Design Activity Worksheet - Identifying Data Sources for Developing a Research Plan.

This research to practice paper presents results of students' perception of a worksheet method for identifying appropriate data sources when developing research questions. Identifying reliable and trustworthy data sources takes time and experience. The purpose of this study is to help students plan, generate, and determine the availability of data for research. The worksheet was completed by 32 undergraduates enrolled in a data visualization course. Results show 53% of undergraduates who utilized the worksheet indicate the worksheet helped to identify primary data sources for their topic, 66% indicate the worksheet helped to identify secondary data sources, 59% indicate the worksheet helped to identify tertiary data sources, and 69% indicate the worksheet helped to assess if there is enough data for their research topic. This research informs scaffolding practices for undergraduate and graduate students as they learn and implement research methodology. Implications of this work will help students understand different types of data sources, the role each type of data source plays in developing a research plan, and how to determine the type of data needed to support their research.