There are various problems with ‘homework’ questions, several of which have been discussed before. I am addressing just one problem, focussing on this because I have what I think is a practical proposal for dealing with it. (Other problems will no doubt remain, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.)

The Problem

As well as for obvious homework questions, it is common practice on this site to use the ‘homework’ option when voting a question off-topic because it shows no evidence of the research expected, often because it is an elementary question. However when a poorly-researched question that is not literally homework is put on-hold on this basis it frequently provokes a bitter response on the part of the poster, as illustrated by this recent post on Meta.

A Proposal

Currently there are four options for closing a question as off-topic. The relevant one is:

• Homework questions are off-topic on Biology unless you have shown your attempt at an answer. For more information see our homework policy.

I suspect a fifth option is discouraged, so my proposal is based on the italicized sections of the related one on English Language & Usage:

• Please include the research you’ve done, or consider if your question suits our English Language Learners site better. Questions that can be answered using commonly-available references are off-topic.

I suggest we can combine the two possibilities and provide a link to possible sources of basic information (provided in a Meta question like EL&L does).

My proposal for SE Biology is:

• Please include the research you’ve done. Have you consulted commonly-available sources of information? If this is a homework question you must show your attempt at an answer. (For more information see our homework policy.)

Obviously, the wording is just a first attempt. The main thing is whether other list members — and especially moderators — think this would improve the site. Whether or not we go ahead, a list of sources of information would be useful. But one thing at a time.

There are various problems with ‘homework’ questions, several of which have been discussed before. I am addressing just one problem, focussing on this because I have what I think is a practical proposal for dealing with it. (Other problems will no doubt remain, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.)

The Problem

As well as for obvious homework questions, it is common practice on this site to use the ‘homework’ option when voting a question off-topic because it shows no evidence of the research expected, often because it is an elementary question. However when a poorly-researched question that is not literally homework is put on-hold on this basis it frequently provokes a bitter response on the part of the poster, as illustrated by this recent post on Meta.

The Question

How can we modify the rubric of the ‘off-topic homework reason’ so that it also includes lack of research?

I say include, rather than add a separate reason, because I have the feeling that it is general SE policy to limit the number of reasons. Certainly the number in SE English Language & Usage is the same as in Biology.