Research questions focus our attention on three aspects of preliminary inquiry: (1) the topic is well focused and limited, (2) the topic raises an issue or presents a problem worthy of examination, and (3) the topic invites research into outside sources. The use of research questions is explained in WRP, section 2a. Provided below are a few topics to provoke discussion in order to frame appropriate research questions:
FOR EXAMPLE: If I were looking at the American Dream theme/topic from our journal, I might consider the following preliminary questions for inquiry:
1. Has the American Dream Died?
2. Was there ever an American Dream?
3. Is the American Dream a myth?
4. Do Americans still believe in the American Dream?
5. Are there aspects of the American Dream that are still achievable?
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:
Compulsive gambling
E-mail security and Internet privacy
Plants of a freshwater pond
Political campaign finance reform
freedom of the press
Talk radio
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Population growth in the Pacific Northwest
Online CD buying
Online dating apps
Choose one topic and ask probing questions to build a network of questions about the issues of the subject.