Research questions Overview of this session Together create

Research questions

Overview of this session • Together create a definition of a “good” research question • Begin refining individual questions

What makes a “good” research question? • What are the attributes of a good research question? – Write your thoughts in your journal – Compare with a partner • Pick the one you like the best of the two, or create a new statement – Pairs share with their table • Pick the statement you like the best of all at your table, or create a new statement – Share your “best” statement with the group

Recall the NRC principles 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. • Question: pose significant question that can be investigated empirically Theory: link research to relevant theory Methods: use methods that permit direct investigation of the question Reasoning: provide coherent, explicit chain of reasoning Replicate and generalize across studies Disclose research to encourage professional scrutiny and critique Do the statements we have written need to be added in light of these principles?

Intellectual neighbors • Take a stretch break and find your intellectual neighbors – SIT TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST PART OF THIS EXERCISE

Refining your question • In your journal: – Write your current research question.

Ideas from Sally Fincher and Robin Adams FIE 2004

Iterations Clarity Significance Evidence Technique

Clarity Work first in pairs, then with your other neighbors. Share your first version of your research question. Get feedback on: 1. Recognizable as a question – is it a sentence? 2. Specificity – is it vague? 3. Does it ask “what” (may be assessment) or “how” or “why” (more likely to be a research question)? 4. Doable – can you imagine how you might study it? Revise your question based on the feedback you receive

Iterations Clarity Significance

Significance Write a statement of significance for the most refined version of your question. • For whom would it be significant? (audience) – To you or your institution only? – For a broader community? • Relevance - Why might they be interested? • Justification - What is the contribution? • Context - How does this fit in the known landscape? • “Edgy” – Does it open up new avenues?

Work on your poster • ADD – Your most refined research question – Your most refined statement of significance • Make this public and get feedback from the larger community – Post your poster • “Walk the wall” – look at other people’s posters – Find possible new intellectual neighbors – Provide feedback on the clarity of the questions (is it clear? ) and on the significance (do you see a larger audience that would be interested in this question? )