6.2 Conducting research

• Defining a specific scope for your topic helps keep the project focused and manageable
• A well-crafted research question helps ensure the research stays on track

  True
• Why is personal interest important when choosing a research topic?

  To stay motivated
• What are examples of primary sources?

  Interviews, surveys, letters
• Using both primary and secondary sources provides a comprehensive view of the topic

  True
• Selecting a topic that genuinely interests you will make the research process more enjoyable


  True
• What are the characteristics of effective research questions?

  Specific, relevant, measurable, feasible
• Match the effective research question with its ineffective counterpart:

  How has renewable energy impacted German energy independence? ↔️ How does Germany use energy?

  What are the cultural differences between northern and southern Germany? ↔️ What are German customs?

  To what extent has the German education system adapted to technology? ↔️ How has education changed in Germany?
• Effective research questions are feasible and achievable within the available timeframe
• What does currency refer to when evaluating source credibility?

  Up-to-date information
• A non-credible source may be published on a personal blog with no editorial oversight
• What is the purpose of synthesizing research data?

  To develop a holistic understanding
• What is the purpose of analyzing and synthesizing research data?

  Draw meaningful conclusions
• Effective research questions should be specific, relevant, measurable, and feasible.


  True
• A measurable research question allows you to gather data and draw conclusions.

  True
• Primary sources offer expert analysis, while secondary sources provide firsthand evidence.

  False
• Why is bias a key factor to consider when evaluating source credibility?

  Affects objectivity and balance
• What is the first factor to consider when assessing source credibility?

  Author expertise
• What does the 'currency' factor refer to when evaluating a source?

  Up-to-date information
• Steps in evaluating source credibility

  1️⃣ Check author expertise

  2️⃣ Verify publication reputation

  3️⃣ Assess bias

  4️⃣ Check currency

  5️⃣ Ensure accuracy

  6️⃣ Evaluate coverage
• What is the primary goal of synthesizing research data?

  Integrate information
• Citing sources is essential for avoiding plagiarism
• The MLA citation style uses the author and page number in in-text citations.
• What is the first strategy for managing research time effectively?

  Creating a detailed plan
• The first crucial step in an independent research project is to identify a research topic
• Effective research questions are specific and focused
• Research questions must be measurable to allow data collection and conclusions


  True
• Secondary sources summarize, analyze, or interpret primary data
• Factors to consider when evaluating source credibility

  1️⃣ Author expertise

  2️⃣ Publication reputation

  3️⃣ Bias

  4️⃣ Currency

  5️⃣ Accuracy

  6️⃣ Coverage
• What is the next step after gathering primary and secondary sources in research?

  Analyze and synthesize data
• Synthesizing research data involves identifying interdependencies between different aspects of the topic.


  True
• Why is it important to narrow the scope and focus of a research topic?

  To keep it manageable
• What does it mean for a research question to be relevant?

  Addresses a significant issue
• To conduct thorough research, you need to gather both primary and secondary sources
• When evaluating source credibility, consider the author's expertise and qualifications.
• Evaluating the credibility of research sources ensures their reliability
• A biased source is always non-credible.

  False
• Superficial coverage of a topic indicates high credibility.

  False
• Comparing different perspectives is part of analyzing research data.


  True
• Steps in analyzing and synthesizing research data

  1️⃣ Identify patterns and trends

  2️⃣ Compare different perspectives

  3️⃣ Integrate information from sources

  4️⃣ Identify relationships and connections

  5️⃣ Develop a comprehensive understanding