ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the importance of formulating a research question that is unanswered, yet answerable—or a project goal that is original, yet doable—and the processes that could be used to pursue either one. It is essential that the development of research questions and refining of a project goal occur after, and are informed by, a thorough literature review. Many times, undergraduate students’ initial suggestions for topics are much too broad in scope, and a literature review would quickly reveal this. An example would be the topic “best ways to teach ballet.” Conversely, it is problematic when students’ ideas are too narrow in scope, such as here: “What are the most common injuries sustained by adolescent female dancers?” If a question can be answered definitively or fairly quickly, it is not appropriate for a study. Occasionally, when students are formulating a research question or project goal, they communicate with a professor outside of dance, who can offer a different perspective. Such co-mentorship broadens the base of expertise from which students can draw.
