Then, as a class or in small groups, students formulate questions on related topics, using the study discussed in the article as a model. Then, develop survey questions that will allow the class to keep track of survey participants' responses in terms of gender, grade, age, and any other information that may be relevant. Discuss why these items are important for gathering data and how they may vary depending on the participants. After designing the survey, students should share their predictions of what the study will show about how the different forms of Internet communication have impacted interpersonal relationships. The teacher or a student should type out the survey neatly and photocopy it to distribute to students.
Students conduct the survey developed in class with a select group of respondents outside of class.
Each student should be responsible for the same minimum number of survey participants. Once the data is collected, students should work in pairs or small groups, each group assigned a certain set of questions to tabulate, and then create posters displaying their findings. Students then compare the findings with their initial predictions. Students will be evaluated on initial written activity, participation in class discussions, thoughtful participation in designing a research study, and participation in survey distribution and analysis. Write a comical skit that describes Internet communications today or in the future.