← Knowledge & Inquiry syllabus

SingaporeKnowledge & Inquiry

The Independent Study and Inquiry

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you choose and justify a method that actually answers your research question rather than one that is merely convenient?

Explain how to choose and justify a methodology for the Independent Study, matching method to question across conceptual, empirical and mixed approaches and addressing rigour and ethics
A focused answer on selecting a methodology for the Independent Study. Matching method to question, conceptual versus empirical (qualitative and quantitative) approaches, criteria of rigour such as validity and reliability, and ethical and practical constraints.
10 min answer →

How do you build a sustained argument for a thesis and defend it against the strongest objections rather than the easiest ones?

Explain how to construct a sustained argument for a thesis in the Independent Study and defend it by anticipating and answering the strongest objections
A focused answer on building and defending a thesis in the Independent Study. Moving from question to thesis, structuring premises and evidence into a sustained argument, steelmanning objections, replying to them, and reaching a qualified, defensible conclusion.
10 min answer →

How do you judge which sources and evidence to trust in an inquiry, and how do you guard against your own confirmation bias?

Explain how to evaluate sources and evidence in the Independent Study, applying criteria of reliability and relevance and guarding against bias and cherry-picking
A focused answer on evaluating sources and evidence for the Independent Study. Criteria for source reliability and relevance, primary versus secondary sources, the strength and quality of evidence, and guarding against confirmation bias and cherry-picking.
10 min answer →

What turns a vague interest into a research question that is focused, answerable and genuinely worth investigating?

Explain how to frame a research question for the Independent Study, distinguishing good from poor questions and refining scope, contestability and answerability
A focused answer on framing a research question for the Independent Study. The marks of a good question (focused, answerable, contestable, significant), how to narrow a broad topic, and the common faults of vague, loaded or unanswerable questions.
10 min answer →

How do you turn a completed inquiry into a clear, well-structured dissertation that demonstrates and references its reasoning?

Explain how to structure and write the Independent Study dissertation, from introduction and methodology to argument, evaluation and conclusion, with sound referencing and academic integrity
A focused answer on writing the Independent Study dissertation. The standard structure, the function of each section, signposting and clarity, referencing and avoiding plagiarism, and reflecting on limitations and significance.
10 min answer →