Reference no: EM133543494
Learning Activity
Goal: The goal of this learning activity is to help you collaboratively formulate clear and focused research questions for your final group research project. Research questions are the foundation of any successful research endeavor, and they guide your entire research process. By the end of this assignment, you should have identified your top two research questions that will serve as the options for your group research project.
Background: Towards the end of this semester, students are required to build, present, and write down a final group project. In this project, students are expected to ask an interesting behavioral or managerial question and design a valid method to explore the answer. Students are expected to work in groups (up to 4 people per group). We are using the class time to form groups and discuss the research questions.
Instructions:
For each research question you are recommended to follow the following steps:
Step 1 - Choose a topic: Select a topic that interests you or is related to your field of study/work. This topic will be the subject of your research project. If you're unsure about a specific topic, you can choose a general area of interest, and we will refine it through this assignment.
Step 2 - Background Research: Conduct preliminary research on your chosen topic to get a better understanding of it. Use reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites to gather information (e.g. google scholar). This will help you develop a foundational understanding of the topic and may inspire potential research questions.
Step 3 - Brainstorming: Consider what aspects of your chosen topic intrigue you the most. What gaps or unanswered questions do you see in the existing literature? Think about the issues, problems, or phenomena related to your topic that you want to explore further.
Submission: Each individual needs to submit the full names of the group members and write down the research questions, formulate the literature review, and summarize the brainstorming results. The individuals in the same group could submit the same information but with independent submissions. Note that everyone needs to contribute and submit the complete information. Each research question should meet the following criteria: a. Be clear and concise. b. Be specific and focused. c. Have the potential to be answered through research. Please list 3-5 relevant reputable sources as the background for each research questions, and clearly summarize the brainstorming results.
Example of Research Questions:
Ineffective: "What is the economy like?" "How does interest rate impact GDP"
This research question is ineffective because it is overly broad and lacks specificity. It does not provide a clear focus on any particular aspect of the economy, making it challenging to conduct meaningful research and generate valuable insights. In addition, the research questions need to focus on managerial and/or behavioral economics. Individual, group, and firm decisions are the primary interest of these disciplines.
Effective: "What psychological factors influence individuals' decisions to save for retirement, and how can behavioral interventions improve long-term savings behavior?"
"How does the presence of social norms and peer pressure influence individuals' choices in sustainable consumption, and what strategies can be developed to promote environmentally responsible behavior?"
"How do framing effects in advertising impact consumer preferences and purchase decisions, and what strategies can businesses employ to leverage these effects for marketing success?"
Evaluation: Your assignment will be evaluated based on the clarity, specificity, relevance, and depth of your research questions.
Note: If you encounter any difficulties or have questions about this assignment, please feel free to reach out for clarification or assistance. Developing well-crafted research questions is a crucial step in your research journey, so take your time and think critically about your chosen topic.