Research question
I need help coming up with a research question.
SCI 200 Project Part One: Research Question Guidelines and Rubric
Overview: Now that you have identified an issue in the natural sciences to research for your project, the next step is to formulate a specific research question to
investigate in your planning document. For example, if your topic was electric cars, the following is an example question that would narrow the focus of your
research: “What advances must be made in electric car technology and usage to have an impact on climate change?” As you develop your research question,
think about how English physician John Snow was forced to develop his questions, and how they had to change over time. With that in mind, in Theme 2 you will
investigate sources for your chosen topic, so your research question may evolve as you discover more details related to your topic. Remember that science is an
iterative process.
Prompt: Articulate a clear and specific research question related to the topic that you would like to investigate. You will submit this question to your instructor
for feedback and guidance while shaping the direction of your planning document.
Specifically, the following critical element must be addressed:
Based on what you know so far about your chosen topic, develop a specific research question. In other words, what would you like to know more about
the topic?
Rubric
Guidelines for Submission: Your research question should be one to two sentences, double spaced, with 12-point Times New Roman font and one-inch margins.
Critical Elements Proficient (100%) Needs Improvement (75%) Not Evident (0%) Value
Research Question Develops specific research
question related to chosen issue
Develops specific research
question related to chosen issue,
but lacks specificity or not clearly
related to chosen issue
Does not develop specific research
question related to chosen issue
80
Articulation of
Response
Submission has no major errors
related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, or organization
Submission has major errors
related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, or organization
that negatively impact
readability and articulation of
main ideas
Submission has critical errors
related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, or organization
that prevent understanding of
ideas
20
Total 100%