Topic Two (1.2): Developing questions about humans

Topics Icon.png Objectives

  • to learn how to create good research questions.

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

In this topic, you will learn to recognise and construct good research questions.

Interact Icon.png Working through your coursebook

  • Produce a mind map of as many questions about humans as you can think of e.g. one question we could ask about humans is - are humans the only intelligent animal?
  • Read though the information on page 20 in the textbook to learn the features of a good research question.
  • Complete activity 'Developing research questions' below and ‘good questions’ on page 21. You could ask a parent or another adult to help you with this task or you could write down your ideas in your notebook.
  • Look back at your mind map of questions. Highlight the questions which are good research questions. Write down reasons why each of the ones you have not highlighted are not good research questions.
  • Researching is finding out new information on a topic. Write down in your notebook three things you could do to research a topic.
  • Watch the following video which describes what research is and how it can be done and answer the questions in your notebook.

WATCH – What is research? (YouTube) Links to an external site.

  • What are the six steps of research?
  • What is a bibliography?

Remember to check your answers.

Review Icon.png Review

Write down the features of a good research question.

List three methods of researching a new topic.

Bridge Icon.png Support activity for this topic

Watch the following video to consolidate your learning on developing good research questions and complete the worksheet.

WATCH – Choosing a topic and developing a research question Links to an external site.

COMPLETE - Developing research questions. Download COMPLETE - Developing research questions.

Stretch Icon.png Extension activity for this topic

Write down three research questions for a topic of your choice.

What makes them good research questions? Write down your reasons.

Download Icon.png Check your answers

If you would like to check your answers for this topic you can do so here.

CHECK – Answers to video questions. Download CHECK – Answers to video questions.

CHECK – Answer to developing research questions. Download CHECK – Answer to developing research questions.