Week 2 Research Problem and Hypothesis PDF

WEEK 2: RESEARCH PROBLEM AND HYPOTHESIS MEMBER: Christopher C. Suyu Clyde A. Tega RESEARCH PROBLEM AND HYPOTHESIS v The questions and hypothesis addressed by the researcher serve to narrow and focus the purpose of the study. v As a major signpost in a project. The set...

WEEK 2: RESEARCH PROBLEM AND HYPOTHESIS MEMBER: Christopher C. Suyu Clyde A. Tega RESEARCH PROBLEM AND HYPOTHESIS v The questions and hypothesis addressed by the researcher serve to narrow and focus the purpose of the study. v As a major signpost in a project. The set of research questions and hypotheses needs to be written carefully. RESEARCH PROBLEM Øis the problem or issue that makes research necessary. It can originate from many potential sources. HYPOTHESIS Ø in quantitative research represents the traditional approach to writing hypotheses; Ø It makes a prediction that, in the general population, no relationship or no significant difference exists between groups on a variable. SOURCE OF RESEARCH PROBLEM v OBSERVATIONS Ø Research problems can arise from direct or indirect observations of phenomena or events. For instance, a researcher may observe a trend or a pattern that raises questions or concerns that require further investigation. v LITERATURE. Ø Another source of research problems is the literature, which refers to previously published research in the field. A researcher may identify gaps, inconsistencies, or contradictions in the existing literature that require further investigation. v GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE Ø Research problems can also arise from gaps in knowledge. For example, a researcher may identify an area of study that has been overlooked or under- researched and decide to investigate it further. RESEARCH PROBLEM AND HYPOTHESIS v Example: RESEARCH PROBLEM “Does regular exercise have a positive effect on mental health? HYPOTHESIS “Regular exercise is positively related to improved mental health outcomes. IDENTIFYING RESEARCH PROBLEMS Ø It sets the direction, scope, and significance of your study, ensuring that your research is focused, relevant, and impactful. INITIAL STEPS TO IDENTIFICATION Ø To identify a research problem, you need a systematic approach and a deep understanding of the subject area. 7 INITIAL STEPS TO IDENTIFICATIONS 1.) CHOOSE A BROAD TOPIC OF INTEREST. 2.) CONDUCT A PRILIMINARY LITERATURE REVIEW. 3.) REFINE YOUR RESEARCH QUESTION. 4.) DETERMINE THE VISIBILITY OF THE RESEARCH. 5.) DETERMINE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH QUESTION. 6.) DEVELOP A HYPOTHESIS. 7.) CONSULT WITH ACADEMIC MENTORS. INITIAL STEPS TO IDENTIFICATIONS 1.) CHOOSE A BROAD TOPIC OF INTEREST. Ø By choosing a broad topic of interest , this may be a problem you’ve seen, something that’s happening right now, or an intriguing field of study. 2.) CONDUCT A PRILIMINARY LITERATURE REVIEW. Ø to ensure you have a thorough understanding of the subject, Analyze contemporary studies, seminal works, and review articles. 3.) REFINE YOUR RESEARCH QUESTION. Ø identify a specific research question that you would like to investigate. Your research question should be clear, concise, and specific. 4.) DETERMINE THE VISIBILITY OF THE RESEARCH. Ø this will help you to ensure that your research is realistic and achievable. INITIAL STEPS TO IDENTIFICATIONS 5.) DETERMINE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH QUESTION. Ø This will help you to determine the significance of your research and to ensure thatit is relevant and valuable. 6.) DEVELOP A HYPOTHESIS. Ø This will help you to clarify your research objectives and provide a framework for your research. 7.) CONSULT WITH ACADEMIC MENTORS. Ø Engage with experts in your field to refine your ideas and approach. FORMULATING RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND OBJECTIVES Ø is a crucial step in the research process, guiding your study and ensuring a focused and coherent approach. UNDERSTANDING THE INTERPLAY OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND OBJECTIVES Ø RESEARCH QUESTIONS: These are specific, answerable inquiries that drive your research. Ø RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: These are broader statements that outline what you hope to achieve through your research. FORMULATING RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1.) SPECIFICITY. 2.) MEASURABILITY. 3.) RELEVANCE. 4.) FEASIBILITY. FORMULATING RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1.) SPECIFICITY. Ø Objectives should be clear and specific, with a well-defined outcome. 2.) MEASURABILITY. Ø Ensure your research questions can be answered through quantifiable data or observable phenomena. 3.) RELEVANCE. Ø Each research question should directly relate to your research problem and contribute to a deeper understanding of the issue. 4.) FEASIBILITY. Ø Consider the resources, time, and expertise required to answer your research questions. 5.) TIME – BOUND Ø Objectives should be time- bound, with a specific deadline or timeline for completion.  HYPOTHESIS: TYPES, FORMULATION AND TESTING Ø hypothesis is a testable prediction or proposed explanation for a phenomenon that is based on existing knowledge and observations. TYPES: Null Hypothesis (H₀). Ø Suggests no effect or no difference; serves as a baseline to test against. Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): Ø Indicates the presence of an effect or difference; what you aim to prove. FORMULATION: Identify Variables: Ø Clearly define independent and dependent variables. Develop a Statement: Ø Formulate a testable statement predicting the relationship between these variables. Ensure Specificity: Ø Make the hypothesis precise and measurable. HYPOTHESIS: TYPES, FORMULATION AND TESTING TESTING: Design Experiments: Create experiments or surveys to collect data relevant to the hypothesis. Statistical Analysis: Apply statistical tests to evaluate the data and determine if the results support the null or alternative hypothesis. Interpret Results: Assess whether the data provide sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis in favor of the alternative EXAMPLES OF HYPOTHESIS IN DIFFERENT RESEARCH CONTENT 1.) PSYCHOLOGY: Null Hypothesis: q There is no significant difference in the level of anxiety between individuals who practice meditation and those who do not. Alternative Hypothesis: q Individuals who practice meditation have significantly lower levels of anxiety compared to those who do not. 2.) EDUCATION: Null Hypothesis: q There is no significant difference in the academic performance of students who attend public schools versus private schools. Alternative Hypothesis: q Students who attend private, and who attend public schools are gained more knowledge compared to those who do not attend 3.) HEALTH: Null Hypothesis: q There is no significant difference in blood pressure levels between individuals who consume caffeine and those who do not. Alternative Hypothesis: q Individuals who consume caffeine have significantly higher blood pressure levels compared to those who do not. EXAMPLES OF HYPOTHESIS IN DIFFERENT RESEARCH CONTENT 4.BUSINESS: Null Hypothesis: q There is no significant difference in customer satisfaction levels between two different brands of smartphones. Alternative Hypothesis: q Customers who use Brand A smartphones have significantly higher satisfaction levels compared to those who use Brand B smartphones. 5. ENVIRONMENTALSCIENCE: Null Hypothesis: q There is no significant difference in the amount of plastic waste generated by households with and without recycling programs. Alternative Hypothesis: q Households with recycling programs generate significantly less plastic waste compared to those without recycling programs. THANK YOU!