Exercise 1: Can the Topic Be Researched?

Below are five exercises designed to improve your ability to select a good research question.

Question

Do/do not the economies that result from a trash-burning plant outweigh the environmental costs?

True

This question is researchable. You'd have to sift through a lot of information, both pro and con, valid and invalid, in order to choose the best information to answer the research question and support your own point of view, but the point is that there is at least enough information to sift through.

False

This question is researchable. You'd have to sift through a lot of information, both pro and con, valid and invalid, in order to choose the best information to answer the research question and support your own point of view, but the point is that there is at least enough information to sift through.

Question

Is sexual orientation a result of nature (physically based) or nurture (socially-culturally based)?

True

This question is somewhat researchable. There have been some recent experiments dealing with the physical (genetic) basis of sexual preference, but not enough research to support a credible view one way or the other.

False

This question is somewhat researchable. There have been some recent experiments dealing with the physical (genetic) basis of sexual preference, but not enough research to support a credible view one way or the other.

Question

Does McDonald's or Burger King make a better burger?

True

This question is not researchable as it is worded because since it has no concrete meaning. What does "better" mean? Better in terms of nutrition? Better tasting? Better value? Fewer calories? Better for making your kids happy? This question could become researchable only if you define its terms.

False

This question is not researchable as it is worded because it has no concrete meaning. What does "better" mean? Better in terms of nutrition? Better tasting? Better value? Fewer calories? Better for making your kids happy? This question could become researchable only if you define its terms.

Question

Is Prozac a good treatment for clinical depression in certain cases?

True

This question is researchable. You'd have to sift through a lot of information, both pro and con, valid and invalid, in order to choose the best information to answer the research question and support your own point of view, but the point is that there is at least enough information to sift through.

False

This question is researchable. You'd have to sift through a lot of information, both pro and con, valid and invalid, in order to choose the best information to answer the research question and support your own point of view, but the point is that there is at least enough information to sift through.

Question

Is there a link between hours of television viewing and violent behavior in children aged 8-14?

True

This question is researchable. You'd have to sift through a lot of information, both pro and con, valid and invalid, in order to choose the best information to answer the research question and support your own point of view, but the point is that there is at least enough information to sift through.

False

This question is researchable. You'd have to sift through a lot of information, both pro and con, valid and invalid, in order to choose the best information to answer the research question and support your own point of view, but the point is that there is at least enough information to sift through.

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