U. S. History Research Paper

This page is dedicated to research guidance tailored to help students enrolled in U. S. History Honors (dual-credit) complete the research paper assigned each year. 

Identifying a Topic & Writing a Research Question

The opportunity to choose a research topic (rather than have one assigned) can be both positive and negative. On the plus side, choice means selecting a topic of personal interest, which can make the process of research and writing much easier, if not enjoyable. Conversely, choice can make it difficult to narrow down a topic to one that can be successfully addressed within the specifications of an assignment. In general, choice can lead students to broad, unfocused topics that never really present an argument or make a point. It is critical that students develop a research question as a means to narrowing the focus of and directing their research. A good research question will lead to the development of a strong thesis and a well-written paper. 

Why Research Questions Matter

History is much more than remembering names, dates, facts and events. These aspects of history are important, but the best students of history ask good historical questions that reveal the central issues and motives that shaped ideas, events and actions. Historians are encouraged to analyze--to look for causes and effects rather than just a narrative of events. Good historical questions should focus on the How and Why rather than who, what, where, and when. 

Good research questions should:

• Be open-ended (not have a yes or no or simple answer)

• Address causes or effects

• Be argumentative (have more than one legitimate answer)

• Be specific

For example, "When did the Mayan civilization collapse?" isn't a good research question because it has a simple answer. A better question would be "Why did the Mayan civilization collapse?" This question is open-ended, looks for causes, and can have multiple answers.

Constructing a Research Question

Settling on a strong, historical research question can be challenging, and will likely require some time an familiarity with a subject first. The following approach may assist in this process: