Module 4 Homework 1 - Well-stated Research Questions Final Draft

Sample Solution

Crafting a Well-Stated Research Question about Part-Time Students:

I'm glad to help you refine your research question about part-time students at your college! Remember, a well-stated question should be:

1. Specific: Identify a concrete characteristic you want to estimate.
2. Measurable: Define how you'll measure or quantify the characteristic.
3. Feasible: Ensure you have access to data or can collect it realistically.

Here's an example based on these criteria:

Improved Question:

Full Answer Section

What is the average number of hours worked per week by part-time undergraduate students in the Engineering department at [Your College Name] during the Fall 2023 semester, and how does it compare to the average for all part-time undergraduates in the same semester?

Breakdown:

• Specific: We're estimating the average number of hours worked per week.
• Measurable: We can collect data via surveys, administrative records, or interviews.
• Feasible: You likely have access to or can find relevant data within your college.

Improving the Initial Question:

The original question, "Do students work a lot of hours?", is too vague and lacks specific direction. Here's how we can improve it:

1. Define "a lot": What specific number of hours constitutes "a lot"?
2. Clarify population: Are you asking about all students, part-time students, or a specific group?
3. Specify timeframe: When do you want to measure "a lot of hours"?
4. Consider comparison: Does the question benefit from comparing to another group?

By addressing these points, you can transform the initial question into a more focused and answerable one.

Remember, the more specific your question, the more meaningful and insightful your research will be. Feel free to adjust the example question further based on your specific interests and data availability!