MODULE: HOW TO DEVELOP A SIMPLE

RESEARCH PROJECT PLAN

3. Formulate Research Questions
Introduction Research questions tell you exactly what your study
Before you can conduct any research, you wants to find out. These guide your decision-
must know what you want to study and how you making during the whole research project.
plan to study it. This module will guide you Why research questions matter:
through the essential steps in choosing a strong They focus your study.
research topic and designing a basic research plan. They prevent you from collecting
You will learn how to turn everyday problems into unnecessary information.
topics, create good research questions, and build a They give direction to your data gathering.
complete research project plan you can use in actual Qualities of a good research question:
research. Clear (easy to understand)
Specific (not vague)
1. Start With a Real-Life Problem Answerable with data
Research becomes meaningful when it solves real Related to your topic
issues. The first step is to observe your life—your Examples:
home, school, relationships, habits—and look for “What is the average screen time of Grade
something that needs improvement. 11 students?”
A problem is any situation that: “How many hours of sleep do students get
Causes difficulty per night?”
Needs understanding “Is there a relationship between screen time
Affects people’s behavior or performance and sleep quality?”
Makes you curious Good research questions help you understand what
Why this step matters: exactly you want to study and how you will study it.
Choosing a real problem ensures your research is
relevant, practical, and doable. If the problem 4. Identify the Variables
comes from your own experience, you will be more Variables are the information you will measure in
motivated to complete the study. your study. They are essential because they show
Examples of real-life problems: what factors you are comparing or observing.
“I sleep late because I use my phone too
much.” Types of Variables
“Many students forget deadlines.” Independent Variable (IV)
“Some classmates lack focus because of The cause or factor you think has an
games.” effect
Guiding Questions: What you believe influences
“What problems do I experience something
regularly?” Dependent Variable (DV)
“What issues affect my friends or The effect
classmates?” The outcome that changes in
“Is this a problem that data can explain?” response to the IV
Why variables matter:
2. Turn the Problem Into a Topic They help you understand the cause-and-effect
Once you have identified a problem, the next step is relationships in your study.
to convert it into a research topic, which is the Example:
general idea your study will focus on. Topic: Sleep habits and screen time
How to do this: IV: screen time (hours of phone use)
Identify the core issue in the problem. DV: sleep quality (hours slept, tiredness
Think of what aspect you want to study. level)
Write it as a short, clear phrase. Without identifying variables, your study will be
Example: vague and impossible to measure.
Problem: “Students are always tired.”
Topic: “Sleep habits of Grade 11 students.” 5. Choose Your Respondents
Characteristics of a good topic: Respondents are the individuals who will answer
Interesting: You are willing to explore it your survey, be observed, or provide information
deeply. for your research.
Relevant: It relates to real-life situations. How to choose respondents:
Specific: Not too broad; focused on one Pick people who are relevant to the topic.
idea. Make sure they are accessible (easy to
Measurable: You can collect data to study reach).
it. Ensure they can answer your questions
accurately.
Why this step is important: 3. Research Questions
The quality of your study depends on the quality of These guide your study and show what you want to
your respondents. The right respondents produce discover.
accurate and meaningful results.
Examples: 4. Variables
If your topic is about study habits, List your IV and DV clearly.
respondents should be students. This helps the reader understand what factors you
If your topic is about teaching methods, will measure.
respondents should be teachers. 5. Respondents
State who will provide data and why they are
appropriate.
6. Select a Method of Data Collection 6. Method of Data Collection
This is the technique you will use to gather Explain whether you will use a survey, observation,
information. checklist, or records.
Common methods: 7. Brief Procedure
Survey – a set of questions that students This is the step-by-step plan of what you will do.
answer Example Procedure:
Checklist – respondents tick choices from a Create a survey about screen time and sleep
list quality.
Observation – watching and recording Ask permission from the teacher to
behaviors distribute the survey.
Existing school records – using attendance, Give the survey to 25 Grade 11 students.
grades, reports, etc. Collect and organize the answers.
Analyze the data to answer the research
Why your method matters: questions.
Your chosen method affects:
How easy your study will be Summary
How accurate your data becomes A good research project starts with a real
How ethical your process is problem.
Tips in choosing a method: The problem becomes a topic, then
Choose the simplest method that fits your research questions, and then variables.
study. Respondents and methods must fit the topic.
Make sure it is not too time-consuming. A research design is your roadmap for the
Avoid methods that violate privacy. entire project.

7. Write Your Initial Research Design

A research design is your blueprint or plan. It tells
you what you will do, how you will do it, and why.
Why you need a research design:
It keeps your research organized.
It prevents confusion and mistakes.
It guides your steps once you start collecting
data.

Parts of the Research Design

1. Title
A short, clear statement that reflects your
variables or main idea.
Should not be too long or too vague.
Example: Screen Time and Sleep Habits of Grade
11 Students
2. Background of the Study
Explains:
The problem
Why the problem is important
What inspired your study
A good background connects real-life situations to
your chosen topic.