Final answer:
College-level research involves creating a working thesis, asking research questions, and discovering and narrowing a topic. All elements contribute to a structured and intentional research process, culminating in well-supported conclusions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When contemplating which of the following activities is involved in college-level research, it is important to recognize that the research process is multifaceted. College-level research includes: a. creating a working thesis that makes an arguable claim and providing reasons to support your claim; b. asking a research question and then searching for knowledge, perspectives, and solutions; c. discovering an interesting topic and focusing your topic so that it is manageable. Each of these components plays a crucial role in developing a comprehensive research methodology.
Starting with a working thesis is essential, acting as the north star guiding your research. This thesis or hypothesis attempts to answer the formulated research question and sets the stage for gathering evidence. To test your thesis or hypothesis, various forms of experimentation and synthesis are used to support or refute your initial claims, which is a fundamental component of the research process. Through synthesis, you combine information from various sources to arrive at new conclusions or to fortify your thesis.
Moreover, effective research is intentional, following a structured plan to collect and organize data. This intentional approach prevents being overwhelmed with unusable sources and ensures that each step of your research is productive and relevant. Lastly, conclusive research findings are presented in a focused and well-documented format that conveys your findings clearly to your audience.
Therefore, the correct answer is d. All of these activities are involved in college-level research. By understanding the interconnectedness of all these research activities, a student can effectively engage in scholarly research that contributes meaningfully to the academic discourse in their field of study.