Checklist for Developing a Research Question

1. Ensure Significance

• Address an important issue in teaching and learning.
• Contribute to improving educational practices or understanding.

Example: "How does integrating technology in the classroom affect student engagement and learning outcomes in undergraduate science courses?"

2. Maintain Clarity

• Formulate a precise and specific research question.
• Clearly define the population, intervention, and outcomes of interest.

Example: "How does the use of formative assessments impact student motivation and performance in undergraduate algebra courses?"

3. Verify Researchability

• Ensure the research question can be answered within the constraints of available resources, time, and expertise.
• Focus on measurable or observable outcomes.

Example: "What effects do differentiated instructional approaches have for students with diverse learning needs in graduate-level online courses?"

4. Conduct a Literature Review

• Review existing literature to understand the current state of research in the area of interest.
• Identify gaps or unanswered questions that the research could address.

5. Define Scope and Context

• Keep the scope of the research question manageable within the classroom or educational setting.
• Clearly define the context and boundaries of the study.

6. Iterate and Refine

• Revisit and refine the research question based on feedback and further reflection.
• Align the question with research objectives and goals.