Describing Research Tools
E. Siler
Research Tools
• Definition: A research tool is something that you use to generate/obtain information, data, and outcomes in response to a research question.
Research Question
• A research question is a question you ask that will require you to do research to get an answer.
Examples
• Research Question: What is the best type of dog for my family?
• Research Tool: A Dog Breed Selector from Animal Planet: http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html
Describing the Tool
• What kind of tool is it?• What is the purpose of the tool?• How does it function?• What type of data does one input into the
tool?• What is the output of the tool?
What Kind of Tool?
• Electronic, online, free, open-access . . .
The purpose of the tool?
• To assist someone in selecting the best dog breed for his/her lifestyle.
Function of the Tool?
• Provides suggestions for best dog breeds in response to preferences.
Type of Data?
• Answers in response to ten questions about preferences with respect to size, energy level, exercise, climate, and other lifestyle requirements.
Output?
• A picture of a dog with a name of the breed and a description as well as a percentage indicator of how well that dog meets the input criteria.
Grammar: Present Tense: Example
Person Singular Plural1 I receive We receive2 You receive You receive3 He/she/it/ the tool receives They receive
Infinitive form: to receive
Organization
• Comes at end of the introduction.• Introduction should end with a good
connector to the research question.• Research Question should be in reported
speech.• Description of the tool should follow the
research question and be complete.
Reported Speech
• What is the best type of dog for my family?• I wanted to know what type of dog is best for
my family. • What type of dog is best for my family = noun
clause (object of verb “know”).