What is a research question A research question

What is a research question? “A research question is a clear, focused, concise, complex and arguable question around which you center your research. You should ask a question about an issue that you are genuinely curious about. ” (http: //writingcenter. gmu. edu)

Is your question too narrow? Too broad? A RESEARCH QUESTION SHOULD BE FOCUSED AND NARROW, NOT BROAD. TOO BROAD… “WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE? ” MORE FOCUSED… “WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPECIFIC EARLY CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND SUBSEQUENT SUBSTANCE-ABUSING BEHAVIORS? ” (HTTP: //WWW. THERESEARCHASSISTANT. COM)

LE P SAM ARCH E S S N E O R I T S E QU UNCLEAR: Why are social networking sites harmful? CLEARER: How are online users experiencing or addressing privacy issues on such social networking sites as My. Space and Facebook?

Explanation… Unclear version: �Does not specify which social networking sites or suggest what kind of harm the sites are causing. �Assumes that this “harm” is proven and/or accepted. Clearer version: � Specifies the sites, the type of harm, and who the issue is harming. A strong research question should never leave room for ambiguity or interpretation.

LE P SAM ARCH E S S N E O R I T ES U Q UNFOCUSED: What is the effect on the environment from global warming? MORE FOCUSED: How is glacial melting affecting penguins in the Arctic Circle?

Explanation… Unfocused version: �Could not be adequately answered in a 7 -10 page paper due to being too broad. Focused version: �Narrows down to a specific cause, a specific place, and a specific group that is affected. When in doubt, make a research question as narrow and focused as possible.

LE P SAM ARCH E S S N E O R I T ES U Q TOO SIMPLE: How are doctors addressing diabetes in the United States? MORE COMPLEX: What are common traits of those suffering from diabetes in America, and how can these commonalities be used to aid the medical community in prevention of the disease?

Explanation… Simple version: �Can be looked up online and answered in a few factual sentences. �Leaves no room for analysis. Complex version: �Is written in two parts. �Is thought provoking and requires both significant investigation and evaluation from the writer. As a general rule of thumb, if a quick Google search can answer a research question, it is likely not very effective.

LE P SAM ARCH E S S N E O R I T ES U Q TOO OBJECTIVE: How much time do youth between the ages of 10 and 15 spend playing video games? MORE ARGUABLE: What are the effects of videogaming on the attention spans of youth between the ages of 10 and 15?

Explanation… Too objective: �Is likely to lead to some data, though not necessarily to an argument or issue. �Leaves no room for analysis. More Arguable: �Might lead the researcher to formulate an argument for or against time spent playing video games.

Targeting Research Questions BROAD TOPIC 21 st-Century Math Learning PROBLEM Does school librarian expertise in educational technology play a role in math learning in middle schools with underserved population? NARROWER TOPIC What are critical ages, tools, and approached to effective 21 st-Century math learning? RESEARCH QUESTION Does school librarian & math teacher collaboration increase positive student outcomes in middle school math learning? THESIS STATEMENT School librarian collaborative and technology roles increase positive student outcomes in math learning in schools with underserved populations.