Research Paper

Formulating a Good Research Question

(Use this with the “Research Question Flowchart”)

Before you begin, watch the Module 2 Lecture video.

Here is a step-by-step guide to formulating a good research question for LIBS 110.:

1) Identify a topic that interests you

2) Brainstorm ways to relate it to Information Literacy

3) Pick a population it affects

4) Identify a measurable impact or time span

5) Be sure to avoid biased / yes or no questions / list answers (examples below)

My Example (you may NOT use this example):

1) TOPIC OF INTEREST: Animal dissections in high school Biology classes

2) INFORMATION LITERACY: Virtual programs, online resources, dissection simulations

3) POPULATION: High school Biology students or classes

4) MEASUREABLE IMPACT: Science assessment scores

General Templates. Just plug in your categories!

A. (Effect) How does (TOPIC/INFORMATION LITERACY) affect the (MEASUREABLE IMPACT) of (POPULATION)?

Example: How does the use of dissection simulation programs affect the assessment scores of high school biology students?

B. (Comparison) How does (MEASUREABLE IMPACT*) of (POPULATION*) relate when (COMPARISON 1*) compares to (COMPARISON 2*)? *one component must be tied to Information Literacy

Example: How do the science assessment scores of high school Biology students using dissection simulations* compare to those conducting actual dissection?

C. (Historical) How has (TOPIC/INFORMATION LITERACY) affected/changed (POPULATION) over (TIME SPAN) years?

Example: How has virtual dissection simulation changed the landscape of high school biology classes over the last 20 years?

Avoid these pit-falls:

TOO BROAD: How does technology influence high school biology students?

TOO NARROW: How has the development of virtual dissection affected the fetal pig sales over the past 10 years?

YES/NO: Are there online alternatives to animal dissection?

LIST: What are the alternatives to animal dissections?

BIASED: How can teachers end the cruel practice of dissecting animals?