interesting to you from class brainstorm list. List them below.

Put a star next to OR highlight your top 3 topics of interest.

Topic Choice

Choose ONE topic to pursue: Type 2 Writing (Fill up all lines)

From your top three topics, choose the ONE topic you want to stick with for the rest of the trimester. In the space below (and the back), discuss the following:

• Why you chose this topic (1 paragraph)

• What you already know about it (1 paragraph)

• What you want to learn about it (1 paragraph)

• How it may connect to a theoretical lens/lenses (1 paragraph)

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Question Development

Frame Your Research Question

Write your research topic: ________________________________________________________

Write your big research question. What information do you want to find about your topic? What are you trying to figure out? There is plenty of space below for you to revise your question as needed.

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Evaluate your question:

1. Is it framed in an open-ended way or is it a question with a yes or no answer? Circle YES or NO. If you circled NO, you need to reword it so that it is open-ended.

2. Does the question deal with a topic or an issue that interest you enough to spark your own thoughts and opinions? Circle YES or NO. If you circled NO, you need to try a different topic!

2. What type of information do I need to answer the research question? What sources will have the information I need (journals, books, internet resources, government documents, people)?

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3. Is the answer to your question researchable? List potential research sources including videos, websites, albums, print resources… etc. You need to list at least 6 potential sources.

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6. ________________________________________________________________________

4. Can I access these sources? How? What will I need?

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5. Is the scope of this information reasonable? Given the type and scope of the information that I need, is my question too broad, too narrow, or o.k.? (e.g., can I really research all of hip-hop music to see how females are portrayed over 5 weeks, or should I only focus on a few artists?) Circle YES or NO. If you circled NO, please rephrase your research question.

6. Given my answers to the above questions, do I have a good quality research question that I actually will be able to answer by doing research? Circle YES or NO. If you circled NO, please rephrase your research question.

7. What theory or theories lie behind your question? ___________________________________

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As you go through this process, list any questions you have for me below:

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Please check this with a partner and then bring it up to me for approval.

Create Sub-questions

Main research question: ________________________________________________________

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Brainstorm six possible sub-questions to your big question:

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6.

Review your sub-questions and cross out the questions that do not seem to be working.

• Do they break down the big questions into smaller ideas, or are they moving you in a new direction?

• Will you be able to find out answers to each of these questions?

• Are the questions open-ended or are they questions with yes or no answers?

Write your top three sub questions below:

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2.

3.

Any questions:

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