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https://cirt.gcu.edu/research/developmentresources/research_ready/quantresearch/question
The purpose of this module is to discuss research questions and research hypotheses and to
provide definitions, comparisons and examples of both.
Learning Objectives:
Once you have chosen your research topic or subject, you will need to decide how you will
approach the research process – by formulating a hypothesis or developing a research
question. This can be determined by starting with the following questions. Is there a significant
body of knowledge already available about your subject that allows you to make a prediction
about the results of your study before you begin? If so, you will be using a hypothesis. Or is
your research more exploratory and investigative in nature and will require that you collect
data and analyze results before drawing any conclusions? If this describes your research topic,
you will be developing a research question. Understanding this difference and choosing the
correct approach will drive the rest of your research project. The following sections further
describe research questions and hypotheses and provide examples of each.
Research Questions:
Hypothesis:
It is predictive in nature and typically used when significant knowledge already exists on
the subject which allows the prediction to be made.
Data is then collected, analyzed, and used to support or negate the hypothesis, arriving at
a definite conclusion at the end of the research.
It is always written as a statement and should be developed before any data is collected.
A complete hypothesis should include: the variables, the population, and the predicted
relationship between the variables.
Commonly used in quantitative research, but not qualitative research which often seeks
answers to open-ended questions.
Examples: A company wellness program will decrease the number sick days claimed by
employees. Consuming vitamin C supplements will reduce the incidence of the common
cold in teenagers.
Suggested Readings: