Not all questions are researchable (e.g., What is the meaning of life?). The do not have observable predictions that can be tested. Other questions, while they lead to observations, are not very interesting in terms of theory or the resulting answer (such as yes-no questions). Still others are so broad that current research methods cannot be used to answer them. Researchable questions are those that test theory, can be addressed with observations, are of a scope that can be addressed with current methods, and are interesting to the community of scholars. Recall back to last summer when we asked you to consider 3 emerging technologies you might use, and to say what you expected each technology to do. Why is it important that researchers pose precise questions prior to collecting their data?

(These are just your own initial thoughts, not for public discussion)

.