Research Question and Hypothesis

Introduction

A research is a process of constant exploration. Research is to search for the answers or solutions of the problems that arise in various situations. It is procedural and follows certain patterns. At the very beginning the researcher comes along with a problem, and when posed in question form this problem becomes the Research Question. Hypothesis, a wild or wise guess, is formulated on the basis of the research question. Next is the Literature Review, which is carried out keeping the Research Question and Hypothesis in mind, and which stays in the boundaries of the respective hypotheses. Then is the Data Analysis, and finally the Conclusion and References are mentioned.

Here, two important steps of research shall be discussed; Research Question and Hypothesis. Research question and Hypothesis work as a key to the basic research. If these two are not appropriately created, whole research collapses. All of the future research work depends on the proper posing of the question and the formulation of hypothesis.

Research Question

What is Research Question?

A Research Question is the statement of the problem, to be researched, in inquisitive form. It is the process of operationalizing the research. A research problem is frequently stated as research question which serves as the focus of the researcher’s investigation. All of the research work depends on the appropriate construction of the question. The questions often (not always) suggest a relationship to be investigated.

Importance of Research Question

A good research question is important because a research question helps to find the direction of the research. It also narrows the scope of the research and helps in defining the objectives. A good research question sets the boundaries of the research work and let the research to be done in specific premises. It helps the researcher to be focused on the problem and not to deviate from the problem, the solution of which is being searched.

Selection of a Research problem/question

Selection of research problem/question is a decisive step in research so there are certain things that are to be considered while defining a research problem/question.

·        The research problem should be “researchable” i.e. it can be investigated through the collection and analysis of data. It should have the potential of research in it.

For example,

Ø  Should I put my youngster in preschool?

This question does not need any research work; it just needs an answer, yes or no, whereas,

Ø  Do children enrolled in preschool develop better social skills than children not enrolled?

This question is researchable, has the potential of research and needs data collection and analysis. So this is an appropriate research question.

·        The research problem should have theoretical or practical significance. It should not be trivial and inconsequential.

·        A research problem should be relevant to your:

o   Academic interest

o   Current level of research skills

o   Available resources

o   Time and other restrictions

Characteristics of Good Research Questions

Good research questions possess four essential characteristics:

The question is Feasible, i.e., it can be investigated without an undue amount of time, effort, or money.

The question is Clear, i.e., most people would agree as to what the key words in the question mean.

The question is Significant, i.e., it is worth investigating because it will contribute important knowledge about the human condition.

The question is Ethical, i.e., it will not involve physical or psychological harm or damage to human beings, or to the natural or social environment of which they are a part.

Examples of researchable vs. non-researchable questions

NO	YES
Non researchable	Researchable
Should I put my youngster in preschool?	Do children enrolled in preschool develop better social skills than children not enrolled?
What is the best way to learn to read?	At which age is it better to introduce phonics to children-age 5, age 6, or age 7?
Are some people born bad?	Who commits more crimes-poor people or rich people?

Conclusion

Research problem holds a vital and significant role in the research. It may be defined as a research problem in question form that needs to be answered on the basis of collection of data and its analysis. Many research problems are stated as questions. A research problem should be researchable, should have theoretical and practical significance, and should be relevant to academic interest, level of research skills, available resources, time & other restrictions. Good research questions have four essential characteristics: they are feasible, clear, significant, and ethical. For a research to be significant, valuable and worthwhile, the research question should be constructed in a befitting manner.

Hypothesis

What is Hypothesis?

Hypothesis means mere assumptions or suppositions which are to be proved or disproved. Hypothesis is a formal question that is intended to resolve. Hypothesis is a wild or wise guess that could be proved right or wrong. It is an educated guess, i.e. it is based on some study. It may also be called as a tentative point of view or any proposition not yet tested, which is going to be tested and proved right or wrong in the research work.

Hypothesis Defined

“A hypothesis is a conjectural statement of the relation between two or more variables”. (Kerlinger, 1956)

“Hypotheses are single tentative guesses, good hunches – assumed for use in devising theory or planning experiments intended to be given a direct experimental test when possible”. (Eric Rogers, 1966)

“Hypothesis is a formal statement that presents the expected relationship between an independent and dependent variable.”(Creswell, 1994)

Purpose of Hypothesis

One of the basic purposes of hypothesis is that it structures the next phase in the investigation and therefore furnishes continuity to the examination of the problem. It guides and gives direction to the study and the area of investigation. It defines facts that are relevant and not relevant to the specific area of the research. Hypothesis also suggests which form of research design is likely to be the most appropriate for the present research. It provides a framework for organizing the conclusions of the findings.

Another significant purpose of hypothesis is that it limits the research to a specific area and does not let the researcher digress from that specific area of research. Hypothesis also offers explanations for the relationships between those variables that can be empirically tested. It furnishes proof that the researcher has sufficient background knowledge to enable her/him to make suggestions in order to extend existing knowledge.

Characteristics of Hypothesis

Hypothesis has following characteristics:

·        It is related to the problem.

·        It should be clear & precise

·        It is amenable with time.

·        It is testable.

·        It states relation between the variables, dependent and independent.

·        It should be specific & simple.

·        It must make a prediction.

·        It must identify at least two variables.

·        It should have an elucidating power.

·        It should strive to furnish an acceptable explanation or accounting of a fact.

·        It must be falsifiable, i.e., hypotheses must be capable of being refuted based on the results of the study.

·        It must be formulated in simple, understandable terms.

·        It should correspond with existing knowledge

In general, a hypothesis needs to be unambiguous, specific, quantifiable, testable and generalize-able.

Categories of Hypothesis

Hypothesis can be categorized in different ways:

1.  Based on their formulation

Based on the formulation, hypothesis can be categorized in two types:

·        Null Hypothesis

·        Alternate Hypothesis

2. Based on direction

Alternate Hypothesis can further be classified into two types:

·        Directional Hypothesis

·        Non-directional Hypothesis

3.  Based on their derivation

Depending on the derivation, hypothesis can be categorized into two types:

·        Inductive Hypothesis

·        Deductive Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis

Null hypothesis always predicts that there is no relationship between the variables being studied. The researcher wishes to disapprove this hypothesis. It is denoted by H₀.

For example: There is no relationship between learning and intelligence.

Alternate Hypothesis

The alternate hypothesis always predicts that there will be a relationship between the variables being studied. It is denoted by H_a .

Alternate hypothesis can further be classified into following categories:

·        Directional Hypothesis

·        Non-directional Hypothesis

Directional Hypothesis

If the hypothesis uses so-called comparison terms, such as “greater,”“less,”“better,” or “worse,” then it’s a directional hypothesis. It is directional because it predicts that there will be a difference between the two groups and it specifies how the two groups will differ.

For example: A person whose attitude is positive towards studies is more likely to succeed than one who does not.

Non-Directional Hypothesis

If the hypothesis simply predicts that there will be a difference between the two groups, then it is a non-directional hypothesis. It is non-directional because it predicts that there will be a difference but does not specify how the groups will differ.

For example: Lack of attention leads to failure.

Formulation of Hypothesis

Formulation of hypothesis is an important matter in research. Research depends on the suitable formulation of hypothesis. While creating hypothesis few things are to be considered. One of the basis considerations is that hypothesis is formulated after the research problem has been stated and the literature has been conducted. It is formulated when the researcher is totally aware of the theoretical and empirical background to the problem. Though, a hypothesis is a guess, a hunch, or a conjecture, still it is based on researcher’s study and the problem already identified by the researcher. Hypothesis is generated from the research problem, and is a supposed solution to that specific problem.

Following things are to be kept in mind in the construction of hypothesis.

·        Read the research problem thoroughly.

·        Narrow or limit it and express it as a research question.

·        A research hypothesis has two elements (variables) that are in relation to one another, identify those variables.

·        Avoid judgmental words in hypothesis.

·        Hypothesis must involve an issue or question that cannot be answered exclusively.

·        It is best to choose a hypothesis where there is some level of familiarity with the disciplines that are most relevant to the topic.

·        All the terms must be clearly understood and defined.

It is to be noted that hypothesis may change over time as the research progresses.

Conclusion

Hypothesis is a conjectural statement that gives a supposed answer to the research problem already stated. It is formulated on the basis of thorough reading of the specific area of research. It may change over time as the research progresses. There can be more than one hypothesis in a research. The number of hypotheses depends upon the number of research questions posed in the research. Hypothesis can be classified into Null and Alternate, Directional and Non-directional, Inductive and Deductive types depending upon their formation, direction, and derivation, respectively. Certain things are considered while formulating a Hypothesis, like thorough reading of respective literature, simple and clear language, and relevancy of the topic.