2- Developing a Clear and Focused Research Question and Title

Introduction

A clear and focused research question is key to success on your IB Business Management External Assessment essay or any other research paper for that matter. It will guide your entire research and writing process by helping to narrow your focus onto a specific topic or issue. It also makes it much easier to formulate an appropriate essay title that clearly conveys the topic to your reader.

Example of an Effective Prompt

Apart from discussing your research question with your teacher, you can chat with a LLM to identify different perspectives and find pathways for developing your essay.

Many students struggle with developing their initial research question, crafting something that is broad or unclear. This is where using an effective prompt for a Large Language Model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Claude with your teacher can be extremely helpful. By getting feedback on proposed research questions using evaluative criteria, you can work together to refine and strengthen your question.

Here is an example LLM output using a similar prompt on a student's provisional research question: "How does corporate social responsibility impact business strategy?"

This question is a good starting point, but could be narrowed down further. Let's evaluate it using our seven criteria:

1. The question helps focus research on the relationship between CSR and strategy, but is still quite broad.
2. It lends itself to developing a line of reasoning from a business perspective, but could be more specific.
3. It considers a current and important business issue.
4. It implies consideration of causes and consequences but does not specify them.
5. It does not explicitly consider possible solutions.
6. It does not specify consideration of the consequences of solutions.
7. It does not help decide on the best course of action.

Here are some revised research questions that address the criteria in more focused ways:

• How can companies strategically implement climate action programs to gain a competitive advantage?
• What are the causes and consequences of using a stakeholder-based approach to CSR on a company's relationships with investors?
• In what ways can multinational corporations balance short-term profitability with long-term sustainability goals through their CSR strategies?
• What solutions can fashion brands adopt to ethically source materials and reduce environmental impacts, and what are the potential positive and negative outcomes?
• Which is the best organizational structure for a company to manage CSR initiatives - a dedicated department, board oversight, or community partnerships - and why?

Conclusions

By working with a teacher using an effective prompt for AI powered tools, students can develop a research question that provides clear guidance throughout the essay writing process. A well-crafted question also allows for a focused title that captures the essence of the inquiry.

Here is the generic version of the magic prompt:

Here is the student's research question:<insert question here>

Present a student's research question and then generate 5 revised versions. Imagine you are a knowledgeable research essay supervisor and high school teacher. Assess the student's research question based on the following criteria, and explain how each revision enhances it:

1. Does the question guide research towards a specific issue?
2. Does the question facilitate the development of a reasoned argument and explanation within the context of different disciplines (economics, physics, history)?
3. Does the question prompt consideration of a current problem or business-related issue?
4. Does the question encourage the examination of both the causes and consequences (positive and negative) of the problem or issue?
5. Does the question stimulate thinking about potential solutions or courses of action?
6. Does the question prompt reflection on the consequences (positive and negative) of these proposed solutions?
7. Does the question assist in determining the best course of action?

 #ResearchTitles #ResearchQuestions #BusinessManagement #ExtendedEssayEE #IBdiploma

Other posts outlining how to develop the various sections of a research essay, and in what measure and how to use AI-powered tools for each section, sample prompts included:

1- Using AI Writing Tools Ethically and Productively

2- Developing a Clear and Focused Research Question and Title

3- Crafting a Strong Introduction for Your Research Essay

4- Research Methods Revealed: Writing the Methodology Section of Your Essay

5- Analyzing for Success: Creating a Strong Analysis Section