Develop Research Questions
Begin with Inquiry
After you’ve articulated your “wonderings,” it’s time to narrow your topic.
Is your topic
- …too broad?
- …too vague?
- …too narrow?
- …something measurable?
Start writing your wondering(s) as a research question(s): Is it feasible to answer?
Notes:
- Avoid assuming the answer (use words like “effect/affect” and “impact” rather than “improve”)
- Quantitative research questions (RQs) are more direct/specific while qualitative and mixed methods RQs can be more open-ended.
Sample Research Questions:
- RQ1: Can reframing a major course assignment as an ePortfolio impact student motivation in a course?
- RQ2: Can reframing a major course assignment as an ePortfolio affect student achievement on an assignment, as measured by a rubric assessing higher order thinking?