Effects of mass media: use of social media, use of video games
issues associated with teenagers or adolescence: use of social media, self-esteem, academic success, bullying;
educational issues: academic success, early intervention programs, level of parental involvement
behavior of people in organizations: leadership, burnout,
physical and psychological issues: anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, substance use/abuse, addiction, burnout, exercise
quality/effectiveness of social services in the community: elder care, daycare, participation in service projects
personal beliefs, attitudes, and activities: spirituality, religiosity, therapies (e.g. musical therapy, pet therapy), social isolation
criminal behavior: recidivism, impact of academic/vocational programs in prisons, effectiveness of alternative programs
Once you have identified a broad topical area, start narrowing your focus. Remember, you want to keep your research question simple. Here are some specific research questions that students have explored in the past:
What is the relationship between bullying and self-esteem in teenage girls?
What is the effect of music therapy on depression in older adults?
What is the effect of exercise class on social isolation?
What is the effect of academic programs on criminal behavior?
As you begin to focus your question, ask yourself the following questions:
Is the research problem encapsulated in a single question?
Can I research this problem through social science research (rather than a natural or medical science methodology)?
Do I have a bias about this social question?
Does it have potential for providing important information?
The purpose of this workshop is to identify a topic that you will want to explore for the entire semester and then narrow your focus so that it is a viable research question. Borrow ideas from your colleagues and present alternate questions. Use the workshop to identify the topic and refine your question. You are expected to contribute post at least one research question and then substantively respond to at least two other people’s posts. You will then take the work that you do in this workshop, and then further refine and revise your research question in Research Journal 1.
Respond to Students Below:
Gabrielle Haber
I am interested in the effects of mass media. I think an interesting research question would be “How does the portrayal of mental health in the media influence public attitudes and stigma towards mental illness?” I would even focus specifically on portrayals of schizophrenia because I think it is a very misunderstood psychological disorder. This is research that can be encapsulated in a single question, and I can research it through social science research. I do not think I have a bias in regards to this question besides an interest in promoting more empathetic views of those suffering with mental illness. I am particularly interested in the ways portrayals have changed over time..
Melissa Jackson
What is the relationship between mental health disorders and generational homelessness?
As someone who is a psychology major and works with women and children who currently suffer from homelessness, this area of questioning intrigues me. There have been many times where I would have a mother and daughter come in separately in search of help; to find out homelessness is normal for the daughter due to having gone through it as a child. This research has potential in providing important information in order to help stop a generational cycle of homelessness.
