Category: LRNT 522

Thinking about research

One of the main points that I took out of the question and answer podcasts with Dr George Veletsianos was how to stay current with your research in education and technology when technology is changing so quickly (2018a). Veletsianos stressed that it is important to focus and study the problem, not the technology. This was interesting to me as I often think we look at technology and think to ourselves

okay here is this new and greatest advancement, how can this help me?

But instead, let’s look at the bigger picture and think,

what is a current problem we are facing in education, what is causing this problem, and how can I work towards overcoming this problem?

During the second podcast, Dr. Veletsianos discussed the different tools and resources he uses in his research, and discusses how his colleagues play an integral part to his research (2018b). Thinking about how we as RRU MALAT students are about to embark on a research project or thesis soon, it makes me feel more comfortable knowing we have a strong foundation of support within our cohort. Hopefully, we can work together to support each other as colleagues as we start our own research.

References

Veletsianos, G. (2018a). Audio File #1  [Audio File]. Retrieved from https://moodle.royalroads.ca/moodle/mod/page/view.php?id=279463

Veletsianos, G. (2018b.) Audio File #2  [Audio File]. Retrieved from https://moodle.royalroads.ca/moodle/mod/page/view.php?id=279463

What Makes a good Research Question?

This is going to be dependent on the type of research that is taking place, and what the purpose of the research is.

Qualitative research questions (or the central question) “is a broad question that asks for an exploration of the central phenomenon of concept” (Creswell, 2009, p.129). The purpose of this question is to not narrow the inquiry, and allow for the research to be as broad as needed.

Alternatively, quantitative research questions (or hypothesis) “inquire about the relationships among variables” (Creswell, 2009, p. 13). As compared to the former, this is very focused and specific.

Regardless of the type of research, the Royal Roads University Writing Centre highlights three points that make a good research question:

  • The question is clear and distinct;
  • It is focused and leads the research;
  • Allows for elaborations, not a simple yes or no answer.

By focusing on your research question meeting all three points above, one should have a good start to their research.

References

Creswell, J. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed. ed.). Los Angeles: Sage.

Royal Roads University. (n.d.). Thesis Statements/Research questions/Problem statement. Royal Road University. Retrieved from http://library.royalroads.ca/writing-centre/writing/structure/thesis-statementshow