The OER Research discussion group listed a number of questions that could be taken up by researchers. (see http://goo.gl/2w4qJU).
What do you consider the most pressing needs for research in OER? What evidence do we need to show impact of z degree programs?
For community colleges, any research that shows any positive outcomes (cost savings, drop in attrition, student success, persistence) from an investment in OER will help drive wide scale adoption the most. Without wider adoption of OER I am not sure how much the other more nuanced research questions matter.