How to Form a Research Question

1. Identify the problem. Problem

(Talk it over with critical
friends.)

2. Why is the problem List several possibilities:

happening?
a.
(The “why” determines
the action plan.) b.

c.

d.

e.
Choose the one that represents your best guess and is one
YOU can do something about in a reasonable period of time.

3. Brainstorm possible List several possibilities:

actions.
a.

b.

c.

d.

e.
Choose the one YOU can do something about in a reasonable
period of time and you guess might work.

4. Write your research

question. If I _______________________(fill in action plan), what

will happen to the _________________________________

_______________________ (fill in the problem)?

(Hollingsworth, Khan, Khoso, & Qureshi, 2005)

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