Crafting Effective Key Inquiry Questions
Business Studies & Economics Year 10 Research Foundation Skills
What is a Key Inquiry Question?
The central question your research aims to answer Provides focus and direction for investigation Guides business and economics research Prevents wasting time on irrelevant information Becomes the foundation for your hypothesis
Research Focus
A Key Inquiry Question helps guide business and economics research by focusing the investigation on a particular economic issue, business decision, market trend, policy, or theory.
The Four Essential Rules
1. Start with an interrogative (How, Why, To what extent) 2. Avoid closed questions (yes/no answers) 3. Base it on business/economics knowledge skills 4. Be extremely specific with details
Interrogatives in Business Research
{"left":"HOW - Explains processes, strategies, or outcomes\nTO WHAT EXTENT - Measures impact, effectiveness, or importance","right":"WHY - Explains motivations, causes, or reasons\nWHAT - Identifies factors, causes, or consequences"}
Spot the Problems
Examine these questions: Did Amazon make a profit in 2020? Is inflation bad for the economy? What happened to Qantas? How successful was the mining boom?
Your Research Journey
Start with background research on your topic Use findings to refine and focus your question Ensure your question follows all four rules Research to answer your Key Inquiry Question Write a one-sentence answer as your hypothesis
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