The following examples of questions addressing each level are based on Doug Johnson's Good Questions hand-out from his presentation handout, Designing Research Projects that Kids (and Teachers) Love
Level One Question
My research is about a broad topic. I can complete the assignment by using a general reference source such as an encyclopedia.
Example: My research is about the causes of the genocide in Rwanda.
Level Two Question
My research answers a question that helps me narrow the focus of my search. The question may mean that I need to go to various sources to gather enough information to get a reliable answer. The conclusion of the research will ask me to give a supported answer to the question.
Example: Why was Romeo Dallaire unable to inform the world about the genocide in Rwanda?
Level Three Question
My research answers a question of personal relevance. To answer this question I may need to consult not just secondary sources such as magazines, newspapers, books or the Internet, but use primary sources of information such as original surveys, interviews, or source documents.
Example: How did the atrocities of the Rwanda genocide affect Constable xxxx, of North Battleford, during and after his time as a member of the Canadian Peacekeeping forces in Rwanda?
Level Four Question
My research answers a personal question about the topic, and contains information that may be of use to decision-makers as they make policy or distribute funds. The result of my research is a well-supported conclusion that contains a call for action on the part of an organization or government body. There will be a plan to distribute this information.
Example: The Genocide Convention defines genocide as "acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethical, racial or religious group". Since the genocide in Rwanda ethic killings have taken place in Darfur in the Sudan. How might curricular and extra-curricular activities be utilized to motive students at NBCHS to lobby governments to take action and protect global citizens against such evil?