Directions for the Leader of the Investigation

Developing Research Questions

A research question is important because it provides direction and boundaries to your investigation. You may need only one question for your investigation or you may need a few. Limit your questions to five. See Research Question Rules to help you design your question(s). Before you develop your research question(s), it may be helpful to read a few articles or talk with some experts to gain a basic knowledge of the energy effect.

 

Special Considerations When Also Conducting an Issue Analysis

Identifying different viewpoints is an important step. Make sure your investigation considers as many viewpoints as possible. See the Value Descriptors handout for lists and descriptions of values.

 

Drawing Conclusions

The conclusion summarizes what you discovered during the investigation. The conclusion should provide answers or responses to each of the research questions. Try to avoid expressing opinions here; allow the person who reads or hears your report to form his or her own view. In many cases, the data you present will speak for itself. If you analyzed an issue and have any suggestions for resolving the issue, you can describe your recommendations here, but your teacher may instruct you not to include them in the report.

 

Preparing the Final Report

See Investigation Report Form for contents of the report. The report should be very neat, well-written, organized, and pleasing to the eye. Your teacher may also require a presentation.