Develop Question/Hypothesis
Developing a Research Question and Hypothesis
Whether you are a new or ‘seasoned’ faculty researcher, developing a strong research question and hypothesis is a crucial first step in any research project. They are the foundation for your entire study. The information below will guide you through the process and assist you in developing a research question and hypothesis.
Step 1: Identify a General Area of Interest
Begin by exploring your field of expertise and identifying a specific area of interest. Consider the knowledge gaps, emerging trends, and unresolved problems within your field. Engage in literature review to gain a thorough understanding of the existing research and identify gaps in the knowledge, which will be areas that require further investigation.
Step 2: Narrow Down Your Focus
Once you have identified a specific area of interest, it's essential to narrow down your focus. To narrow your focus, begin by determining specific aspects or subtopics within your area of interest that you find most intriguing and feasible for exploration (and which coincide with the gaps in knowledge!). Consider what resources you have available to you to explore your research question, identify expertise within or outside of your institution whom you can go to for advice and mentorship, and evaluate available data which will support your research question.
Step 3: Ask Open-Ended Questions
To generate a research question, ask open-ended questions related to your focused question. Start by asking questions focusing on "what," "why," "how," or "in what way" and answers to these questions will assist you in your exploration and discovery. Brainstorm and list as many questions as possible without worrying about their feasibility at this stage.
Step 4: Refine Your Research Question
Review the list of open-ended questions you generated and evaluate their feasibility, relevance, and significance. Consider the practicality of conducting research to answer each question and the potential impact it may have on your field. Select the most promising research question that aligns with your interests, available resources, and the potential to contribute to knowledge advancement.
Step 5: Formulate a Testable Hypothesis
Once you have a clear research question, it's time to develop a testable hypothesis. A hypothesis is a statement that predicts the relationship or difference between variables. Hypotheses have directionality. Your focused hypothesis serves as a framework for designing your study and collecting data.
A hypothesis typically consists of two parts: the independent variable (the variable you manipulate or observe) and the dependent variable (the variable you expect to be influenced by the independent variable). Ensure that your hypothesis is specific, measurable, and falsifiable, allowing you to test its validity through data analysis.
Step 6: Refine and Finalize
Take the time to refine and finalize your research question and hypothesis. Seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, or experts in your field to ensure clarity. Revise and reframe your questions or hypothesis if necessary, ensuring that your hypotheses are concise, focused, and well-articulated.
Remember that developing a research question and hypothesis is an iterative process. As you delve deeper into your research, new insights may emerge, and you may need to refine or modify your initial question and hypothesis accordingly.
By following these steps, you will lay a solid foundation for your research project. Completion of these steps will set you up for success. Remember to stay curious, remain open to new ideas, and embrace the journey of discovery.
We wish you the best of luck in your research endeavors, and our Office of Research is here to support and guide you throughout your academic journey at TTUHSC El Paso. Feel free to reach out to us for any assistance or further resources you may need.