Formulating a Research Question: A Guide for History Students

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a key element of a well-formulated research question?

Accepted Answer

Subjectivity

Answer

Clarity

Answer

Feasibility

Answer

Significance

Question 2

What is the initial step in the process of formulating a research question?

Accepted Answer

Identifying a topic of interest

Answer

Conducting a comprehensive literature review

Answer

Developing a research hypothesis

Answer

Designing a research methodology

Question 3

What is the initial step in formulating a research question?

Accepted Answer

Identify the topic of interest

Answer

Develop a thesis statement

Answer

Conduct a literature review

Answer

Write a research proposal

Question 4

Which of the following factors should NOT be considered when evaluating the feasibility of a research question?

Accepted Answer

Personal interests

Answer

Availability of data and resources

Answer

Time constraints

Answer

Potential impact of the research

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of a research question?

Accepted Answer

To guide the research process and focus the investigation

Answer

To prove a specific hypothesis

Answer

To provide definitive answers to historical events

Answer

To impress the reader with its complexity

Question 6

Which of the following is a characteristic of a specific research question?

Accepted Answer

Identifies a particular aspect or issue within a broader topic

Answer

Covers a wide range of historical events and periods

Answer

Lacks focus and clarity

Answer

Is too narrow to yield meaningful insights

Question 7

What is the role of secondary sources in formulating a research question?

Accepted Answer

To provide background information and context for the topic

Answer

To offer definitive answers to historical questions

Answer

To replace the need for primary source research

Answer

To serve as the sole basis for a research question

Question 8

What is the primary importance of seeking feedback on a research question?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the question is clear, focused, and feasible

Answer

To impress potential collaborators

Answer

To guarantee the acceptance of the research proposal

Answer

To avoid the need for revisions in the future

Question 9

Identify the element that is NOT a characteristic of a well-formulated research question.

Accepted Answer

Broad scope without focus

Answer

Clarity and precision

Answer

Specificity

Answer

Feasibility

Question 10

Identify the option that is NOT an advantage of using a research question.

Accepted Answer

Makes the research process more challenging

Answer

Provides direction and focus for the research

Answer

Assists in identifying relevant source materials

Answer

Enhances the clarity and quality of the final product

Question 11

What is the first step in formulating a research question?

Accepted Answer

Identifying a research gap

Answer

Developing a thesis statement

Answer

Choosing a research method

Answer

Writing a literature review

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a well-formulated research question?

Accepted Answer

What were the economic causes of the American Civil War?

Answer

How has the internet impacted the way people communicate online?

Answer

Is climate change real?

Answer

The history of the United States of America

Question 13

What type of research question seeks to explain the causes and effects of a phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Explanatory

Answer

Descriptive

Answer

Evaluative

Answer

Comparative

Question 14

What is the ultimate goal of formulating a research question?

Accepted Answer

To guide the research process and provide a clear direction

Answer

To provide a definitive answer

Answer

To impress the reader

Answer

To avoid plagiarism

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of a poorly-formulated historical research question?

Accepted Answer

It is closed-ended, leading to a single, definitive answer.

Answer

It is specific, focusing on a particular aspect or period of history.

Answer

It is feasible, considering the resources, time constraints, and accessibility of materials.

Answer

It is clear and concise, using precise language and avoiding ambiguity.

Question 16

How does a well-crafted research question help researchers effectively locate relevant historical sources?

Accepted Answer

It narrows the research focus, guiding researchers to sources directly related to the question.

Answer

It eliminates the need for a literature review, providing sufficient background information.

Answer

It guarantees the availability of sources, ensuring ample material for supporting arguments.

Question 17

When assessing the feasibility of a historical research question, which ethical consideration should be given the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Potential harm to participants

Answer

Availability of primary sources

Answer

Researcher's personal interests

Answer

Potential impact on the historical narrative

Question 18

Which of the following is a **key** element of a well-formulated research question?

Accepted Answer

It is specific and focused.

Answer

It is based on secondary sources.

Answer

It is supported by prior research.

Question 19

What is the **initial** step in formulating a research question?

Accepted Answer

Identify a compelling topic to research.

Answer

Conduct thorough preliminary research.

Question 20

What is the purpose of developing a **working** research question?

Accepted Answer

To guide preliminary research.

Answer

To serve as the final research question.

Question 21

What is the **primary** reason to formulate a specific and focused research question?

Accepted Answer

To ensure it is manageable and achievable within the research timeframe.

Answer

To facilitate the identification of relevant sources.

Question 22

What is the **ultimate** goal of formulating a research question?

Accepted Answer

To provide a clear and concise roadmap for the research project.

Answer

To demonstrate the researcher's knowledge of the subject.

Question 23

What is the main difference between a research question and a research topic?

Accepted Answer

A research question is specific and focused, while a research topic is broad and general.

Answer

A research question is based on existing evidence, while a research topic is speculative.

Answer

A research question is developed by the researcher, while a research topic is assigned by an instructor.

Answer

A research question is written, while a research topic is verbal.

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a well-formulated research question?

Accepted Answer

It lacks clarity.

Answer

It can be narrowed down.

Answer

It is feasible.

Answer

It is focused.

Question 25

Which step in the research question formulation process involves identifying an area where knowledge is lacking?

Accepted Answer

Identifying a knowledge gap.

Answer

Analyzing the results.

Answer

Writing the research report.

Answer

Collecting data.

Question 26

Which question exhibits the highest level of specificity and manageability?

Accepted Answer

What factors contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire in the 5th century C.E.?

Answer

What were the key events in Roman history?

Answer

How did the Roman Empire influence the development of Western Civilization?

Question 27

Why is it crucial to avoid misleading distractors in MCQs?

Accepted Answer

They can mislead students and hinder their understanding.

Answer

They simplify the assessment process.

Answer

They make questions more difficult.

Answer

They increase the likelihood of incorrect answers.

Question 28

Which cognitive level is primarily assessed by MCQs?

Accepted Answer

Application

Answer

Creation

Answer

Evaluation

Answer

Analysis

Question 29

What is a limitation associated with MCQs?

Accepted Answer

They may not be suitable for assessing all types of learning outcomes.

Answer

They are inherently subjective.

Answer

They always involve multiple options.

Question 30

What is a potential drawback of using a descriptive research question?

Accepted Answer

Applicability to broader contexts

Answer

Simplicity

Answer

Impartiality

Answer

Practicality

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a well-formulated research question?

Accepted Answer

It is too vague and general

Answer

It is feasible and achievable

Answer

It is relevant to the historical context

Answer

It is specific and focused

Question 32

The first step in formulating a research question is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify a general topic of interest

Answer

Collect data

Answer

Conduct a literature review

Answer

Write a research proposal

Question 33

The concept of 'feasibility' in the context of research questions refers to:

Accepted Answer

The availability of resources and time to conduct the research

Answer

The originality and uniqueness of the research question

Answer

The importance and significance of the research topic

Question 34

The step-by-step guide to formulating a research question is a useful tool because it:

Accepted Answer

Provides a framework for students to follow

Answer

Eliminates the need for students to think critically

Answer

Guarantees that the research question will be well-formulated

Answer

Applies to all research disciplines without exception

Question 35

Which of the following statements about the role of prior research in formulating a research question is true?

Accepted Answer

Prior research can help to refine and focus the research question

Answer

Prior research is unnecessary for formulating a good research question

Answer

Prior research should always determine the research question

Question 36

The purpose of a research question is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a clear direction for the research

Answer

Impress the reader with the researcher's knowledge

Answer

Justify the need for the research

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a component of a well-formulated research question?

Accepted Answer

An opinion

Answer

A topic

Answer

A relationship

Answer

A variable

Question 38

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a well-formulated research question?

Accepted Answer

It is focused and specific, addressing a particular aspect of a broader topic.

Answer

It is already proven by existing research.

Answer

It is broad and general, covering a wide range of topics.

Answer

It is based on personal opinion and assumptions.

Question 39

What is the initial step in the process of formulating a research question?

Accepted Answer

Identifying a topic of interest and exploring related literature.

Answer

Writing a detailed research proposal.

Answer

Collecting and analyzing data.

Answer

Conducting a comprehensive literature review.

Question 40

What is the primary purpose of conducting a literature review before formulating a research question?

Accepted Answer

To gain an understanding of existing knowledge, identify gaps in research, and avoid duplication of efforts.

Answer

To prove or disprove a specific hypothesis.

Answer

To gather data for the research project.

Question 41

Select an example of a well-formulated research question:

Accepted Answer

Did the abolition of slavery in the United States lead to significant economic growth in the post-Civil War era?

Answer

What was the impact of slavery in the United States?

Question 42

Explain the key difference between a research question and a hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

A research question is a question that guides the research, while a hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested through research.

Answer

A hypothesis is a question that guides the research, while a research question is a tentative explanation that can be tested through research.

Question 43

What is the main purpose of a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

To outline the research question, methodology, expected outcomes, and significance of a proposed research project.

Answer

To secure funding for a research project.

Answer

To present the results of a completed research project.

Question 44

Which of the following is a benefit of formulating a clear and focused research question?

Accepted Answer

It helps researchers stay on track and avoid distractions during the research process.

Answer

It guarantees that the research will be successful.

Answer

It eliminates the need for a literature review.

Question 45

What is the role of peer review in the research process?

Accepted Answer

To provide impartial feedback, critique, and evaluation of research proposals and publications, ensuring quality and credibility.

Answer

To conduct research studies independently.

Answer

To provide funding for research projects.

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a key element of a well-formulated research question?

Accepted Answer

It should be broad and general.

Answer

It should be specific and focused.

Answer

It should be feasible and manageable.

Question 47

What is the first step in formulating a research question?

Accepted Answer

Identify a topic of interest that is well-defined and not too broad or narrow.

Answer

Conduct a literature review.

Answer

Write a research proposal.

Answer

Collect data.

Question 48

Which of the following is a characteristic of a good research question?

Accepted Answer

It is specific and can be answered within the scope of the research.

Answer

It is vague and general.

Answer

It is based on a hunch or guess.

Answer

It is too complex to be researched.

Question 49

What is the purpose of a literature review in the process of formulating a research question?

Accepted Answer

To identify gaps in existing research and narrow down the research topic.

Answer

To prove a hypothesis.

Answer

To collect data.

Answer

To write a research report.

Question 50

What is the difference between a research question and a research hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A research question is a question that guides the research, while a research hypothesis is a tentative answer to that question based on evidence.

Answer

A research hypothesis is a question that guides the research, while a research question is a tentative answer to that question.

Question 51

Which of the following is a sign that a research question is feasible?

Accepted Answer

There are sufficient resources and time available to conduct the research.

Answer

The research question is very complex.

Answer

The research question has not been studied before.

Question 52

What is the importance of writing a clear and focused research question?

Accepted Answer

It establishes the parameters of the research and provides a roadmap for the entire research process.

Answer

It impresses the research supervisor.

Answer

It makes the research more likely to be published.

Question 53

What is the role of a research advisor in helping to formulate a research question?

Accepted Answer

To provide guidance, support, and feedback throughout the process.

Answer

To grade the student's research question.

Answer

To approve the research question before the student begins research.

Answer

To write the research question for the student.