Brainstorm: Statement of the Problem, Hypothesis, and Scope and Delimitations of the Study

Research Question

An answerable inquiry into a specific concern or issue, derived from a research problem, and the initial step in a research study.

General Research Question

Derived from the main problem of the study, it must contain words related to quantitative research such as 'effects' or 'relationship', and exclude factual questions like 'who', 'when', or 'where'.

Specific Research Questions

Anchored on the general research question, these are used for developing data collection tools, gathering references, organizing the paper, and drawing conclusions. They must be in question form, define the population/samples, and identify variables.

Specific Research Questions for Descriptive Quantitative Research

The main goal is to observe and report on measurable aspects of a phenomenon. Questions often begin with phrases like 'how often', 'how many', 'what is/are', or 'what proportion'.

Specific Research Questions for Correlational Research

The main goal is to determine the nature of the relationship between variables without looking into the cause. Questions usually begin with 'Is there a relationship?' or 'What is the relationship?'.

Specific Research Questions for Ex Post Facto Research

This type of research attempts to discover the cause(s) of a phenomenon. Questions must not suggest experimental manipulation or that a variable's manipulation will cause conditions to occur.

Specific Research Questions for Experimental and Quasi-experimental Research

The main goal is to establish cause-and-effect relationships among variables. The first two questions should be quantitative, and the next should have a qualitative element to provide meaning to statistical data.

Research Hypothesis

Refers to what the researcher expects to find; it is the tentative answer to the research question that guides the entire study. It bridges the gap between the general question and concise statements of variable connections.

Null Hypothesis (H0)

A typical statistical theory suggesting no statistical relationship or significance exists between observed variables or data sets. In correlational studies, it states the relationship is absent. In experimental studies, it states the independent variable has no effect on the dependent variable.

Alternative Hypothesis (Ha or H1)

A statement used in statistical inference experiment. It is contradictory to the null hypothesis which states that there is a relationship between variables and denoted by Ha or H1.

Guidelines for Formulating a Hypothesis

Identifying independent and dependent variables, ensuring the hypothesis is falsifiable (can be proven wrong), and showing a relationship between your variables.

Scope of a Study

Identifies the boundaries of the study in terms of subjects, objectives, facilities, area, time frame, and issues focused on. It defines what the study will cover.

Delimitation of a Study

Identifies the constraints or weaknesses of your study which are not within the control of the researcher. It makes the study better and more feasible.