Research Questions

By Monday, each group should submit 4 research questions about their Road to the Civil War Topic. Writing a good research question can be tricky so here are some guidelines from the University of Virginia that you should follow.

1. A good research question is a question that's worth asking, it requires more than looking something up.

Example: How did Ted Williams' military service impact his baseball career?

or

How did John C. Calhoun and Thomas Jefferson differ on the view of state's rights?

2. The Answer should not be immediately obvious.

Good Example: How was Uncle Tom's Cabin received in the North?

Poor Example: Was Uncle Tom's Cabin popular in the North?

3. Should be "researchable" by your audience and possible to answer in the available time.

Good Example: How did Harriet Beecher Stowe's personal experiences inspire her to write Uncle Tom's Cabin?

Poor Example: How did Harriet Beecher Stowe's time living in Main impact her writing style prior to her publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin?

4. Can realign accepted notions or beliefs and offer a different view of an issue.

Good Example: How did the creation of the Republican party frighten and unite Southerners?

Remember: A good research questions does not have to meet all of these characteristics, but should have some of them.