Research Problem &

Hypotheses

8th November 2016

Associate Prof. Dr. Subadrah
Madhawa Nair
 Introduction
Identifying research problem
 Research problem
Situation or condition that requires a
solution, explanation and research in order
to explain the phenomenon. You are
conducting a study to explain the
phenomenon
How to identify research problem

Lliterature review
Based on self experiences
Suggestions made by other
researchers
How to select a research topic
Choose a field of study
Review of literature and theories
Choose a research topic
Identifying research problem
Write problem statement
 Features of a good research topic
Title should be interesting
An issue- in need of investigation
Can be studied/researchable
Contribute significantly in the field of
study- contribute to the theory and
practice
Can be implemented by the researcher
Bound by research ethics
Writing problem statement
Highlight global issues first, then focus
on local issues related to your study
Provide evidences from previous
studies- of the issue, etc.
Stress on the importance and needs
of your study
Highlight the problems that exist in the
field of your study
Highlight gaps that exist in the field of
your study
 Your statements should be supported by-
evidence
 Evidences to support your
statements
Abstracts of studies
Summary of studies/research
Statistics that show results, the
general views in the field being studied
Research articles from journals
Academic reference books
Web page
Thesis, dissertations, project papers,
research monographs, conference
proceedings, etc.
 Theoretical framework

Make sure your research is based on

theories- important to review studies
before deciding on a title and writing
problem statement.
Content

of the study
CHAPTER 1- PROBLEM STATEMENT
Introduction
Problem statement
Research objectives
Research questions
Hypotheses
Significance of the study
Limitations of the study
Operational Definition
Summary
 CHAPTER 2:Literature review
CHAPTER 3: Research methodology
CHAPTER 4: Data analysis and findings
CHAPTER 5: Discussion and conclusion
 Hypotheses
A good hypothesis state as clearly and
concisely as possible the expected
relationship ( or difference) between
variables. Variables should be stated in
measurable terms.
Objectives, research questions and
hypotheses
The objectives of the study, research
questions, and hypotheses should be
consistent/parallel
For quantitative studies there should be
objectives of the study, research questions
and hypotheses
For qualitative studies there should be only
research objectives and research questions
 Research Objectives
1 To investigate whether there is a significant difference
between the experimental group and the control group in their
scores for multiple choice questions related to idioms.
2 To investigate whether there is a significant difference
between the experimental group and the control group in their
scores for structured questions related to idioms.
3 To investigate whether there is a significant difference
between the experimental group and the control group in their
scores for constructing sentences using idioms.
4 To investigate whether there is a significant difference
between the experimental group and the control group in their
scores for interest towards learning the English language..
 Null hypotheses
Ho1 There is no significant difference between the experimental
group and the control group in their scores for multiple choice
questions related to idioms.
Ho2 There is no significant difference between the experimental
group and the control group in their scores for structured questions
related to idioms.
Ho3 There is no significant difference between the experimental
group and the control group in their scores for constructing
sentences using idioms.
Ho4 There is no significant difference between the experimental
group and the control group in their scores for interest towards
learning the English language.

 Research Questions
RQ1 Is there a significant difference between the
experimental group and the control group in their scores for
multiple choice questions related to idioms?
RQ2 Is there a significant difference between the
experimental group and the control group in their scores for
structured questions related to idioms?
RQ3 Is there a significant difference between the
experimental group and the control group in their scores for
constructing sentences using idioms?
RQ4 Is there a significant difference between the
experimental group and the control group in their scores for
interest towards learning the English language?
 Qualitative research questions
What are the factors affecting the
students ESL writing skills?
What are the students suggestions
concerning the strategic ways of
enhancing their ESL writing skills?
 Attention and consideration
Research topic must be something that can be studied
Time frame
Place and location
Cost
The instruments to collect data
Data analysis
The study variables
Focus and limitations of the study
Thank you