If we hope to show students how to convert data to information and insight, it is best to begin the inquiry with a question at the insight level which will guide most of the research to follow. There are many different ways that voters prepare for the voting decision. The best questions will be formulated by the students themselves after they have been taught the three types of questions and have seen examples. Questions which flow out of their own personal curiosity are most likely to provoke a high level of motivation. Conducting the Research Posing the essential question leads to the development of research strategies.
Text searches through databases are supremely effective and efficient.
The student thereby gathers evidence and editorial reflection with extraordinary speed. Other databases offer social science analysis and insight. In contrast with time-honored print sources, the time required to locate key ideas and data is greatly reduced. Eric Jensen's article does a thorough job of describing many of the research options and tools available for students. Many of the activities and the applications he describes are admirably suited to exploration of the kinds of questions urged by this article.