You need to ensure that you understand the key terms in the claim. Ask your teacher what the claim is about, what other key terms could be used when doing some reading on this topic.
Example Claim: ‘We should stop eating Tuna and other pelagic fish because they are harmful to our health.’
Identify the key terms related to this claim, for example:
Start by using the links provided on the specific Science Library Page.
Search the databases. These three are good starting points for your search:
In addition, try Google Scholar.
Search tips
If you have the option use the Advanced Search.
Use Boolean searching:
If you do not find what you want with your first set of search terms, try to either broaden or narrow your search with other search terms.
The research question outlines the purpose, aim and scope of the research investigation. A good research question should be narrow, not broad-based and be derived from the chosen claim. Relate variables (independent/dependent) and parameters. Cause/effect statements are useful too.
Does/To what extent does x affect y in z?
Eg: To what extent does increasing daily caffeine consumption by x mg effect the concentration of y hormone in the blood of females aged 15-55 z?
Eg: What is the relationship between the inclusion of window tinting and its effect on the rate of thermal conduction between two regions where the thickness of the barrier and temperature gradient between the regions is kept constant?
Good research questions are:
Relevant: Arising from issues raised in literature and/or practice, the question will be of academic and intellectual interest.
Manageable: You must be able to access your sources of data (be they documents or people), and to give a full and nuanced answer to your question.
Substantial and original: The question should showcase your imaginative abilities, however far it may be couched in existing literature.
Clear and simple: A clear and simple research question will become more complex as your research progresses. Start with an uncluttered question then unpeel the layers in your reading and writing.
For full information and guidance about writing up your response refer to the PDF of the Guide available on this page.
Research rationale: provides a reason, based on scientific evidence, that your particular question was chosen.
Use these steps when writing your rationale:
In your report/essay you must clearly evaluate your sources. This demonstrates your ability to determine the validity of the source to your research and findings. According to your ISMG you must include:
When looking for information make sure you critically evaluate your results:
Examples of how to write your rationale can be found in the PDF guide, including how to include source evaluation in your writing.
When looking at sources apply the REAL test.
R : Read the URL
E : Evaluate the contents. Does the site have the information you need?
A : Ask about the author. Who is the author or authoring body? What credentials do they have?
L : Look at the site's appearance and links on the site. Do all the links work? Does it look like it is a reliable site or has it been produced by a student or an organisation with an agenda?
