3.2.3 Obtaining approval for the proposed question

• Obtaining approval for your proposed historical investigation question is a crucial step
• A well-thought-out proposal ensures that your research aligns with the AQA guidelines.
• Your proposal should include the specific historical topic
• The question must align with the AQA syllabus to be approved.
• Refer to the AQA A-Level History Investigation Guidelines
• What are some potential topics related to American history for a historical investigation?

  American Revolution, Civil Rights Movement, Great Depression, Cold War
• Order the potential research questions by their corresponding topics:

  1️⃣ What were the key causes of the American Revolution?

  2️⃣ How did the Civil Rights Movement impact American society?

  3️⃣ To what extent did the Great Depression affect different social classes in America?

  4️⃣ What were the main ideological differences between the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War?
• Match the evaluation criterion with its description:

  Historical Significance ↔️ Addresses a major event with lasting impact

  Focused Scope ↔️ Clearly defined causes or effects to examine

  Researchability ↔️ Abundant primary and secondary sources available

  Historical Understanding ↔️ Requires deep analysis rather than description
• A historical investigation requires gathering and analyzing evidence from primary and secondary sources
• Presenting findings in a well-structured essay is a key aspect of a historical investigation.
• What is a historical investigation?

  A detailed research project
• A historical investigation begins with selecting a topic
• What type of evidence is gathered in a historical investigation?

  Primary and secondary
• A coherent argument in a historical investigation is based on historical analysis.
• A historical investigation involves presenting findings in a well-structured essay
• What must be referenced in a historical investigation?

  All sources
• What does the criterion 'Historical Significance' address in the AQA A-Level History investigation guidelines?

  Key historical impact
• The 'Focused Scope' criterion ensures the research question is narrow enough for thorough investigation within the prescribed word
• Why is it important for a historical investigation to be 'Researchable'?

  Adequate sources available
• The 'Historical Understanding' criterion encourages deep analysis rather than mere description.
• The 'Relevance to AQA Syllabus' criterion ensures the question aligns with the course topics
• Steps to consider when planning a historical investigation

  1️⃣ Adhere to the prescribed word count

  2️⃣ Use credible primary and secondary sources

  3️⃣ Follow a clear structure

  4️⃣ Provide critical analysis

  5️⃣ Use consistent referencing
• What is one essential element to include in a historical investigation proposal?

  The specific historical topic
• Another key component of a historical investigation proposal is the exact research question
• Against what key criteria is a historical investigation proposal assessed?

  Historical significance
• A historical investigation proposal must include the specific historical topic
• What is one key element to consider when assessing the significance of a historical investigation question?

  Its lasting impact
• A historical investigation question is researchable if there are adequate primary and secondary sources available.
• Match the criterion with its description for assessing a historical investigation proposal:

  Historical Significance ↔️ Addresses a key event or figure

  Focused Scope ↔️ Narrow enough for thorough investigation

  Researchable ↔️ Adequate sources available

  Historical Understanding ↔️ Encourages deep analysis
• What should students review to prepare for a historical investigation proposal?

  AQA guidelines
• A well-defined research question focuses on a particular issue or period
• A research question should connect directly to the themes of the AQA syllabus.
• Steps to develop a strong research question for historical investigation:

  1️⃣ Identify historical topics of interest

  2️⃣ Formulate specific research questions

  3️⃣ Evaluate the feasibility and relevance

  4️⃣ Refine the chosen question
• Which social classes were most affected by the Great Depression in America?

  Specific groups
• The Truman Doctrine's containment policy aimed to affect geopolitical alliances
• The Truman Doctrine marked a shift in US foreign policy and reshaped Cold War alliances.
• What is one primary source for studying the Truman Doctrine?

  Truman Doctrine Address
• The Truman Doctrine led to the establishment of NATO
• Steps to consult with a history teacher or supervisor:

  1️⃣ Schedule a meeting

  2️⃣ Review your proposal beforehand

  3️⃣ Come prepared with questions

  4️⃣ Take notes on feedback

  5️⃣ Revise your proposal

  6️⃣ Resubmit for approval
• What are the key criteria for a historical investigation proposal approval?

  Historical Significance, Focused Scope