Writing Research Questions [Compatibility Mode]

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description

Writing measurable research questions can be difficult -- I think this overview provides some suggestions that might help!These slides and accompanying notes were prepared for an Action Research professional development course for teachers.

Transcript of Writing Research Questions [Compatibility Mode]

Page 1: Writing Research Questions [Compatibility Mode]

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Review from meeting #1

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The research purpose directly leads you to your research question…. A well crafted research purpose is much more likely to result in quality research questions

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After you have your purpose, identify your variable of interest.  You MUST be able to observe/measure your variable of interest, and in it must be something you expect will vary (change) over time.

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If you are going to manipulate something, this is your independent variable. For example: You are interested in how the level of lighting in your room effects the completion rate of class work. The lighting level would be one variable (IV), and you would record completion rate of class work (DV) on days that you have manipulated the lighting to be high or low.

*** don’t be overly concerned with the terminology at this point – I just want you to don t be overly concerned with the terminology at this point  I just want you to see that there are two types of variables****

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I will describe several types of research questions – again, do not be overly concerned with terminology.

This is often the type of question asked during the first cycle through the action research cycle

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What is the relationship between radio play and advertising budget for records released in the US?What is the relationship between exam performance and exam anxiety for Physics students at CSU?

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How you frame your research question depends on:YOUWhat information already exists What you and/or key stakeholders count as evidence (if you hope to influence others)

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How you frame your research question dictates 1) the kind of data you will collect, 2) your data analysis,3) your presentation of results

all aspects of your research must be aligned. For example, (to use the earlierall aspects of your research must be aligned. For example, (to use the earlier example) you are interested in how the level of lighting effects completion rates classroom on completion exercises. These 2 key variables (lighting levels and rates) must exist throughout.

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