LQ1 - Methods of Research - Research Problem and Hypothesis Formulation

Research problem

is an unresolved question or challenge that needs investigation

Research problem

the starting point of any research, guiding the scope and focus

Research problem

It can stem from theoretical gaps, practical issues, or emerging trends

1. research design

2. literature review, methodology, data analysis

3. scope, significance

4. clarity, purpose

A research problem:

1. Serves as the foundation of ___ ___

2. Directs _____ _____, ______, and ____ ____

3. Helps define the research ___ and _____

4. Ensures ___ and ____ in research activities

1. literature review

2. experiences

3. technological/social needs

4. policy/legal framework gaps

5. unexpected findings in prior research

5 sources of research problems

• focused and clear

• researchable and feasible

• significant

• ethical

4 characteristics of a good research problem

Topic

A broad area of stody like IoT Security

Problem

A specific and researchable issue

1. preliminary studies

2. existing research

3. contradictions, gaps, needs

4. angles

5. validate

To identify a research problem, you must:

1. Conduct ___ ___

2. Analyze ___ ___

3. Pinpoint ___, ___, or ___

4. Brainstorm potential ___

5. ____ the problem with peers or mentors

1. Specific

2. Measurable

3. Achievable

4. Relevant

5. Time-bound

What is the smart criteria for refining the problem statement? (Identify the words in the acronym)

1. Clarify, solving

2. gap, intention

From Problem to Research Purpose:

1. ____ why the problem needs ___

2. Transition from identifying a ____ to framing your study’s _____

General objectives

Involves the description of the research’s overall goal

General objectives

Broadly reflects what the study intends to accomplish

Specific objectives

The result of breaking down the general objectives into achievable sub-goals

task

Each objective should target a specific ____

1. research questions, problem

2. hypotheses

3. logical flow, scientific

To make a hypothesis using the problem:

1. Formulate ___ ___ based on the ____

2. Derive ____ from those questions

3. Ensure ___ ___ and _____ grounding

Hypothesis

A predictive, testable statement about the expected relationship between variables

Hypothesis

It proposes a solution or outcome to investigate

Hypothesis

Often framed as “If… then…” statements

1. data collection, methodology

2. statistical testing

3. theories

Why is Hypothesis Important?

1. Guides ___ ___ and ____

2. Provides a basis for ___ ____

3. Validates or refute ___

1. .

2. empirical

3. theoretical rationale

4. research problem

5. falsifiable

Characteristics of a good hypothesis

1. Clearly stated and precise

2. testable using _____ data

3. based on sound ____ ____

4. Relevant to the ___ ___

5. ______

Null Hypothesis (H0)

A type of hypothesis with no effect or relationship

Alternative Hypothesis (H1)

A type of hypothesis wherein an effect or relationship exists

Directional Hypothesis

A type of hypothesis that specifies the nature of the relationship

Non-directional Hypothesis

A type of hypothesis that indicates a relationship without specifying a direction

Independent variable

A variable that is manipulated

Dependent variable

A variable that is measured

Control variables

A variable that is held constant

1. research problem

2. relevant theories

3. variables

4. testable

5. wording, scope

The steps of formulating a hypothesis:

1. Define the ___ ____

2. Review the ____ ____

3. Identify ____

4. Propose a _____ relationship

5. Refine ____ and ____

objectives

shape the experimental goals

hypothesis

predict the outcomes of the goals that were shaped

1. empirical

2. statistical methods

3. cause, effect

Uses of hypothesis in quantitative research:

1. ____ testing

2. It drives the selection of ____ ____

3. It validates ____-_____ relationships

1. emergent, exploratory

2. thematic coding

Hypothesis in Qualitative Research:

1. Often ___ or ____

2. May guide ____ ____

3. Less rigid but still provides structure

1. .

2. variable relationships

3. existing research

Connection between theoretical framework and hypothesis:

1. Builds foundation for hypothesis

2. Helps justify ____ ____

3. must be grounded in ___ ___

Conceptual framework

Diagrammatic or narrative depiction of relationships

Conceptual framework

Clarifies how variables interact

Conceptual framework

Helps in hypothesis and objective alignment

Operational definitions

Specifies how each variable will be measured or defined in your study

Assumptions and limitations

• clarifies assumptions made during hypothesis formulation

• state limitations that may affect validity

1. validates, need

2. credibility, context

Importance of literature support in hypothesis:

1. Cited related work ___ the ___ for your hypothesis

2. It builds ____ and ____

1. vague

2. unmeasurable

3. theoretical grounding

4. redundant

Common mistakes to avoid in formulating hypothesis:

1. ____ wording

2. ____ variables

3. No _____ _____

4. ____ objectives

Writing the final problem statement

Involves combining the context, gap, and consequence

clarity, scope, and testability

When writing the final hypothesis, you must ensure ___, ____, and ____

1. well-defined

2. clear, aligned

3. testable

Self check questions:

1. Is your problem ___-____?

2. Are objectives ___ and ___?

3. Is the hypothesis ___?