Conde Library: Inquiry: Getting Ready

Key idea

These are the steps taken before truly beginning your research. They may include preliminary information searching for background or ethical information, and planning your research.

What am I going to research?
How am I going to research?

Do some preliminary research

Look at some general sources to get an overview of the topic you're thinking of researching

Encyclopedia Britannica
Newsbank
Newsbank lets you search for news articles from lots of different sources. This could be especially helpful thinking about issues with the internet, positive and negative.

Ethics

Writing a research question

Writing a research question infographic
This is a great infographic that leads you through all the important steps of creating a realistic and interesting research question.
How do I form research questions?
Different types of driving questions

PBL Toolkit: Driving Question
A thought-provoking DQ (Driving Question) is the catalyst for any PBL experience. This open-ended question should relate to a real-world problem or phenomena that students find interesting and important. Students will sustain inquiry as they strive to uncover topics and generate solutions. A well-written DQ will inspire students to seek information, solve problems, and pursue passions. Put students’ new understandings to work with a compelling DQ.
Developing research questions - Monash University
How to Develop a Good Research Question? — Types & Examples (enago.com)
Overview - Selecting a Research Topic - MIT Libraries
How to develop research sub-questions
Planning your Research Sub-Questions | Urrbrae Agricultural High School