Developing a new research question can be one of the most exciting and challenging moments in a scientist’s career. Eager researchers may rush into an idea, missing obstacles and opportunities that can impact research rigor down the road. A systematic approach to elaborating and evaluating a research question can help to avoid pitfalls and make the decision process more manageable. This unit introduces frameworks that can be used to generate, iterate upon, and select high quality research questions.
- Lesson 1: Research Questions and Rigorsome text
- Take stock of the challenge and warm up with some varied examples.
- Lesson 2: Elaborate a Research Question with Who, What, Why, and Howsome text
- Help your question convey a complete idea that is ready to evaluate.
- Lesson 3: Evaluate a Research Question with the FINER Frameworksome text
- Identify and act on the strengths, challenges, and uncertainties in your idea.
Each lesson provides one or more example research questions for practice in the associated activity. Optionally, a research question chosen by your group can be incorporated, either in addition to or as an alternative to using our examples. This is a great way to make progress with an idea as a group!
Modules
.svg)
You’ve finished the Unit
Your feedback helps us to improve this and other units. Please use the tool below to share your thoughts.
We’ve collected a list of all sorts of rigor & reproducibility related tools along with links to relevant landing pages, notes as to whether a given tool is free and open source, and the specific part of the research process for which they might prove most useful. We even provide you with quick 10 minute exercises designed to give you an idea of how you make appropriate use of each tool! Check them out and spread the word, or submit tools we missed!
Link.
This is an index of various communities that serve to highlight tools, disseminate news, facilitate connection and guidance, and nurture the next generation of rigor champions. They empower, inform, and act as agents of (much needed) change — so be sure to join the discussion and do your part for rigor!
Link.
In order to ensure that the rigor community remains connected, self-identifying rigor champions are welcome to register with us to be listed in this directory and indicate their career stage, area of expertise, and open-ness to contact.
Link.