FINER FINER is a technique designed to help you confirm a suitable research question. It stands for: Feasible Interesting Novel Ethical Researchable
Before you start, use this document to record your notes.
F) Is it feasible? Is it possible? Can you do it? Is it realistic? If it’s a project, can you actually make it? Do you have enough time to do this? Can you answer it? “Is god real?” – you can’t prove a yes or a no! Is the cost realistic? Are the materials needed realistic? (i.e. “Build a car from scratch” is not possible with our timeline and our budget!)
I) Is it interesting to you? Do you have a passion for it? If it’s a common topic, what will you do to make it more specific, or more interesting? Is it something you love? Remember the people at the SACE Board see 100s of “Climate Change” research projects! What makes yours special and interesting?
N) Is it novel? Is it new to you? Is there a new or specific spin to it? Is it creative and original? How is it new information you have to research? Remember the people at the SACE Board see 100s of “Climate Change” research projects! What makes yours new and interesting?
E) Is it ethical? Should we do it? How might this harm other people? (e.g. interviewing victims can cause hurt and pain) Is this responsible? (i.e. Should we show this video to young people? Should we discuss this topic with victims?) (If you are talking about dangerous copycat videos, it’s not responsible to show them to young people who might copy them and be in danger!) What do we need to tell people? (i.e. not just secretly record conversations, send questions for an interview in advance) What things do we need to do to make sure this is safe?
R) Is this researchable? How can I research this question? Is the question written correctly? E.g. you can’t research “Is the sky blue?” but you can research “What makes the sky look blue?” What sources can you go to? E.g. Primary, secondary Who are your most trusted sources? (If your question is “why do young people copy trends?” a psychologist has more expert information than a Youtuber. Both are good, but the psychologist’s information is more accurate and trustworthy.)
The Prince Alfred College method: In addition to the FINER, and the other methods used to refine the research question, the Research Project coordinator asks his students to answer the following questions: 1. How are you being brave? 2. How are you being curious? 3. How does this add value to yours, or others, lives? 4. How can you get in-situ? (Really current, relevant information) 5. Where is the risk in this?
Last checks:
Not an easy answer?
Answer isn't already clear before you start researching?
Is debatable?
Can show deep learning?
Allows you to make a judgement?
Allows you to use different research processes?
Allows you to explore different perspectives?
Has a variety of sources of information?
Isn't something you are already studying in another subject? (Not allowed)
Is something you love - that's yours?
SACE Board 2020 Feedback: "The more successful questions commonly:
were focused, clear, specific, accessible, and ethical
were in a field where there was an opportunity to really contribute to the existing research
were safe and manageable and could be achieved within the timeframe
were consistently refined; students should be reminded that their research question, should and will evolve which is the nature of real research
allowed for a range of research methodologies to be utilised
provided scope for an answer that has a degree of complexity and insight."