Research Question Framing

This activity helps students think through the process of framing their research questions at the early stage of their RBA by asking them to consider different ways of framing their research questions. It also encourages students to work with each other in the process of finalizing their research questions.

Activity title: Research Question Framing

Author: Shannon Hervey

Course: PWR 1 or PWR 2

Activity length and schedule:  This activity is to be scheduled at the beginning of the RBA process. It requires asynchronous work and collaborations for students outside of the class time.

Activity goals: This activity helps students think through the process of framing their research questions at the early stage of their RBA by asking them to consider different ways of framing their research questions. It also encourages student collaborations on Canvas by asking them to comment on each others’ questions and framings.

Activity details: This activity requires asynchronous participation and collaborations on Canvas.  After reading the "Frames for Generating Effective Research Questions" handout, students, develop three research questions about their topic, using at least three research question frames.  They then free-write, reflecting on how each research question variation would help them grow as a writer/researcher/thinker/human and what challenges they might face pursuing those questions.  Having done so, they browse responses from their classmates and leave a comment.

A link to more details and assignment guide of this activity can be found here.