Developing a Research Question

Pixabay. Exhange of Ideas, July, 2014, CC0 Public Domain

While browsing for controversies during project 1, I came across a few articles that really intrigued me and made me want to learn more about them. They were topics that covered issues that are at the forefront of conversation in this current age and would all be a great topics to analyze.

1. What makes cyberspace a world of opportunity for bullies?

• I was interested in this topic because you always hear about the dangers of online chat rooms, and more recently, the damage kids can do to each other behind a computer screen. Cyber bullying affects many kids' lives in a huge way, and I would be interested to analyze the reasons and methods behind it.

2. How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?

• The first text message was sent in 1992, and since then, has become a global phenomenon with a majority of the world's population being frequent texters. Texting has since blown up during this generation of teenagers, and many are afraid the short blurbs and abbreviated messages are affecting teen literacy in a negative way. When I text, I often use shortened phrases to save time, and would love to read and learn about what the experts have to say, and texting's affect on teenagers' social skills and literacy.

Last but not least, the topic you can't go a day without hearing in the news due to recent rulings:

3. Should marijuana be legalized and how it would affect the U.S.?

• With the recent legalization in several states, many say it is only a matter of time before it is legal across the United States. Upon researching this topic, it was the most diverse with opinions from both sides, those who are pro-legalization and those who are not. Due to the huge presence of this topic in recent times I think it would be extremely rewarding and interesting to read what people are debating about, and their opinions on it, not just a teenage paper on "weed is cool, it should be legal."