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”).