Research Questions and Focus
What is a research topic?
A general subject or issue someone wants to learn more about.
What is a source?
Any text, media, or material that provides information.
What is textual evidence?
A quote, detail, or summary from a source used to support a claim.
What is a claim?
A statement or position that can be argued and supported with evidence.
What is plagiarism?
Using someone else’s ideas or words without giving credit.
What makes a research question good?
It is clear, focused, specific, and researchable using credible sources
What’s the difference between a primary and secondary source?
Primary sources give firsthand information and secondary sources analyze or explain primary sources.
What does it mean to “analyze” evidence?
to deeply create meaning and connection and explain how the evidence supports the claim
What’s the difference between a fact and a claim?
A fact can be proven through evidence while a claim is biased or an opinion
When do you need to cite a source?
ANY TIME AN IDEA OR REASON WAS NOT FOUND BY YOU!
What’s the difference between a topic and a research question?
A topic is broad; a research question is something specific.
Name two ways to tell if a source is credible
Author expertise, Reputable publication, Evidence and citations, Recent publication date, Lack of extreme bias
Why is quoting alone not enough?
Because readers need explanation to understand the quote’s significance.
What is a counterargument?
An opposing viewpoint to the writer’s claim.
What information is included in a citation?
Author, title, publication source, and date
What does it mean for a research question to be “researchable”?
It can be answered using credible, available sources—not personal opinion alone.
Are using summaries from AI plagiarism?
YES! Most people do not cite AI or the original work.
What’s the difference between evidence and explanation?
Evidence shows information and statistics/facts while explanation, tells what it means and why it matters.
What does one look for when using a picture to support their claim or research?
How it is being used, what is it furthering developing, how the images match the text, and the implicit and explicit meanings behind it.
Why are citations important in academic writing?
They give credit, build credibility, and allow readers to find sources.
Give an example of a topic compared to a research question
Determined by the teacher
Which of these are research sources and which are not? Scientific Journal, News Article, Letters, Music, Poetry, Picture books, Pictures, Podcast, Books
All are research sources!
What is "quote dumping" and how can a writer avoid doing so?
Quote dumping happens when research is primarily quotations and lacks little analysis or explanation.
Why should writers address opposing viewpoints?
It strengthens credibility and shows critical thinking. it also allows you to prove or further your point.
Why is it important to know the author or writer of a piece?
The author's "why" determines there biases and give credit to what they have done.