1. Defining the Problem
More details…

2. Define your population!
Writing an Introduction
Include: 
Where is the data from?
How reliable is the source? 
Is it representative?
Why have you chosen your variables?
Define your population!
Pose your Investigative Question
Variables must be clearly defined with units
State which variable is considered explanatory and which is dependent (if applicable)

3. IMPORTANT: Give evidence of having completed Your Own RESEARCH
Provide background context with evidence of research
Do you think there will be an association and why? 
Is the question of interest and value?
Could the results be reasonably extended to the population?
What are the findings of other related research?
Include References (refer to them specifically)
10 min spent researching on wikipedia is not enough!!

4. Variable types: Discrete (Qualitative), Continuous (Quantitative)
Bivariate investigations use Quantitative data
(measured)
The variable to be predicted (response or dependent variable) is plotted on the 'y' axis.
The explanatory variable (used to make the prediction from) is on the 'x' axis.
It would be sensible to have one response variable and compare the effect of different explanatory variables. (scope for discussion )
Sometimes there will be no 'causation' between the variables so the two variables are associated, and can go on either axis.
Ensure that if there is a possible causation between the variables then the independent (explanatory) variable is 'x' and the dependent variable is 'y'
EXPLAIN of why you chose your variables and reasons for deciding if explanatory, dependent or associated.

5. Types of Research Question
(CORRELATION style question) I wonder what the relationship between (variable 1) and (variable 2) is in (population)? [ Is this relationship different between (groups)?] OR
What sort of relationship is there between …
I wonder what the relationship between (variable 1) and (variable 2) is in (population)? [How might this relationship compare between (variable 1) and (variable 3)?]
(REGRESSION style questions) Can (variable 1) be used as a good predictor for (variable 2)? [Or would (variable 3) be a better predictor for (variable 2)?]

6. The aim of your investigation should include the word 'relationship'but NOT imply that a relationship exists
   NO:   “what is the relationship between…”    YES: “I wonder if there is a relationship between…”
“what is the nature of the relationship between…”

7. Extra Note
(The investigative question needs to be an appropriate one it is expected that a purpose for the investigation is evident)
If you choose a pointless question you will be limited to achieved level (maximum)