Developing a Research Strategy

Essential Definitions

Within BOOST, we will be using specific terms regarding the research process. In order to make sure we are all "on the same page," some essential definitions are provided below. Please be careful to note the specific ways in which the terms are utilized within BOOST.

Your instructor may use these terms in a different way or use different terms to describe an identical concept. Be sure to ask your instructor if you are confused by the use of terms or need further clarification.

• subject - a broad area of interest that can be narrowed down into a suitable and workable topic. Examples: William Shakespeare's plays, the European Union, public school education.
  
• topic - a reasonably narrow and clearly defined area of interest that can be throughly investigated within the limits of a student research assignment. Examples: political attitudes expressed within William Shakespeare plays, immigration policies of the European Union, the monetary costs of mandatory testing in public schools.
  
• research question - a narrow, challenging, and grounded (non-speculative) question that will be the focus of your research; the answer of which will be become the thesis of your paper. Examples: Did the political attitudes expressed in Shakespeare plays influence contemporary English politics? Do the current immigration policies of the European Union deter individuals from politically unstable areas from attempting to emmigrate to EU countries? How are the costs of implementing national mandatory testing programs absorbed by public school systems?
  
• thesis - a precise statement of the major conclusion you have drawn after a thoughtful analysis of all your research sources. Note: This statement appears near the beginning of your research paper; the main body of your paper will explain, illustrate, argue for, and/or prove this statement.