Developing Actionable Research Questions and Moving into Study Design

Session Type: Professional Development Course

Abstract

This four hour inquiry-based methods course will focus on how researchers can take a problem of practice or topic of interest and transform it into a set of researchable questions. Through intensive methods instruction; modelling of question formation and iteration through live workshopping; and peer review of research questions in rounds with scaffolding, participants will learn the fundamentals of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research question development. They will be guided into the beginnings of research design, which in turn helps focus and iterate research questions, define study goals, and develop a reasonable scope for the research project or dissertation. This course is particularly relevant to practitioner researchers, executive doctoral and master's students, and early-career educational researchers. This will be a creative, collaborative, and constructively critical space of inquiry and support.

Taught by both a qualitative and a quantitative methodologist who teach graduate students and mentor early-career researchers, this seminar will be hands-on and supportively critical. The goal is for every participant to leave with a set of research questions and a plan for next steps in research design. We will: review characteristics of actionable research questions; learn guidelines for strengthening research questions; and practice refining research questions. Participants will also be asked to read short articles or chapters and enter their draft research questions or topics on a shared document prior to the course. Required material and software include a word-processing program and access to Padlet and Google Docs.

Sub Unit

• Professional Development and Training Committee

Directors

• Sharon Ravitch, University of Pennsylvania

• Leslie Nabors Olah, University of Pennsylvania