Learning Activity

Goal: The objective of this learning activity is to collaboratively formulate clear and focused research questions for your final group research project. Research questions serve as the foundation of any successful research endeavor, guiding the entire research process. By the assignment`s end, you should have identified your top two research questions, which will serve as options for your group research project.

Background: Towards the semester`s end, students are tasked with constructing, presenting, and documenting a final group project. In this project, students are expected to pose an intriguing behavioral or managerial question and devise a valid method to explore the answer. Group work (up to 4 people per group) is encouraged. Class time is utilized for group formation and research question discussions.

Instructions:

For each research question, follow these steps:

Step 1 - Choose a topic: Select a topic of interest or related to your field of study/work. This topic will form the basis of your research project. If uncertain about a specific topic, opt for a general area of interest, which will be refined through this assignment.

Step 2 - Background Research: Conduct preliminary research on your chosen topic using reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites (e.g., Google Scholar). This will provide a foundational understanding of the topic and may inspire potential research questions.

Step 3 - Brainstorming: Reflect on the aspects of your chosen topic that intrigue you the most. Identify gaps or unanswered questions in the existing literature. Consider the issues, problems, or phenomena related to your topic that warrant further exploration.

Submission: Each individual must submit the full names of group members, along with the research questions, formulated literature review, and summarized brainstorming results. While individuals in the same group may submit identical information, independent submissions are required from each member. Contributions and complete information submission from all members are essential. Each research question should meet the following criteria: a. Clear and concise. b. Specific and focused. c. Potential for research inquiry. Please provide 3-5 relevant reputable sources as background for each research question 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 lacks effectiveness due to its broadness and lack of specificity. It fails to provide a clear focus on any particular aspect of the economy, making meaningful research and insights generation challenging. Additionally, research questions should center on managerial and/or behavioral economics, focusing on individual, group, and firm decisions.

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: Should you encounter difficulties or have questions about this assignment, please seek clarification or assistance. Crafting well-structured research questions is a critical step in your research journey, so invest time and thought into your chosen topic.