Research Question Generator is a component of an online Library Skills module from the University of Michigan. It asks students to answer a series of queries to develop a research question and specifically provides students with the ability to narrow down topics for research by requesting that they walk through a series of steps outlining topic, keyword, population, themes, and other key areas.
Type of Material:
Simulation
Recommended Uses:
This site may be useful across a wide variety of classes at the introductory and middle levels of college, by serving to help students identify a clear research question from their areas of interest and/or keywords that they can share for topics of interest.
The Research Question Generator can be used in class or as an out of class assignment on the same or different research topics to help students focus on the general issues in a research question. This practice can help students develop a research topic.
This activity may be used as an in-class activity whereby an instructor demonstrates how to narrow a topic, allowing the class to provide suggestions throughout the process.
It may then be used individually and independently by students to identify their own topics, using a computer with internet access.
Technical Requirements:
Website browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Students will practice researching an idea (in this case, malaria) and turning it into a research question. (The Research Question Generator could be used to develop research questions on any topic.)
Target Student Population:
High School, College General Ed, College Lower Division
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Some understanding of the research process (e.g., the scientific method) and how to search databases would be helpful.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This research question simulator is excellent and provides a clear, easy-to-follow design.
Queries are presented and include information that shows students how to focus on the key concepts and the who, what, when, and where of interest regarding a research question.
The site includes an example on a different topic, the effect of bridal shows and their impact on how women view weddings.
Concerns:
No direct feedback or other guidance is provided.
Some information regarding how these decisions may be made would be useful.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Once complete, the answers to all of the questions can be emailed back to the student and to their instructor.
The same form and system could be used with any topic, not just the given topic of malaria.
This Research Question Generator is easy to assign to a variety of class types and modalities, and will be useful for many purposes involving selecting research topics.
Concerns:
While test emails came through just fine, the instructor email includes no information indicating which student did the work. Adding a line with the submitter’s name would solve this.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
This site was quite easy to navigate using a mouse and keyboard, and the previous and continue buttons were clearly marked and readily available.
Students can access the Research Question Generator through any web browser.
Concerns:
The first page sends the user to a University of Michigan site that calls for login to the University of Michigan library. Any university’s library site could be used here, but users not affiliated with the University of Michigan may need additional direction.
As this site is open for the public, the ending screen requiring a student to submit their email address and possibly an instructor's email address may be a questionable feature due to privacy concerns. It may be a helpful addition to have a disclaimer on this final page explaining to students an alternative for obtaining copies of their answers (take a screenshot of their answers, or copy/paste), to protect their privacy. In particular, this privacy concern is a greater issue with participants younger than 18. Instructors may wish to put into place a workaround (such as the screenshot suggested here).
Creative Commons:
Search by ISBN?
It looks like you have entered an ISBN number. Would you like to search using what you have
entered as an ISBN number?
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
