Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Post Your Research Questions and Comments Here!

BY 10PM ON WEDNESDAY, 2/11REVISE and POST your FAVORITE RESEARCH QUESTION as a comment to this post. Select 'Anonymous' from the pull-down menu, and make sure to include your full name in your comment. ALL posts missing names will be deleted and will not receive credit for this assignment.

BY 10PM ON THURSDAY, 2/12READ through ALL of the questions posted by your classmates. Find the two (2) questions that you find most interesting and REPLY to them both. Your reply should 1) DISCUSS what you find interesting about the research question and 2) SUGGEST how the question could be improved further. Make sure to include your full name in your comment. 

73 comments:

  1. Prof. Moreira
    Why is the world round?

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    Replies
    1. Jessenia Rodriguez

      Why isn't the world oval? Or flat?
      This question can go into much further detail and ask about not only why the world is round but also specify which world? Our world? Earth or were you talking about Jupiter? It's nice to know certain things about our world and I personally don't know much about how or why our world is round.

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  2. Karla Lopez
    How does therapy pets help adolescents overcome depression?

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    Replies
    1. Jessenia Rodriguez

      Because puppies, com'on?!
      I find it very fascinating how whenever I am feeling down I just turn over and pick up my baby Pom Pom. She absolutely makes me happy instantly without hesitation. The excitement on their faces to see you or be around you gives off their positive vibe. I guess it is how they say when someone is down they tend to bring other people around them down and vice versa. I like that you chose a certain part of the human group as in adolescents but is your question referring to their own pets? How about just animals in general or a specific animal, maybe their age group of animals? Maybe another way you can reword your question is "In what ways do therapy pets really help curing adolescents in overcoming with their depression?"

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    2. Paula Vazquez
      I think this is an interesting question because there is no way we could exist alone in this world. You need someone or something to give you some form of companionship. I suggest you study the people with and without pets. How haveing a pet affects their moods, especially for those that are depressed, and vice versa for those who aren't depressed.

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    3. How bout this Karla: How many UTPA students own pets, and why? What pets are the most popular/least popular among UTPA students? Are UTPA student pet owners happier/less happy than non-UTPA pet owners?

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  3. Paula Vazquez
    How does music play a role in the way we express ourselves within our everyday lives?

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    Replies
    1. Karla Lopez
      This is an interesting idea. Music has an affect on a lot of people these days. Though you may want to be more specific in your question. like focus on what age group or what genre of music.

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    2. How bout this Paula: How/why does music impact the everyday lives of UTPA students? What types of music is most popular/least popular, and why? When do they listen to music, and why? What activities require music/don't require music, and why?

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  4. Marissa Valdez
    Do students graduating from a four year college university actually acquire the intended material for their career job or are they a day to day study for test?

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    Replies
    1. 1) I find this question interesting because in classes I don't find enjoy I don't learn the subject, I simply memorize the contents for the test. Classes like these only test memory, not skill or the actual learning. 2) Maybe rewriting the question to be a bit more specific, "Do four year universities give students the necessary materials needed for their career choices or only to get the A?" Or maybe talk about a specific major.

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    2. Blanca Ozuna
      1) I find this question interesting because in classes I don't find enjoy I don't learn the subject, I simply memorize the contents for the test. Classes like these only test memory, not skill or the actual learning. 2) Maybe rewriting the question to be a bit more specific, "Do four year universities give students the necessary materials needed for their career choices or only to get the A?" Or maybe talk about a specific major.

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    3. How bout this Marissa: Why are students attending UTPA: to acquire knowledge or to graduate and get a job? What are the differences/similarities between these two reasons, and which (knowledge or job) are most popular/least popular? Which of these should UTPA students focus on in order to be as successful as possible?

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  5. Blanca Ozuna
    How can having a relative in the armed forces influence a family member into joining?

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    Replies
    1. Abigail Medellin

      1)This is a great question, especially since it is relatable to many other military families. My father is in the navy and, as expected, after many many years of service my brother has decided that he wants to follow in the family footsteps and be a soldier. This seems to be more like a tradition with many of the military families that I have come to know. It starts with the grandfather and from there it is a never ending chain.
      2)You should expand more on your question. Instead of researching the situation for just that one specific branch, why not use the others (Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Armed Forces, etc.). Take into account that one relative could be in the armed forces and their service influences another relative to be involved in the military, maybe not the armed forces specifically, but a different branch of service.

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    2. This is an interesting question because my own father was in the military and I have no intense from that, but then again I'm a girl and im scared of ever going to military. But I do know a lot of people that say they went only because their brother or sad or cousin went. And if that's the case, you could ask people so if they jumped off a bridge are you gonna do the same?

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    3. That is a sexist remark. You can be a girl and fight for our country.

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    4. How about this Blanca: How many UTPA students have family members currently in the military? How/why do these family members impact the academic development of UTPA students? Should UTPA students need help coping with family members in the military, where can they go/who should they talk to on campus?

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  6. Ashlee Lopez
    Does teaching sex education in schools lower the pregnancy rate in teens?

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    Replies
    1. Ana K. Rubio

      1)I believe this would be helpful in a way. Many adolescents have intercourse irresponsibly and they should learn about it at a early age. 2) You can be more specific and put a grade level or age at which it should be reasonable to be taught.For example " Does teaching sex education in schools at an early age help diminish the pregnancy rate in teens?

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    2. Alexys Castaneda
      1.) I find this question really appealing because I myself would like to know the answer as well. I believe that having sex education would teach student how to be pre-cautious and aware of what they are getting themselves into. As far as lowering the pregnancy rate, it's a bit of a stretch but quite possible. 2.) Perhaps you could could rephrase the question in a not so 'yes or no' form. The word 'Does' makes others think that you want a yes or no answer, maybe the question should be phrased as "How does teaching sex education lower the pregnancy rate in teens?"

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    3. How bout this Ashlee: How many students at UTPA are sexually active? How many male/female students, and what ages are most active/least active? For sexually active students, what types of factors (disease, pregnancy, etc.) do they take into consideration before becoming sexually active? Is protected sex more popular/less popular than unprotected sex?

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  7. David Munoz

    How did the constellations get their unique names and what sort of history or story they have?

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    Replies
    1. Paula vazquez
      I like this question because I look up at the sky often and wonder this myself. I see orian and think, he looks nothing like a warrior, why call him that. I suggest you look at differebt versions of history. See what all their stories have in common. Do they have nothing common or are they almost the same? There are always lessons to be learned and that's what constellations represent.

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    2. This has been done before, so let's find a gap to make your project unique. How bout this: What significant contributions have Latinos/as made to the field of astronomy? Who are these Latinos/as, and how/why have they influenced the study of stars and space?

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  8. Lisa Lopez

    In what ways does the Residence Life staff help first year UTPA students become comfortable in a new environment as well as their academic life?

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    Replies
    1. Clarissa Diaz
      1) I find this question interesting because first year students need to be aware of their surroundings since it is their first year. They are able to socialize with other students that are not from this area as well. 2) Possibly rephrasing your question "What does UTPA offer to first year students as far academic life?"

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    2. Good, but let's cover more bases, like this: In what way does Residence Life staff help acclimate first-year UTPA students to the college environment? Are they doing enough, or should they do more to help students in their transition? What do current 1st-year students like/dislike about Residence Life? What should Residence Life do in order to best help transitioning students?

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  9. Jessenia Rodriguez

    Is business planning a big part of opening up your own local coffee shop?

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    Replies
    1. Ashlee lopez
      This is very interesting because it stands out from the rest, i think you could reword your question In opening up your own coffee shop does business planning play a major role?

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    2. Didn't you already explore this in 1301?
      How bout this: How/why are strategizing and planning fundamental skills that UTPA business majors should focus on and develop for success? What do UTPA business majors think about strategizing and planning, and how/why are their opinions significant? What should students do in order to develop these skills?

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  10. Clarissa Diaz

    What are the benefits physical activity has for a person's health?

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    Replies
    1. Interesting question, because I think personally physical health is equal to a persons mental health/stability. If someone suffers from depression they may try to find a way to cope with it and it may or may not be the gym or eating or something else. To add to your question you say how mental health connects with physical health.

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    2. How bout this, Clarissa: How/why do UTPA students exercise? Who exercises more at UTPA: male or female students? What is the impact of exercise on these two groups?

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  11. Briana Shannon

    How does abortion affect the lives of women?

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    Replies
    1. Zitlalith Cantu
      1) This is a question that not many people consider, abortion can affect a woman's life physically and mentally. I'm really looking forward to read our paper about it because it can inform many about this subject. 2) I believe you question goes straight to the point, but maybe like "how are women's lives affected by having an abortion?"

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    2. Two ways you can go with this. I'll start with the easier route: Where do UTPA students stand on the abortion debate? Are students for, or against, abortion? Where do male students stand on this debate compared to female students?

      Second route more difficult, but significant. This route would require discretion and trust in order to acquire information from your sources, if they choose to reveal their stories: How many female UTPA students have had abortions, and why? What are the main reasons for abortions by UTPA female students? What types of resources does UTPA currently have to help female students both deciding whether or not to have an abortion, and dealing with the traumas after abortion? Should there be more of a dialogue about this social issue on campus? If so, how/why should UTPA approach this subject?

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  12. Mayra De La Torre

    What are the effects of autism on social relationships?

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    Replies
    1. Jaime Sierra
      1.) I've had friends with autism and there is a slight difference in the way I act and talk with them. I tend to listen more and be extremely polite. It's a touchy subject but I'd love to see your response. 2.) Since everyone is different the effects on the individuals with autism and their friends may vary so I recommend using "to what extent" as the beginning of your question.

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    2. How bout this, Mayra: Do autistic students exist at UTPA? If so, what is the impact of college life on these individuals? How easy/difficult is it for these individuals to cope with college life? What types of resources are available on campus to help these individuals be successful?

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  13. Marcelo Barredo

    What physical methods do individuals on the track team use/recommend to increase speed?

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    Replies
    1. How if I tweaked your topic a bit, like this: What strategies do students on the UTPA track team use in order to succeed both in school and on the field? How easy/difficult is it to balance these two worlds? What resources does UTPA offer student athletes in order to help them succeed in sports and their educations? Should UTPA do more to help student athletes? If so, what should UTPA do?

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  14. Diana Romero
    With the sudden rise of measles in the U.S. many people wasted no time in pointing their fingers at the anti-vaxxers, but are they the only possible culprits?

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    Replies
    1. How bout this, D: What do UTPA students think: are vaccines a good/bad thing? Are UTPA students informed about the advantages/disadvantages of vaccines? If so, what do they know about vaccines? If not, what should they know?

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  15. Alexys Castaneda
    Can you actually sense weather with an injured body part?

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    Replies
    1. Karla Lopez
      This is an interesting topic. This isn't the first time ive heard of something like this. I don't even know what to believe. it should be fun finding that out. Though it might be easier if you focused on certain weather? like if its going to rain? or what kind of injuries?

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    2. Marivel Garcia
      In personal experience, my father has sensed the cold weather with an injured knee, saying that the "cold" weather was coming. But is this something all people feel with an injured body part? As Karla mentioned above, you should focus on a weather, for example cold weather since it is more common for people to feel you may ask; "Why is it that cold weather can affect a surgically implanted metal inside somebody's body due to an injury?"

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    3. How bout this, Alexys: What do UTPA students think: is it possible for individuals to sense weather changes with their body? If not, why? If so, how/why do they believe this to be possible? What types of scientific evidence exists to support/refute embodied weather forecasts, and how does it compare to opinions on campus?

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  16. Ana K. Rubio

    How does the variation of culture define students's choices in the UTPA classrooms?

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    Replies
    1. Abigail Medellin

      1) I think that this is a great question because in our location near the border of both North America and Mexico, I have experienced many situations where racial bias was the 'norm'. I know that this is in ongoing problem and it happens in colleges. So, it is important that this issue is brought to the light.
      2)You should be more specific in which culture or cultures? Who are you talking to hispanics? asians? whites? blacks? Also specify the consequences of racial bias in colleges in general.

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    2. I like Abigail's suggestion, so what if your question looked like this: Does racism exist on the UTPA campus? If not, why not? If so, how and why? Which groups are targeted the most/least, and how do they cope with these racisms? How effectively/ineffectively is UTPA dealing with racism on campus, and what other steps should they take to abolish this type of oppression?

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  17. Marivel Garcia

    Who should be eligible to receive government welfare?

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    Replies
    1. Ana K. Rubio

      1) This is a very interesting topic because there is people that don't make a good use of these benefits. There are persons that honestly don't deserve them yet still receive them so therefore there should be various requirement in order to get them.They need to emphasize in this matter because it will make a huge difference while choosing the people that can be eligible to obtain it. . 2) What you can add to this question is if there should be certain requirements in order to be eligible. Fore example," What requirements should be taken in consideration in order to chose who is eligible to receive government welfare?"

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    2. How bout this, Marivel: How many students at UTPA receive welfare, and why? What is the impact of welfare on the everyday lives of students on/off campus? What are the five main reasons students turn to welfare for aid, and how/why is financial aid similar/different to welfare aid?

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  18. Abigail Medellin

    How has the evolution of war films/documentaries affected the audience's perspective of war in general?

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    Replies
    1. Blanca Ozuna
      1) I believe this happens a lot with history. Even in textbooks, or documents the person making them bias towards the subject they are writing about. Now a days with technology, the media has eyes everywhere and can simply show what they want their audience to see. 2) Maybe by making the question about a certain country and how that country handles what goes into the public.

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    2. A bit broad, so what if we focused on one specific film, like this: How/why has the film 'American Sniper'/'Zero Dark Thirty'/Other film impacted UTPA students? How many students have seen it/not seen it, and what are their opinions about it? Which population has seen it more: male or female students, and why? Among these populations, what are the differences in opinions before/after seeing this film?

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  19. Zitlalith Cantu
    Have humans become so dependent on technology and how does this affect us as a society?

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    Replies
    1. Alexys Castaneda
      1.) The question of the year! Love this, yes I do believe that most of the population has become dependent on technology especially the younger generation. 2.) Instead of focusing on the society as a whole, focusing on a general population such as young adults and adolescents would expand your question even further and in turn you will receive a more detailed answer.

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    2. Marissa Valdez
      This question is very interesting because now a days every one is always on their phones or carrying their laptops and ipads around with them. There is a lot of feedback you could get in this topic as your research question. Try to focus on certain ages of generations.

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    3. How bout this, Z: How/why has technology impacted students at UTPA? What types of technologies are most/least popular, and why? How do students use these technologies on campus, and what are the advantages/disadvantages of using these technologies on campus? What should UTPA students do in order not to let technology become a distraction?

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  20. Jaime Sierra
    To what extent does the environment affect a writers capabilities?

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    Replies
    1. Marivel Garcia
      A writer is capable to write as much as he sets his mind to. Maybe some writers do not have even the utilities to write such as a pencil. You should focus more on a specific group type, such as students in a third world country.

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    2. How bout this, Jaime: At UTPA, what types of environments (library, union, etc.) foster good student writing? What environments hinder good writing? What are the differences/similarities between these environments, and how should students go about choosing the best ones in order to develop into good writers?

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    3. Jaime Sierra
      Marivel Garcia, I understand what you're saying but I don't think you're understanding my question. Sure a writer can write as mush as he sets he's mind to, but environment does play a role. For example someone may process ideas differently in a quiet room versus a loud coffee shop. That is where my question revolves around, not the materials they use. Thanks for the feedback.

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  21. Lesley chapa
    does working while attending school affect the students academics in a positive or negative way?

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    Replies
    1. Ashlee lopez
      I really like this question because its right at home mamy students face working while going to school. I think you could improve by expanding your research by asking different students from different colleges and if possible highschool students to get a more diverse data to compare to.

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    2. Jaime Sierra
      1.) Fair question. I've been in this situation and I must say it personally affected me the negative way and I could blab on forever on why I think it's more of a negative, but I would love to read your paper and see your full response on the subject. 2.) You have a good question but it provokes a simple yes or no answer because your question doesn't include a "Why, What, how, to what extent." Try this- How does working while attending school affect a students academic progress?

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    3. Clarissa Diaz
      1) I think this is a good question since it affects both positive and negative ways. It depends on how many hours the student needs to work. Some students do not live with their parents and live alone. They have to pay a lot of expenses and financial aid often times is not enough to cover them. Also if they work long hours it can affect them because they can't concentrate on school. 2.) You can do further research on this topic and rephrase it "Is financial aid enough to help students live independently?"

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    4. How bout this, Les: How/why does part-time/full-time work impact the lives of UTPA students? What advantages/disadvantages are there in being employed/unemployed while in college? For those students with jobs, what are some of the most important strategies they should develop in order to succeed in school and work?

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  22. Marissa Valdez
    This is a interesting question because mostly every students has a job. I have job and go to school and some times it's easy but there's times I feel like I don't know what I'm doing and stress about everything. I think it could be a positive and negative depending on how you balance your stuff. You could also focus on does working so many hours affect the student's academics?

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