Research Questions Quiz

Which of the following research questions is the strongest?

• What are the effects of climate change?

• How does climate change impact agriculture in developing countries?

• Is climate change real?

• Why is climate change a big deal?

Answer explanation

The question 'How does climate change impact agriculture in developing countries?' is the strongest as it focuses on a specific aspect of climate change, allowing for targeted research and actionable insights, unlike the broader or vague options.

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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good research question?

• It can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no.'

• It is clear and focused.

• It requires critical thinking and exploration.

• It leads to an in-depth analysis.

Answer explanation

A good research question should encourage exploration and analysis. Questions that can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no' lack depth and do not promote critical thinking, making this option NOT a characteristic of a good research question.

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Which research question is too broad to guide a research project?

• What are the effects of social media on teenagers?

• How does the use of Instagram affect self-esteem among teenage girls in urban schools?

• What are the positive and negative effects of Facebook on college students’ academic performance?

• How has TikTok influenced the way Generation Z consumes news?

Answer explanation

The question 'What are the effects of social media on teenagers?' is too broad as it lacks specificity. It does not focus on a particular platform, demographic, or type of effect, making it difficult to guide a research project effectively.

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What is the main purpose of a research question in a research project?

• To summarize the research topic.

• To guide the direction of the research.

• To give a final conclusion.

• To help the reader understand the topic.

Answer explanation

The main purpose of a research question is to guide the direction of the research. It helps to focus the study, determine the methodology, and shape the analysis, ensuring that the research remains relevant and targeted.

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Which research question is too narrow to guide a meaningful investigation?

• How does climate change impact global weather patterns?

• What is the effect of air pollution on children's respiratory health in New York City schools?

• How has online learning influenced student performance in the United States?

• How many students at Central High School prefer using Google Classroom over paper assignments?

Answer explanation

The question about Central High School students' preference for Google Classroom is too narrow, as it focuses on a specific group and context, limiting broader insights into online learning's impact.

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Which of the following research questions is the most open-ended and suitable for deep analysis?

• What percentage of students graduate from high school in the U.S.?

• How has the increase in technology use impacted students' attention spans in the classroom?

• Is remote learning better than traditional learning?

• How many hours do students spend on homework each night?

Answer explanation

The question about technology's impact on attention spans is open-ended, allowing for exploration of various factors and perspectives, unlike the other options which seek specific data or comparisons.

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What is a key characteristic of a research question that promotes critical thinking?

• It can be answered with a simple fact.

• It leads to an in-depth analysis of a complex issue.

• It only requires a short, one-word answer.

• It is very broad, covering many topics at once.

Answer explanation

A key characteristic of a research question that promotes critical thinking is that it leads to an in-depth analysis of a complex issue. This encourages exploration and deeper understanding, unlike simple or broad questions.

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Which of the following questions would NOT be appropriate for a research project?

• What are the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems?

• How has social media usage among teenagers influenced communication skills?

• What are the causes of World War II?

• What strategies can businesses adopt to reduce their carbon footprint?

Answer explanation

The question 'What are the causes of World War II?' is historical and factual, making it less suitable for a research project compared to the others, which explore effects, influences, or strategies.

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Why is the following research question weak? “How does reading impact learning?”

• It is too narrow.

• It is not clear or focused.

• It is too specific.

• It cannot be researched.

Answer explanation

The research question "How does reading impact learning?" is weak because it lacks clarity and focus. It does not specify what aspects of reading or learning are being examined, making it difficult to address effectively.

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Which research question demonstrates a good balance between focus and complexity?

• What are the effects of playing video games?

• How does playing educational video games influence the development of problem-solving skills in middle school students?

• Do people like video games?

• How many hours a day do students spend playing video games?

Answer explanation

The question about educational video games is focused on a specific context (middle school students) and explores a complex relationship (influence on problem-solving skills), making it well-balanced.

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