Ask Questions
Ask Questions
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Good research begins with questions. Good questions help you understand your assignment and guide your research. In this step, identify the problem and brainstorm ideas. Assess your background knowledge and create big and small questions to clarify the problem.
Ask Questions:
Make sure you completely understand the assignment, then brainstorm topics that interest you.
Take some time to explore a few topics before making your final choice.
Finally, turn your topic into a powerful research question.
Complete these steps using the Online Guide or pages 1-3 of the Printable Guide. For extra help, use the resources below or contact a librarian.
Understanding Your Assignment
Understanding Your Assignment
Start by reviewing your assignment:
Did your teacher provide a checklist?
Who is the audience for your finished project? Teacher, classmates, or community?
What type of project do you need to do?
Written Report
Poster
Speech or skit
Slideshow or video
When is your project due?
Use these resources for additional help:
Understand the Assignment Task - From RMIT University, this guide clarifies expectations for a research assignment.
Meanings of Instructional Words - From RMIT University, this word list defines academic terms commonly used in research assignments.
Organization Tools
Organization Tools
Printable Research Guide - This guide includes all parts of the research process in one printable pdf.
Assignment Planner - From RMIT University, this planner helps schedule your research activities. While some of the suggested resources and activities differ from our guide, it gives a good idea of how to schedule the assignment over an extended period of time.
Mind Mapping Tools
Mind Mapping Tools
Mind Mapping and Brainstorming - From RMIT University, this tip sheet shows a process for mind mapping a topic.
Lotus Diagram - If you want to do more in-depth and detailed mind mapping, use a Lotus Diagram. Find instructions and examples here.
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