Research Questions

Research Questions

Scientific

• What are the anatomical, physiological, pathological, or epidemiological issues?
• What body system are affected?
• What happens at the cellular or genetic level?
• Which chemical or biological issues are most important?

Analytical/ Mathematical

• What are the economic issues involved?
• Which economic theories or approaches best explain the issue?
• What are the statistical facts related to the issue?
• Which statistical processes give the best explanation or understanding of the issue

Cultural

• Which cultural values and/or norms influence the issue?
• How is the issue addressed differently in varying cultural contexts and situations?
• Which cultures or societies are most affected by the issue and why?
• Which cultural traditions or beliefs affect treatment(s)?

Ethical

• What laws pertain to the issue?
• What ethical obstacles affect how the issue is addressed in the community?
• How do ethical theories apply to the issue?
• How are money, power, and control matters related to the issue and its treatment?

Common Approaches to Analytical/Mathematical Inquiry

• Focus on socioeconomic factors or financial data related to your issue
• Analyze statistics and develop a statistical understanding of your issue
• Decide to delve deeply into one specifically important research study and analyze its findings in order to understand the issue
• Everything will depend on the topic and the issue to be resolved
• Keep in mind that for each perspective of inquiry, we take two research steps.  The first step is to select one of the level 1 research questions.  This will help you determine the ideal approach to take for your inquiry
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