Section outline

  • Kia ora...This week we will begin implementing the research process within our collaboration with Health Studies. In English we will focus on identifying what stage pf the process we are at currently and recognising the next steps in our learning


    Step 1: Choose your topic

    First you have to come up with some ideas. Your inquiry question can start out very broad. Think about the general area or field you’re interested in – it’s often a good idea to choose a topic that you already know a bit about.

    Do some reading to begin narrowing down your topic. Look for the top journals in your field and skim through some recent issues. If an article interests you, check the reference list to find other relevant sources.

    As you read, take notes and try to identify problems, questions, debates, contradictions and gaps. Your aim is to narrow down from a broad area of interest to a specific niche.

    Make sure to consider the practicalities: the requirements of your programme, the amount of time you have to complete the research, and how difficult it will be to access sources and data on the topic. Before moving onto the next stage, it’s a good idea to discuss the topic with your teacher.

    >>Read more about narrowing down a research topic

    Step 2: Identify a problem

    So you’ve settled on a topic and found a niche – but what exactly will your research investigate, and why does it matter? To give your project focus and purpose, you have to define a research problem.

    The problem might be a practical issue – for example, a process or practice that isn’t working well, an area of concern in an organization’s performance, or a difficulty faced by a specific group of people in society.

    Alternatively, you might choose to investigate a theoretical problem – for example, an underexplored phenomenon or relationship, a contradiction between different models or theories, or an unresolved debate among scholars.

    To put the problem in context and set your objectives, you can write a problem statement. This describes who the problem affects, why research is needed, and how your research project will contribute to solving it.

    >>Read more about defining a research problem

    Step 3: Formulate research questions

    Next, based on the problem statement, you need to write one or more research questions. These target exactly what you want to find out. They might focus on describing, comparing, evaluating, or explaining the research problem.

    A strong research question should be specific enough that you can answer it thoroughly. It should also be complex enough to require in-depth investigation, analysis, and argument. 

    Questions that can be answered with “yes/no” or with easily available facts are not complex enough for an inquiry

    >>See research question examples

    Step 4: Create a research design

    The research design is a practical framework for answering your research questions. It involves making decisions about the type of data you need, the methods you’ll use to collect and analyze it, and the location and timescale of your research.

    There are often many possible paths you can take to answering your questions. The decisions you make will partly be based on your priorities.  Ask: what is it that you hope to find out?

    >>Read more about creating a research design



    Success Criteria: I can/have...

    • conduct a research inquiry using the MHJC research process

    Activities:

    1. Health/English collaboration

    See google classroom for study guides/learning activities