Choosing a question that is too broad or too narrow

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 30 views

Exploring Research Questions in VCE Biology: A Guide for Students

As a VCE Biology student, you're likely to encounter a wide range of research questions that can spark your curiosity and interest in the field. However, not all research questions are created equal, and some may be more suitable for investigation than others. In this article, we'll explore four potential research questions and evaluate their suitability for a VCE Biology student.

What Makes a Good Research Question?

Before we dive into the specific research questions, let's consider what makes a good research question in VCE Biology. A good research question should be:

Specific: Clearly defined and focused on a specific topic or issue.
Testable: Able to be investigated and answered through experimentation or observation.
Relevant: Relevant to the field of biology and of interest to the student.
Feasible: Able to be completed within the time and resource constraints of the student.

With these criteria in mind, let's evaluate the four research questions listed below.

Research Question 1: Why do lorikeets have colourful feathers?

This research question is a great example of a specific and relevant question in VCE Biology. Lorikeets are a type of bird known for their bright and colourful plumage, and understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon can provide valuable insights into the evolution of bird colouration.

To investigate this question, a student could conduct a literature review on the different theories of bird colouration, such as the idea that bright colours serve as a form of communication or mating signal. They could also design an experiment to test the hypothesis that lorikeets with brighter colours are more attractive to potential mates.

Research Question 2: Is avocado really poisonous to birds?

This research question is a great example of a question that is both specific and testable. Avocado toxicity in birds is a common concern, and understanding the extent to which avocados are poisonous to birds can provide valuable insights into bird nutrition and health.

To investigate this question, a student could conduct a literature review on the different studies that have investigated the toxicity of avocados in birds. They could also design an experiment to test the hypothesis that avocados are toxic to birds, and if so, what are the symptoms of toxicity.

Research Question 3: Do dandelion buds need sunlight to open?

This research question is a great example of a question that is both specific and feasible. Dandelion buds are a common sight in many gardens and parks, and understanding the factors that influence their opening can provide valuable insights into plant development and ecology.

To investigate this question, a student could conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis that dandelion buds need sunlight to open. They could design a controlled experiment where dandelion buds are exposed to different levels of sunlight and observe the effects on bud opening.

Research Question 4: Is embryonic stem cell research moral?

This research question is a great example of a question that is both specific and relevant. Embryonic stem cell research is a highly debated topic in the field of biology, and understanding the moral implications of this research can provide valuable insights into the ethics of scientific inquiry.

To investigate this question, a student could conduct a literature review on the different arguments for and against embryonic stem cell research. They could also design a philosophical argument to support their position on the morality of embryonic stem cell research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, all four research questions listed above have the potential to be good research questions for a VCE Biology student. However, the suitability of each question will depend on the student's interests, skills, and resources.

When selecting a research question, it's essential to consider the criteria outlined above: specificity, testability, relevance, and feasibility. By choosing a research question that meets these criteria, students can ensure that their investigation is productive, engaging, and relevant to the field of biology.

Recommendations for VCE Biology Students

Based on the evaluation of the four research questions, we recommend the following:

Research Question 1: Why do lorikeets have colourful feathers? This question is a great example of a specific and relevant question in VCE Biology. It has the potential to provide valuable insights into the evolution of bird colouration and is feasible to investigate within the time and resource constraints of a VCE Biology student.
Research Question 2: Is avocado really poisonous to birds? This question is a great example of a question that is both specific and testable. It has the potential to provide valuable insights into bird nutrition and health and is feasible to investigate within the time and resource constraints of a VCE Biology student.
Research Question 3: Do dandelion buds need sunlight to open? This question is a great example of a question that is both specific and feasible. It has the potential to provide valuable insights into plant development and ecology and is feasible to investigate within the time and resource constraints of a VCE Biology student.
Research Question 4: Is embryonic stem cell research moral? This question is a great example of a question that is both specific and relevant. However, it may be more challenging to investigate due to the complexity of the topic and the need for a philosophical argument to support the student's position.

Ultimately, the choice of research question will depend on the student's interests, skills, and resources. By considering the criteria outlined above and selecting a research question that meets these criteria, students can ensure that their investigation is productive, engaging, and relevant to the field of biology.
VCE Biology Research Questions: A Q&A Guide

In our previous article, we explored four potential research questions for VCE Biology students and evaluated their suitability for investigation. In this article, we'll provide a Q&A guide to help students answer common questions and concerns about research questions in VCE Biology.

Q: What is a research question, and why is it important in VCE Biology?

A: A research question is a specific, testable, and relevant question that guides an investigation in VCE Biology. It's essential to have a clear research question because it helps students focus their investigation, identify the key variables, and design an experiment or observation to answer the question.

Q: How do I choose a research question for my VCE Biology investigation?

A: When choosing a research question, consider the following criteria:

Specificity: Is the question clearly defined and focused on a specific topic or issue?
Testability: Can the question be investigated and answered through experimentation or observation?
Relevance: Is the question relevant to the field of biology and of interest to you?
Feasibility: Can the question be completed within the time and resource constraints of your investigation?

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when selecting a research question?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when selecting a research question include:

Choosing a question that is too broad or too narrow: A question that is too broad may be difficult to investigate, while a question that is too narrow may not be relevant or interesting.
Choosing a question that is not testable: A question that cannot be investigated or answered through experimentation or observation may not be a good choice.
Choosing a question that is not relevant to the field of biology: A question that is not relevant to the field of biology may not be of interest to you or your peers.

Q: How do I design an experiment or observation to answer my research question?

A: When designing an experiment or observation, consider the following steps:

Identify the key variables: Determine the key variables that are relevant to your research question and identify the relationships between them.
Develop a hypothesis: Based on your research question, develop a hypothesis that can be tested through experimentation or observation.
Design an experiment or observation: Design an experiment or observation that can test your hypothesis and answer your research question.
Collect and analyze data: Collect and analyze data from your experiment or observation to answer your research question.

Q: What are some common challenges I may face when conducting my VCE Biology investigation?

A: Some common challenges you may face when conducting your VCE Biology investigation include:

Difficulty in collecting data: Collecting data can be challenging, especially if you're working with limited resources or equipment.
Difficulty in analyzing data: Analyzing data can be challenging, especially if you're working with complex or large datasets.
Difficulty in interpreting results: Interpreting results can be challenging, especially if you're working with ambiguous or conflicting data.

Q: How do I overcome these challenges and ensure a successful VCE Biology investigation?

A: To overcome these challenges and ensure a successful VCE Biology investigation, consider the following strategies:

Seek guidance from your teacher or mentor: Don't be afraid to seek guidance from your teacher or mentor if you're struggling with your investigation.
Use available resources: Use available resources, such as textbooks, online tutorials, and scientific journals, to help you with your investigation.
Be flexible and adaptable: Be flexible and adaptable when conducting your investigation, and be willing to make changes as needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a research question is a specific, testable, and relevant question that guides an investigation in VCE Biology. By choosing a research question that meets the criteria outlined above and following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure a successful and productive investigation. Remember to seek guidance from your teacher or mentor, use available resources, and be flexible and adaptable when conducting your investigation.