Research Question must include the independent (IV) and the dependent (DV) variables (and related to background context)
I will test the effect of ... on ....
How does changing _____ (units) affect the _____ (units) of ______
Step 1 - Independent variables: Think about all the potential variables that could be changed.
Step 2 - Dependent variables: Think about all the potential variables that you could measured
Step 3 - Research question i: Select an independent variable and a dependent variable that seem most interesting. To form a basic research question.
Example : How does changing (independent variable) affect the (dependent variable)
Step 4 - Controlled variables: Identify all the remaining variables that you would need to keep constant to have a fair test (note that these need to be continuous values that you have a fixed value for)
Step 5 - Variables table: Construct a table showing how each variable is changed (method, range and monitoring device), measured (method and device) and several controlled (with what value).
Step 6 - Research question ii: Refine research question to include additional details including units.
Example: How does changing (independent variable with units) affect the dependent variable with units of (additional controlled variable information).
Level 1-2:
How does the size of wire affect the resistance?
Level 3-4:
How does changing diameter affect the resistance?
Level 5-6:
How does changing the diameter of the wire affect the resistance ?
Level 7-8:
How does changing the diameter (mm) of a nichrome wire affect the resistance (ohms)?
Level 1-2:
Can changing the wings affect the distance a plane flies?
Level 3-4:
How does changing the wings affect the distance a plane flies?
Level 5-6:
How does changing the width of wings affects the distance a paper airplane flies?
Level 7-8:
How does changing the surface area (cm2) of a plane's wing affect the distance (cm) a paper airplane flies?
Level 1-2:
How can a plane fly?
Level 3-4:
How far can a plane fly depending on its initial height?
Level 5-6:
Depending on the initial height of release how far can a paper airplane fly?
Level 7-8:
Depending on the initial height (cm) of release what distance (cm) can a paper airplane travel?