LibGuides: Senior Expedition: The Research Process

Course Description

Capital City 12th graders design their own independent senior expedition research project. Their research culminates in a 10-12 page paper, an authentic product, and a 50-60 minute panel presentation. In order to meet this goal, students locate and read scholarly articles, identify and interview professionals in related fields, and participate in an interactive fieldwork to experience their topic first hand. After completing senior expedition, students are ready to excel at college-level research and writing, defend a provocative thesis with compelling evidence, and use the design cycle to tailor a product for a target audience.

Capital City Public School Source Modules
The research process is not a linear process in which you must complete step one before moving on to step two or three. You don’t need to put off writing your paper until you’ve gathered all of your sources, in fact, you may want to start writing as soon as possible and adjust your search, thesis statement, and writing as you continue to work through the research process. For that reason, consider the following research process as a guideline to follow as your work through your paper. You can (and should!) revisit the steps as many times as needed to create a finished product. Image and info courtesy of lumen.

Brainstorming Topics

Video: Research Process

While you are brainstorming topic ideas, you may find the following resources helpful:

Browse lists of debatable topics on research resources like Opposing Viewpoints or Pro/Con.

Explore argumentative essay prompts developed by the New York Times.

Sift through lists of current events on news sites like Democracy Now, PBS Frontline or the Pulitzer Center.

Narrowing the Scope of a Topic

Video: How to Narrow Your Topic

While students are selecting topics and beginning background research, they will consider the scope of their research topic. Students can consider their topics in relation of Who, What, Where, and When?

Who -- limit to a specific population or demographic (children, female, Latino, high school)
What -- limit to a particular aspect or category within a larger topic (type, kind, category)
Where -- limit to a specific location (South Korea, northeast US, District of Columbia)
When -- limit to a time period or era (Civil War, 1980s, adolescence, work hours)

Selecting a Topic

Students you should consider the following criteria when selecting your research topic:

Is the topic significant to you personally and to society? Why?

Is the topic complex enough so that you can explore multiple perspectives?

Is the topic debatable so that you can develop a provocative argument?

How easily researchable is the topic? Will you be able to find credible sources, experts, and fieldwork?

Senior Expedition: The Research Process

Course Description

Brainstorming Topics

Narrowing the Scope of a Topic

Selecting a Topic

Have a question? E-mail me: Jjohnson-nouri@ccpcs.org