Evaluation of Research Questions
This worksheet should help you to evaluate the quality of your research question, as
well as engage in a supportive peer evaluation. A good research question will be one
where you can respond to each of the following questions in the affirmative. If you
cannot, make sure that you note where the sticking points may be and develop a plan
of action on how to overcome this obstacle.
Ask yourself the following:
1. Does the question deal with a topic or issue on which I have my own thoughts and opinions?
2. Is the question easily and fully researchable?
3. What type of information do I need to answer the research question?
For example, to answer the research question, "What impact has deregulation had on
commercial airline safety?," will require certain types of information:
o
o
o
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Statistics on airline crashes before and after
Statistics on other safety problems before and after
Information about maintenance practices before and after
Information about government safety requirements before and after
4. Is the scope of this information reasonable (e.g., can I really research 30 online writing
programs developed over a span of 10 years?)
5. Given the type and scope of the information that I need, is my question too broad, too narrow
or okay?
6. What sources will be able to provide the information I need to answer my research question
(journals, books, Internet, government documents, people)?
7. Can I access these sources?
8. Given my answers to the above questions, do I have a good-quality research question that I
actually will be able to answer by doing research?
As a peer evaluator, you are going to look at these questions with a different lens.
You want to offer constructive feedback, so should offer advice on these
questions. For instance, you may not know if the question sparks the
researchers’ interest, but you should be able to speak to the value to or interest in
the field.
Instructions: To engage in this discussion, consider the questions below. As you
read your teammates research questions, respond with suggestions to help improve
their research questions.
Consider the following questions:
1. Based on this research question, what is purpose of this research?
2. Is the question phrased in a way that suggests it is addressing the implementation of an
intervention or an outcome?
3. What type of information would the researcher need to answer the research question?
(eg: data from teachers, students, parents? What kind of data?)
4. Is the scope of this information reasonable for a 6-9 month intervention?
5. Given my answers to the above questions, do I have a good-quality research question that
I actually will be able to answer by doing research?