After making some changes to my problem statement I began to look at some research questions. At first I had a hard time coming up with some questions. I was trying to think of a question that related to my problem statement instead of looking at possible outcomes. I then decided to think about it differently, I tried to think of possible predictions or information I wanted from this research. It was then much easier to formulate some questions about my statement.
The following is my updated problem statement with some possible research questions.
I plan to determine the different in writing scores among sixth graders between those who use word processing to write with and those who use traditional paper and pencil.
Who: Sixth Graders
What: Taught writing with Microsoft Word
Why: Determine the influences of writing software no writing scores.
- How does using word processing software affect student’s standardized test scores?
- Does student writing improved when using word processing software?
- How does the use of word processing software affect the organization in student writing?
- How does the use of word processing software editing and revision in student writing?
- What kinds of technology application training will be provided to the students and educators?
- Will the use of the computer be integrated into writing in everyday settings?
- How will the uses of this technology effect student motivation?
- Are students more inclined to participate in a lesson when technology is used?
- Does the use of technology help students retain the information longer?
It appears that most of my research questions are qualitative by nature. By researching how word processing changes student writing I will be “gathering data on naturally occurring phenomena (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008).” I can also go into more detail by adding that most of my research questions will be interactive in that techniques are collected from my students in the classroom and reviewed to see what, if any, changes occur in their writing.
Phenomenology could also be an effective tool in data collection. By putting aside all preconceived notions about what my possible findings should be, I can then look at writing scores with a specified rubric to review my findings.
As always feel free to provide some input here. Thanks to you all for your posts, once I read through all the research questions it really got my creative juices flowing. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on how to make these better or additional questions you may find interesting.
