Why Does Poverty Exist in the Wealthiest Country in the World?

Despite vast resources and economic power, millions of people struggle to meet basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare. What factors contribute to this paradox? Is it a failure of policy, systemic inequality, or something more complex? And why does poverty exist in every country, including many wealthy democratic nations? Although the levels of poverty vary greatly depending on how each country addresses it, the presence of poverty in these affluent societies raises critical questions. As you explore this chapter, consider these questions and let them guide you in formulating research questions that dig deeper into the roots of poverty across the globe. Understanding the “why” behind this issue is the first step toward uncovering meaningful solutions.

How do you start researching a complex topic like poverty? The first step is crafting effective research questions, like “Why does poverty persist in America, the wealthiest country in the world?” This chapter will guide you through the process, helping you develop skills to break down topics, identify relevant keywords, and apply search strategies. We’ll also explore how to differentiate between source types, evaluate source credibility, and apply these research skills to practical scenarios. Let’s break it down into manageable steps.

Why You Should Care

You should care about improving your ability to ask questions because it enhances your critical thinking skills, helping you understand subjects more deeply and conduct effective research. Additionally, this skill prepares you for professional environments where problem-solving and clear communication are crucial.

Why Begin Research With Questions?

Albert Einstein once said, “If I had one hour to solve a problem, and my life depended on it, I would use the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, because once I know the proper question, I can solve the problem in five minutes.”

Karen Maeyens explores the power of asking questions (9 min).

Good researchers always begin by asking questions because questions guide the research process, providing focus and direction. By formulating clear and targeted questions, researchers can identify what they need to find out, narrow down their topics, and avoid unnecessary information. Questions also help in developing a deeper understanding of the subject, as they require researchers to think critically and explore various perspectives. Additionally, good questions lead to more effective and efficient searches for relevant and credible information, ensuring that the research is thorough and meaningful.

Creating Research Questions

A great research question is your guiding light in any research project. It should be open-ended, objective, and answerable with credible evidence. Let’s dive into how to craft these questions and look at some examples.

First, start with a broad topic. For example, “Poverty in America.”

Next, narrow the topic down. Focus on a specific aspect or angle about the topic. Maybe you’re interested in “the systemic factors contributing to poverty in America.”

Then, create 5-10 research questions. Base your questions on the specific aspect or angle, like the examples below.

If you are struggling to come up with research questions, try using an AI program like ChaptGPT to generate ideas. While you shouldn’t depend on AI programs (especially since the information can be inaccurate), they can be a useful tool when beginning a research project.

Research Question Criteria

Before finalizing your research questions, make sure they follow this criteria:

1. Open-Ended: Avoid yes/no questions. Instead, aim for questions that require detailed responses.
2. Objective: Make sure your question isn’t leading or biased. It should allow for exploration of different perspectives.
3. Answerable with Credible Evidence: Ensure there are enough resources available to answer your question thoroughly.

Research Question Criteria 1: Open-Ended

Open-ended questions encourage detailed responses and in-depth analysis, unlike yes/no questions which limit the scope of your research. For example, instead of asking, “Does poverty exist in America?” you might ask, “What are the underlying causes of persistent poverty in the United States?”

Consider researching the systemic roots of poverty. An open-ended question could be, “How have government policies shaped the economic conditions that lead to poverty in America?”

Research Question Criteria 2: Objective

Objective questions should be free from bias and leading language. They must allow for the exploration of different perspectives. For instance, instead of asking, “Why are American welfare programs ineffective?” you could ask, “How do American welfare programs impact poverty levels?”

Objective Questions: These are neutral and do not imply a particular answer. They are open to exploring multiple perspectives. For example:

1. “What are the impacts of education policy on poverty reduction in America?”
2. “How do different social safety nets affect poverty outcomes across various U.S. states?”

Biased Questions: These imply a particular answer or reflect the asker’s personal views. They can lead to skewed or incomplete information. For example:

1. “Why is America failing to solve poverty?” (Implying failure)
2. “Why do people in poverty make poor financial decisions?” (Implying a negative judgment)

Walden University offers a great guide on the Basics of Avoiding Bias if you want to learn more.

Research Question Criteria 3: Answerable with Credible Evidence

What is Credible Evidence?

Ensure your research question can be thoroughly answered with available resources. This means there should be sufficient data, studies, and literature on the topic. For example, “What policies have been effective in reducing food deserts?” is answerable with credible evidence from reliable sources, such as academic journals, government reports, and case studies. These sources provide well-researched and peer-reviewed information from qualified individuals with relevant education and experience.