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Interactive Audio Lesson
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Formulating a Research Question
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Today, we're going to discuss how to formulate a clear and effective research question. Remember, a good research question sets the stage for your entire investigation.
What makes a research question good?
Great question! A good research question should be specific, focused, and researchable. For instance, 'What were the main causes of the Indian Independence Movement?'
Can we use any topic for our research questions?
You should choose topics related to historical events or themes you're studying. Also, ensure they can be supported with historical sources.
How do we know if our questions are researchable?
You can test your question by checking if there are sufficient sources available. If you can find books, articles, or documents that can answer your question, then it is researchable.
So, if our question is clear, we'll have a better investigation?
Exactly! A clear question guides your research direction and helps focus your investigation. Remember to write it down and keep refining it.
Using Sources
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Now let’s talk about sources. When conducting an investigation, you’ll use both primary and secondary sources. Can anyone tell me what the difference is?
Primary sources are original documents, right?
Exactly! Primary sources include letters, speeches, and photographs that were created during the time of the event you're studying. What about secondary sources?
They are interpretations or analyses of primary sources?
Correct! Secondary sources summarize or analyze events based on primary sources. Each type has its advantages in research.
How do we find these sources, then?
You can start with school libraries, academic databases, and reputable websites. Always evaluate the sources for reliability.
What should we look for to judge reliability?
Look for the author's credentials, the publication date, and the publisher. Reputable academic sources are generally more reliable.
Evaluating Sources
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In our last session, we discussed sources. Now, it's crucial to evaluate them for reliability. Why do you think that’s important?
So we don't use fake or biased information?
Exactly! If your sources are not reliable, your whole investigation can be flawed. Always ask, 'Who wrote it? Why?’
Can any source be useful for our research then?
Not every source will be useful. You need to assess whether the information is relevant to your research question and provides insight.
What tools can we use for evaluating?
You can use evaluation criteria like credibility, accuracy, and relevance. Create a checklist to help you evaluate each source effectively.
What happens if we use an unreliable source?
Using unreliable sources can mislead your findings or arguments, resulting in poor grades. Always double-check your sources!
Organizing Research
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Lastly, let’s discuss organizing your research and creating a bibliography. Why is organization important in historical investigations?
So we don’t lose information and can refer back easily?
Exactly! An organized approach helps you see connections between sources and ideas. How can we organize our findings?
We could use notes or charts to keep everything straight!
Great suggestion! Also, maintaining a bibliography is essential. It shows where you've sourced your information and safeguards against plagiarism.
What style should we use for our bibliography?
Common styles include APA, MLA, or Chicago Format. Follow your school’s guidelines for proper citation. Any questions on this?
What if I lose track of certain sources I used?
That’s why keeping an organized and detailed bibliography as you research is crucial! Next class, we’ll practice creating one together.
Introduction & Overview
Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.
Quick Overview
Standard
Criterion B emphasizes the importance of formulating research questions, planning investigations, analyzing primary and secondary sources, and evaluating their reliability and usefulness in historical study.
Detailed
Criterion B: Investigating
In the MYP History curriculum, Criterion B aims to cultivate investigative skills among students through historical inquiry methods. This criterion assesses:
- Research Question: The ability to formulate a clear and focused research question relevant to historical events or themes.
- Planning: Effective planning of investigations to explore the question thoroughly.
- Source Analysis: Utilizing relevant primary and secondary sources, with an emphasis on accuracy and reliability.
- Evaluation: The ability to evaluate sources for their reliability and usefulness in the context of the investigation.
Sample Task: Students are tasked with developing a research question on the Indian Independence Movement and investigating it using at least three different sources.
Tips for Success include using trusted academic sources, distinguishing between primary and secondary sources, and keeping well-organized bibliographies. Mastering these skills not only helps in assessments but also nurtures critical historical understanding and skills.
Audio Book
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Objective of Criterion B
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🔹 Objective:
Students develop investigative skills using historical inquiry methods.
Detailed Explanation
The primary goal of Criterion B is for students to learn how to investigate historical topics effectively. This means they should not only gather information but also understand the methods of inquiry that historians use when studying the past. By developing these investigative skills, students are better equipped to analyze historical events and contexts critically.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a detective solving a mystery. Just like a detective needs to gather clues and ask the right questions to figure out what happened, students must learn how to ask meaningful questions and find valuable information about historical events.
What is Assessed
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🔹 What is Assessed:
• Formulation of a clear research question
• Effective planning of an investigation
• Using relevant primary and secondary sources
• Evaluating the sources for reliability and usefulness
Detailed Explanation
Four key components are assessed in Criterion B:
1. Formulation of a Clear Research Question: Students must create focused questions that guide their investigations. A good research question is specific and leads to deeper inquiry.
2. Effective Planning of an Investigation: This involves organizing their research process, deciding what information they need, and how to collect it.
3. Using Relevant Primary and Secondary Sources: Students learn the importance of utilizing different types of sources. Primary sources are firsthand accounts or artifacts from the time being studied, while secondary sources interpret or analyze primary sources.
4. Evaluating Sources for Reliability and Usefulness: It's crucial for students to assess whether their sources are credible and appropriate for their research. This means checking who created the source, its purpose, and its context.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you're trying to gather evidence for a science project on climate change. You wouldn’t just grab any article from the internet; you'd look for reliable studies, interviews with scientists (primary sources), and trustworthy summaries (secondary sources). Evaluating each source's credibility is just like checking if the information aligns with what experts agree upon.
Sample Task
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🔹 Sample Task:
“Develop a research question about the Indian Independence Movement and investigate it using at least three different sources.”
Detailed Explanation
This sample task provides a practical application of Criterion B. Students are asked to focus on the Indian Independence Movement, which is a significant historical event. The instruction to use at least three different sources encourages variety in research and allows for multiple perspectives on the topic, which is crucial in history. It also reinforces the need for developing a clear and specific research question that focuses their investigation.
Examples & Analogies
Consider how a journalist might investigate a current event by talking to witnesses, reading reports, and checking official statements. Similarly, students are required to seek diverse information sources to build a more comprehensive understanding of the Indian Independence Movement.
Tips for Success
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🔹 Tips for Success:
• Use trusted academic sources (books, documentaries, archives)
• Learn to distinguish between primary and secondary sources
• Keep a well-organized bibliography
Detailed Explanation
This section provides practical advice for students to succeed in their investigations.
1. Use Trusted Academic Sources: It's important to start research with credible resources, such as academic books or documentaries, instead of unreliable websites.
2. Distinguishing Between Primary and Secondary Sources: Understanding the difference helps students choose the right kind of evidence for their arguments.
3. Keeping a Well-Organized Bibliography: Properly documenting sources not only helps in avoiding plagiarism but enhances the integrity of the research. This makes it easier for others to locate the sources used.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a chef preparing a complicated dish. The chef must use fresh, high-quality ingredients (trusted sources) and keep track of the recipe (bibliography) to ensure the dish tastes great. This is similar to how students should handle their research.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
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Investigative Skills: The ability to conduct research and inquiry into historical themes.
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Source Analysis: Evaluating the credibility and usefulness of different types of sources.
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Research Planning: Developing a systematic approach to investigating historical questions.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Examples
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An example of a clear research question could be, 'What were the primary movements that led to the Indian Independence Movement?', focusing on specific events.
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Using a primary source like a speech from a historical figure involved in an event can clarify the context and motivations, providing insights into the era.
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
🎵 Rhymes Time
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Don't be a fool, use credible rules for sources that are sound, not just the ones that are found.
📖 Fascinating Stories
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Imagine a detective, gathering clues (sources) to solve a case (research question). Only with reliable clues can they discover the truth of what happened.
🧠 Other Memory Gems
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Remember P-S-R for sources: 'P' for Primary, 'S' for Secondary, and 'R' for Reliable.
🎯 Super Acronyms
B-R-E-A-D for bibliography
- B: for Books
- R: for Reliable websites
- E: for Expert articles
- A: for Articles in journals
- D: for Documentaries.
Flash Cards
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
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Term: Research Question
Definition:
A specific question that guides historical investigation, focusing on a particular theme or event.
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Term: Primary Source
Definition:
Original documents or artifacts created during the time under study, such as letters or photographs.
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Term: Secondary Source
Definition:
Interpretations or analyses produced after an event, based on primary sources.
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Term: Reliability
Definition:
The degree to which a source is trustworthy and accurate.
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Term: Bibliography
Definition:
A list of sources used in research, formatted according to specific citation styles.