Research Questions and Subquestions Research Questions Over arching

Research Questions and Sub-questions

Research Questions • Over arching umbrella questions that address your topic. • Include KEY TERMS that you can use to help you research your topic. • Generally, research questions are questions you do not know the answer to. The idea is you are using your research to gain new knowledge.

Research Questions Cont’d • Research Questions should be Well Grounded. • Well Grounded means that they are searchable questions, that include Key Terms, you can enter into a search engine that will help guide your research. • Well Grounded are not too narrow, too broad, nor too challenging.

Example of a Good Research Question Topic: Physical Education in the Schools Research Question: What are the health benefits of physical education in elementary, middle school, and high school in public education?

Problem Questions • • Too Narrow: Does Sweden have a nationalized health care system? When did D-Day begin during WWII? These questions have a “Yes” or “No” answer, or can be answered by a one word answer. • Too Broad: What is the history of Christianity? • This question cannot be covered in the scope of an essay. • Too Challenging: Why is hip hop dancing so raunchy? • This question is too opinionated and is based upon people’s feeling rather than research.

Subquestions • Subquestions are narrower questions that answer research questions. Example: Research Question: What are the health benefits of physical education in elementary, middle school, and high school in public education? Subquestions: 1. What are the standards for physical education in Washington State? 2. Is there a difference between the amount time devoted to physical education in elementary, middle school, or high school? 3. Does physical education emphasize a certain type of exercise?