1. Get into groups of three. Examine the following proposed research topics/questions for a 10-15 pages long research paper.  Mark those that are well defined with "A" and those too broad or too narrow with "F".  Explain your "grading".

• What is the number of school dropouts?
• What are the reasons for the shortage of nurses?
• Does modern technology harm the environment?
• What is the US policy in Central America?
• What is the need for motorcycle-helmet laws?
• Why religious cults are attractive to young people?
• What are the education requirements to become a police officer?

2. 
Again, pretend that you need to work on a 15 pages long research paper.  Your general area of research interest has to do with either a.  racial issues or b. obesity (select one).  You need to narrow down your topic to a well-defined research question.  

To get help narrowing down and defining the topic you selected (racial issues or obesity), go ahead and use the CQ Researcher and/or Opposing Viewpoints.

Search one of these databases, and look closely at your results.

What type of research question do you think may be a good candidate for such a research project? Write it down below: