Both research question and hypothesis are essential elements in research projects. In qualitative research, entire research revolves around the question and often revisits while researching. On the other hand, in quantitative research, hypothesis is the most probable untested guess or answer to a question. So, let’s learn the difference between research question and hypothesis.
Understanding hypothesis
In research, hypothesis is always expressed in the form of declarative statement. It is a possible explanation of phenomenon or it may be probable prediction but it is yet to be tested. So, obviously, it should be testable or falsifiable.
Any research question that is the central focus of study always inspires hypothesis. Because it is the most probable answer that the research question seeks to answer. Simply speaking, hypothesis is a proposed anwer to the research question that is subject to varify or test in the light of collected data.
Examples of hypothesis and question
How does growing rate of hate speeches affect the social harmony and unity? (Research question)
Growing incidents of riots and lynching are closely associated with increased levels of hate speeches. (Hypothesis)
In the first example, there is a clear cut demand of answer or explanation regarding growing riots and social disharmony. That is purely an interrogative statement.
In the second example, that is declarative statement showing probable relationship between hate speeches and incidents of riots. Thought it is a subject to test and verify, it looks logical prediction.
Relationship between two variables
Hypothesis is a product of the combination of independent and dependent variables. Both vriables are changeable factors you are observing events or phenomenon. They are correlated with each other as the dependent is an effect of independent variables.
In short, hypothesis is a testable proposed logical answer or explanation about a problem, question or phenomenon. It is written as a declarative statement. And, it well combines dependent and independent variables to show causal link.
Role, usages of hypothesis
It is used to answer research question. Widely used in the quantitative research methods. Hypothesis demands data collection and analysis to test it. It expects greater understanding of the given topic. Because, it becomes easier to conduct empirical research.
Hypothesis is used to test existing theories or claim. It is more suitable in quantitative, experimental research methods. Most importantly, a proper research question can inspire multiple or series of hypothesis to provide testable answers.
Knowing about Research question
Research question acts as central focus of research that guides, channelize, research process to seek correct answer. Its main role is to explore new theory, insight, or solutions to a problem. Unlike hypothesis whose purpose is to test existing theory or claim.
Nature of research question
It should be well formed, structured, specific, and relevant. Afterall, entire research process centers around research question itself. Broader grasp or understanding of topic in question is necessary conditions. And, learn to narrow down focused point that is going to guide planned research.
Research question should be open ended question that should seek various flexible answers. It should demand why and how of concerned issue instead of what and who.
Moreover, its nature should be clear, focused, original, and researchable. Simply it should be analytical, open ended, and explorable interrogative statement.
Example of research question
How does poor rainfall in monsoonal regions affect the rate of rural urban migration? (Research question)
Growing number of droughts in the monsoonal regions of Asia have direct correlation with increased rural urban migration. (Research hypothesis)
Clearly, first example of research question seeks probable alternative answer to question regarding rural urban migration. It is a clear, researchable, and focused interrigative statement.
Role and importance of research question
It is used in qualitative, exploratory, and inductive research approaches or methods. Being open ended question, it seeks detailed information on specific and focused topic. There is no restrictions on answering such question. Participants can answer in theirs own words.
Research question is intended to solve problem, explore new theories, and inspire series of hypothesis. It is a powerful tool to guide whole research process.
Exploring difference between research question and hypothesis
First, research question is analytical, open ended statement that seeks in detail response. Whereas, hypothesis is closed ended descriptive claim.
Second, research question is a central focus of research in qualitative, exploratory research. On the other hand, hypothesis is a tentative, proposed explanation or answer to a question. Its nature is logical but untested.
Third, research question explores new theories or insights. While hypothesis aimed to test existing claims or theories.
Link between research question and hypothesis.
Though both looks contrasting in nature but a well structured research question inspires multiple hypothesis and in return hypothesis provides a logical, tentative, probable explanation or answer. Therefore, they act as complementary to bear sweet fruit of research.
https://www.servicescape.com/blog/how-does-a-hypothesis-differ-from-a-research-question
https://www.monash.edu/library/help/assignments-research/developing-research-questions