QUEST Research Model Introduction

What is QUEST?

QUEST is a model for research and inquiry learning that was developed by Elizabeth Dobler and Maya B. Eagleton, as detailed in their book Reading the Web: Strategies for Internet Inquiry. Like other inquiry models (such as the Big6), QUEST details a process that students can follow to complete their research, from developing a research question to creating a final project. According to Dobler and Eagleton,

"The QUEST model illustrates the cyclical nature of Internet inquiry. The QUEST model visually reminds students that Internet inquiry is a multistep process, not a one-time event, much like our leaders in writing instruction have shown (Calkins, 1994, Graves, 1983). We like to point out to students that the word research is composed of the prefix re- and the root word search, thus emphasizing the notion that the process is recursive. For example, readers may come across information that sparks more questions, thus initiating a new round of Questioning. Similarly, learners cycle through the Evaluating phase repeatedly as they encounter new information and must decide whether it meets their needs" (58-59).

The resources that follow include background information on each of the five stages of QUEST, as well as sample activities, resources, and assessments for each. Depending on the scope of the research your students will be doing, as well as your students' background and experience in inquiry, you can pick and choose parts to best work with your class. Please feel free to modify any of these materials as desired. (Please note: resources that have been borrowed from other sources should continue to be credited as such.)

  • Questioning: Developing a topic/question that is researchable and appropriate in terms of scope.

  • Understanding Resources: Identifying appropriate resources for inquiry, including learning about a effective search strategies.

  • Evaluating: Being able to determine whether information found is useful, accurate, free of bias, etc.

  • Synthesizing: Linking together information gathered (including skills such as activating prior knowledge, determining importance, making inferences, etc.)

  • Transforming: “Putting it all together” in a project/product of choice