chapter 3. Developing your research question and proposal

In this chapter the book covers how to take two major topics. How can I develop my research question, and How can I create a research proposal? There are four steps to developing my research question. The first of these is reflecting on your writing situation. As you research you will find more information on both sides of the topic. this will lead you to explain your side on the topic or could possibly change your mind on the topic. In this step you will also talk to others about your topic and take down the observations. In this step you will ask yourself many questions about the topic you chose and hopefully have a better understanding on the topic. Step to is to generate a list off questions about the issue you've decided to address. What is known and not known about the issue? what has occurred in the past that is relevant to an issue? what conclusions merited or not have writers and readers already made about an issue? What do the writers and readers involved in conversation about this issue want to see happen or not happen? And many more. Step three is how to craft questions that reflect your writing situation. Asking yourself what, why, when, where, who, how, why could would, and should are good starting points to this step. You must ask yourself these for every question you have or any point. If you can answer all these simple questions and continue writing then you should have a solid point. The final step is to refine your research question. To do this you must choose the research question that seems most likely to help you achieve your purpose as a writer and address the needs and interests of your readers. You can refine your research questions by using qualifying words and phrases to narrow its scope. After all of that is done you can now start to create a research proposal. Identify your topic, issue, and research question. provide a review of literature. Explain how you'll collect information. Identify relevant types of sources. Develop a project timeline. This step can be one of the most important parts of your paper. Compile a working or annotated bibliography. Clarify and elaborate on your core proposal, and last but not least evaluate the problems you may run into.