Questions Log

Overview

Purpose
Finding a question you are genuinely curious about is the first step in the inquiry process. The discussion below will help you generate some initial questions that you might further refine to find a research question for the final research paper.

Task
This discussion has three parts. Create one new discussion thread below and answer all three parts. Be sure you have reviewed Lesson #1 before attempting this discussion.

Part 1
For one entire day, keep an informal journal of questions that cross your mind, whether small or large. From your list, eliminate all the questions that are either basic logistics, like “What will I make for lunch today?” or questions that have only one specific answer, like “How many miles is it to the moon?” Please post 10 questions that might be broad enough to be researched. Please share only questions appropriate for our academic setting.

Part 2: Find a Question in Society
Please go to the website The Conversation and look through the various topics. Find an article that interests you and post a direct link to the article. After the link, answer the following questions:

Why was this topic interesting to you?
What questions did the article leave unanswered that you might research?
Part 3

In 200 words (minimum), reflect on which questions from your question list or the “The Conversation” website might be good candidates for an informational research essay. Explain why.
Criteria for Success

This is a low-stakes brainstorming activity. Please write thoughtfully and participate fully. No citations are required.