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Session 3 - Formulating Research Questions and Hypothesis

This document discusses how to formulate research questions and hypotheses. It defines key terms like independent and dependent variables. It explains that research questions should focus the study and specify the relationship between measurable variables. Hypotheses tentatively explain relationships between variables and can be tested. The null hypothesis states no difference or relationship, while the alternative hypothesis is the opposite. Research questions and hypotheses should be clear, testable, and contribute new knowledge. The literature review helps gather ideas and assess previous related research.

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Hadika Balasooriya
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66 views

Session 3 - Formulating Research Questions and Hypothesis

This document discusses how to formulate research questions and hypotheses. It defines key terms like independent and dependent variables. It explains that research questions should focus the study and specify the relationship between measurable variables. Hypotheses tentatively explain relationships between variables and can be tested. The null hypothesis states no difference or relationship, while the alternative hypothesis is the opposite. Research questions and hypotheses should be clear, testable, and contribute new knowledge. The literature review helps gather ideas and assess previous related research.

Uploaded by

Hadika Balasooriya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Formulating Research Questions and Hypothesis

Dr. Jayanthi Gunasekara


 A Research Question is a question that focuses your study and
stipulates the interaction between variables.
• It refers to any characteristic that can take on different
values
• Qualitative variables are not measurable (color, religion,
profession etc.)
• In scientific research , study the effect of one variable on
another ( Age Vs IQ test score)
Cause Effect
Manipulated Measured
Independent Variable Dependent Variable
IDEA / PROBLEM

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
• Once determined specific interest / idea/
problem, research questions should be
formulated
• Research question is a clearly stated expression,
that a research aims to answer
• Research questions outlines various aspects of
the study; population and variables to study
• Research questions is a guiding framework of a
research
 The Research Question is clear, straightforward and easily understood by
others
 The Research Question states the relationship between two or more
variables.
 The variables mentioned in the Research Question should be measurable.

 The answer to the Research Question is not immediately obvious.

 The Research Question indicates the method that is to be adopted, i.e. the
data collection techniques
 The Research Question can be answered in the time available to you.

 The Research Question can be answered with the resources available to


you.
Quantitative RQ:
•Precise, variables included, framed and
finalized
•Included descriptive, relational, causal research
questions
Qualitative RQ:
Concern broad areas, usually adaptable, more
flexible, aim to ‘discover, explain or explore’
Feasible – it is no point putting forward a RQ for which you
do not have the resources, time, expertise and subjects to
answer.
Interesting – should specify the subjects, be of interest to
people in the field.
Novel – should contribute to knowledge
Ethical – should be compliant with ethical standards set
by the research community.
Relevant – should have relevance to policy and practice.
A hypothesis is a tentative statement that explains a
particular phenomenon which is testable.
Hypotheses:
•stated in declarative form
•put forwards relationships between variables
•reflects a theory
•brief and to the point
Assertions (direct / straight forward / not suggestions)
Limited in scope.

Statements about the relationships between certain

variables.
Clear in their implications for testing the
relationships.
Comparative with current knowledge.

Expressed as economically as possible using correct

terminology.
Hypotheses states:
•two or more variables (independent and dependent) that are
measurable
•a relationship between two or more variables
•a possible prediction

E.g., There is a difference in critical thinking skills between


boys and girls in the upper secondary education
Relationship – difference
Variables – critical thinking skills, gender
Null Hypothesis is a statement of equality: No
difference, No relationship
E.g., a. There is no difference between boys and girls in the
upper secondary education in critical thinking skills
b. There is no relationship between socio-economic
status and academic performance.
Null hypothesis is denoted with the symbol Ho
➢ it do not expect the groups to be different and
➢ it do not expect the variables to be related.
Ho: µ1 = µ2 or Ho: µ1 ─ µ2 = 0
For Ho: µ1 = µ2
The Science mean scores (µ1) obtained by students,
taught in the discovery method is EQUAL to the
Science mean scores (µ2) obtained by students, taught
in the lecture method
For Ho: µ1 - µ2 = 0
The Science mean scores (µ1) obtained by students,
taught in the discovery method MINUS the Science
mean scores (µ2) obtained by students, taught in the
lecture method is equal to ZERO.
The Alternative Hypothesis (H1 or Ha) is the opposite of the
Null Hypothesis.
Alternative Hypothesis:
H1 or Ha: µ1 ≠ µ2
There is a difference in the Science mean scores between discovery
method group and lecture method group (no direction)
H1 or Ha: µ1 > µ2
The Science mean scores of the discovery method group is HIGHER
than the Science mean scores of the lecture method group.
H1 or Ha: µ1 < µ2
The Science mean scores of the discovery method group is LOWER
than the Science mean scores of the lecture method group.
• to summarize the results of previous research to
form a foundation on which to build your own
research
• to collect ideas on how to gather data
• to investigate methods of data analysis
• to study instrumentation which has been used
• to assess the success of the various research
designs of the studies already undertaken.
The purpose of a literature review are:
to summarize the results of previous research to
form a foundation on which to build your own
research.
to collect ideas on how to gather data.

to investigate methods of data analysis.

to study instrumentation which has been used.

to assess the success of the various research designs

of the studies already undertaken.


Thank you

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