Developing a SoTL Research Question

Developing a good SoTL research question is one of the first critical steps in the research process.  The research question, when appropriately written, will guide the research project and assist in the construction of a logical argument.  The research question should be a clear, focused question that summarizes the issue that the researcher will investigate. Following are guidelines that will help you in developing a research question for your project:

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    • You should begin by identifying a broader subject of interest that lends itself to investigation. For example,you may wish to study whether or  not journaling assignments in a course lead to higher student learning outcomes.
    • The next step is to do preliminary research on the general topic to find out what research has already been done and what literature already exists. How much research has been done on journaling in the classroom?  What types of studies?  Is there a unique area that yet to be investigated or is there a particular question that may be worth replicating?  The following video may be helpful in learning how to choose appropriate keywords and search online databases:  Formulating a Research Question.
    • Then begin to narrow the topic by asking open-ended “how” and “why” questions. For example, you may want to consider whether journaling assignments improve test scores.  Or you may wish to study whether the frequency or duration of journaling assignments has an impact.  Create a list of potential questions for consideration and choose one that interests you and provides an opportunity for exploration.
    • Consider whether or not your question lends itself to collaboration with colleagues. Collaboration has several advantages that may increase the strength of the project. First, collaboration with colleagues may lead to multiple classroom studies that increase the sample size.  Also, each person will bring different strengths to project such as writing, research design, data analysis and so forth.  Finally, funding agencies, administrations, and journals love to see collaborative work.  Please view the following video presentation by Rick Holbeck on the value of collaboration in SoTL projects: Video
• Finally, evaluate the question by using the following list of guidelines:
  • Is the research question one that is of interest to the researcher and potentially to others? Is it a new issue or problem that needs to be solved or is it attempting to shed light on previously researched topic.
  • Is the research question researchable? Consider the available time frame and the required resources.  Is the methodology to conduct the research feasible?
  • Is the research question measurable and will the process produce data that can be supported or contradicted?
  • Is the research question too broad or too narrow?

The format of the research question is important as you move through the project. For examples of correctly formatted questions, please view the Research Ready module: Writing a Good Research Question. The following video, Developing Research Questions, also provides additional support and information as you begin to formulate your SoTL question.

If you are having difficulty developing your research question and you would like to schedule a research consultation, please email CIRT at [email protected] and schedule a time to visit 

Also, check out our presentations on research topics during the SoTL Summit:

Baby Steps: Finding a Research Topic