research questions vs hypothesis

Hypothesis vs. Research Question

What's the difference.

Hypothesis and research question are both essential components of the scientific research process, but they serve different purposes. A research question is a broad inquiry that aims to explore a specific topic or problem. It is often open-ended and seeks to gather information and generate knowledge. On the other hand, a hypothesis is a specific statement that predicts the relationship between variables or the outcome of a study. It is based on existing knowledge or theories and is testable through empirical research. While a research question guides the overall direction of a study, a hypothesis provides a more focused and specific prediction that can be tested and validated.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When conducting research, whether in the scientific or social sciences realm, it is essential to have a clear direction and purpose. Two key components that help guide the research process are the hypothesis and research question. While both serve as important tools in formulating and conducting research, they differ in their nature, purpose, and structure. In this article, we will explore the attributes of hypothesis and research question, highlighting their similarities and differences.

A hypothesis is a statement that proposes a relationship between variables or predicts an outcome based on existing knowledge or theories. It is an educated guess or assumption that guides the research process and helps researchers test their theories. Hypotheses are typically formulated in a declarative form, stating the expected relationship or outcome.

One of the key attributes of a hypothesis is that it is testable. This means that it can be empirically examined and either supported or rejected through data analysis. A hypothesis should be specific and precise, clearly defining the variables involved and the expected relationship between them. It should also be falsifiable, meaning that it can be proven wrong if the data does not support it.

Hypotheses are often used in quantitative research, where researchers aim to measure and analyze data to draw conclusions. They provide a framework for designing experiments or surveys and guide the collection and analysis of data. Hypotheses can be either directional, predicting the direction of the relationship between variables, or non-directional, suggesting that a relationship exists without specifying its direction.

For example, in a study examining the effects of exercise on mental health, a directional hypothesis could be: "Increased physical exercise will lead to a decrease in symptoms of anxiety." On the other hand, a non-directional hypothesis could be: "There is a relationship between physical exercise and symptoms of anxiety."

Research Question

A research question, on the other hand, is an inquiry that guides the research process and seeks to explore a specific topic or phenomenon. It is a broad, open-ended question that does not propose a specific relationship or outcome. Research questions are often used in qualitative research, where the focus is on understanding and interpreting social phenomena.

Unlike hypotheses, research questions do not require a definitive answer or prediction. Instead, they aim to explore and generate knowledge about a particular subject. Research questions are often formulated using words like "how," "what," "why," or "in what way," indicating the intention to investigate and understand a phenomenon.

Research questions are typically more flexible and adaptable than hypotheses. They allow researchers to explore multiple perspectives and gather rich, in-depth data. Research questions can evolve and change throughout the research process as new insights emerge. They provide a framework for qualitative data collection methods such as interviews, observations, or focus groups.

For example, in a study exploring the experiences of individuals living with chronic pain, a research question could be: "How do individuals with chronic pain cope with their condition on a daily basis?" This question allows for a comprehensive exploration of coping mechanisms, experiences, and challenges faced by individuals living with chronic pain.

Similarities and Differences

While hypotheses and research questions serve distinct purposes, they also share some similarities. Both hypotheses and research questions are essential components of the research process, providing a clear focus and direction. They both aim to guide the research and generate new knowledge. Additionally, both hypotheses and research questions should be grounded in existing literature and theories, ensuring that the research contributes to the existing body of knowledge.

However, the main difference between hypotheses and research questions lies in their structure and purpose. Hypotheses are more specific and focused, proposing a relationship or outcome that can be tested and analyzed quantitatively. They are often used in experimental or survey-based research designs. On the other hand, research questions are broader and open-ended, allowing for qualitative exploration and interpretation of social phenomena. They are commonly used in qualitative research designs.

Another difference is that hypotheses are often derived from research questions. Researchers start with a research question and then formulate a hypothesis based on existing knowledge and theories. The hypothesis provides a more specific and testable statement that can be examined through data analysis. In this way, hypotheses can be seen as a more refined version of research questions, focusing on a specific aspect of the research topic.

Furthermore, hypotheses are more commonly used in deductive research, where researchers start with a theory and test it through empirical evidence. Research questions, on the other hand, are often used in inductive research, where researchers gather data and generate theories or explanations based on the observed patterns or themes.

It is important to note that both hypotheses and research questions can coexist in a research study. In some cases, a study may have both a research question and a hypothesis. The research question provides a broader context and exploration of the topic, while the hypothesis allows for a more focused investigation of a specific relationship or outcome.

In conclusion, hypotheses and research questions are vital components of the research process, providing guidance and direction. While they share similarities in terms of their contribution to knowledge generation and grounding in existing literature, they differ in their structure, purpose, and application. Hypotheses are specific, testable statements that propose a relationship or outcome, often used in quantitative research. Research questions, on the other hand, are broad, open-ended inquiries that guide qualitative research and aim to explore and understand social phenomena. Both hypotheses and research questions play crucial roles in advancing research and expanding our understanding of the world.

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Research Questions vs Hypothesis: What’s The Difference?

by  Antony W

August 1, 2024

You’ll need to come up with a research question or a hypothesis to guide your next research project. But what is a hypothesis in the first place? What is the perfect definition for a research question? And, what’s the difference between the two?

In this guide to research questions vs hypothesis, we’ll look at the definition of each component and the difference between the two.

We’ll also look at when a research question and a hypothesis may be useful and provide you with some tips that you can use to come up with hypothesis and research questions that will suit your research topic . 

Let’s get to it.

What’s a Research Question?

We define a research question as the exact question you want to answer on a given topic or research project. Good research questions should be clear and easy to understand, allow for the collection of necessary data, and be specific and relevant to your field of study.

Research questions are part of heuristic research methods, where researchers use personal experiences and observations to understand a research subject. By using such approaches to explore the question, you should be able to provide an analytical justification of why and how you should respond to the question. 

While it’s common for researchers to focus on one question at a time, more complex topics may require two or more questions to cover in-depth.

When is a Research Question Useful? 

A research question may be useful when and if: 

• There isn’t enough previous research on the topic
• You want to report a wider range out of outcome when doing your research project
• You want to conduct a more open ended inquiries 

Perhaps the biggest drawback with research questions is that they tend to researchers in a position to “fish expectations” or excessively manipulate their findings.

Again, research questions sometimes tend to be less specific, and the reason is that there often no sufficient previous research on the questions.

What’s a Hypothesis? 

A hypothesis is a statement you can approve or disapprove. You develop a hypothesis from a research question by changing the question into a statement.

Primarily applied in deductive research, it involves the use of scientific, mathematical, and sociological findings to agree to or write off an assumption.

Researchers use the null approach for statements they can disapprove. They take a hypothesis and add a “not” to it to make it a working null hypothesis.

A null hypothesis is quite common in scientific methods. In this case, you have to formulate a hypothesis, and then conduct an investigation to disapprove the statement.

If you can disapprove the statement, you develop another hypothesis and then repeat the process until you can’t disapprove the statement.

In other words, if a hypothesis is true, then it must have been repeatedly tested and verified.

The consensus among researchers is that, like research questions, a hypothesis should not only be clear and easy to understand but also have a definite focus, answerable, and relevant to your field of study. 

When is a Hypothesis Useful?

A hypothesis may be useful when or if:

• There’s enough previous research on the topic
• You want to test a specific model or a particular theory
• You anticipate a likely outcome in advance 

The drawback to hypothesis as a scientific method is that it can hinder flexibility, or possibly blind a researcher not to see unanticipated results.

Research Question vs Hypothesis: Which One Should Come First 

Researchers use scientific methods to hone on different theories. So if the purpose of the research project were to analyze a concept, a scientific method would be necessary.

Such a case requires coming up with a research question first, followed by a scientific method.

Since a hypothesis is part of a research method, it will come after the research question.

Research Question vs Hypothesis: What’s the Difference? 

The following are the differences between a research question and a hypothesis.

We look at the differences in purpose and structure, writing, as well as conclusion. 

Research Questions vs Hypothesis: Some Useful Advice 

As much as there are differences between hypothesis and research questions, you have to state either one in the introduction and then repeat the same in the conclusion of your research paper.

Whichever element you opt to use, you should clearly demonstrate that you understand your topic, have achieved the goal of your research project, and not swayed a bit in your research process.

If it helps, start and conclude every chapter of your research project by providing additional information on how you’ve or will address the hypothesis or research question.

You should also include the aims and objectives of coming up with the research question or formulating the hypothesis. Doing so will go a long way to demonstrate that you have a strong focus on the research issue at hand. 

Research Questions vs Hypothesis: Conclusion 

If you need help with coming up with research questions, formulating a hypothesis, and completing your research paper writing , feel free to talk to us. 

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Home » Education » Difference Between Hypothesis and Research Question

Difference Between Hypothesis and Research Question

Main difference – hypothesis vs research question.

Research question and hypothesis are the foundations of a research study. Formulating the research question or developing the hypothesis can help you to decide on the approach of the research. A research question is the question the research study sets out to answer. Hypothesis is the statement the research study sets out to prove or disprove. The main difference between hypothesis and research question is that hypothesis is predictive in nature whereas research question is inquisitive in nature.

In this article, we’ll discuss,

1. What is a Hypothesis? – Meaning, Features, Characteristics, and Usage

2. What is a Research Question? – Meaning, Features, Characteristics, and Usage

What is a Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a prediction about the relationship between two or more variables. It can be described as an educated guess about what happens in an experiment. Researchers usually tend to use hypotheses when significant knowledge is already available on the subject. The hypothesis is based on this existing knowledge. After the hypothesis is developed, the researcher can develop data, analyze and use them to support or negate the hypothesis.

Not all studies have hypotheses. They are usually used in experimental quantitative research studies. They are useful in testing a specific theory or model.  A complete hypothesis always includes the variables, population and the predicted relationship between the variables. The main disadvantage of hypotheses is that their tendency to blind a researcher to unexpected results. 

What is a Research Question

A research question is the question a research study sets to answer. However, a research study can have more than one research question. The research methodologies , tools used to collect data, etc. all depend on the research question.

Research questions are often used in qualitative research, which seek to answer open-ended questions . But they can also be used in quantitative studies. Research questions can be used instead of hypotheses when there is little previous research on the subject. Research questions allow the researcher to conduct more open-ended queries, and a wide range of results can be reported.

A properly constructed research question should always be clear and concise. It should include the variables, population and the topic being studied.

Hypothesis is a tentative prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.

Research Question is the question a research study sets to answer.

Hypothesis is predictive in nature.

Research Question is inquisitive in nature.

Existing Research

Hypothesis can be used if there is significant knowledge or previous research on this subject.

Research Question can be used if there is little previous research on the subject.

Quantitative vs Qualitative

Hypothesis is mainly used in experimental quantitative studies.

Research Question can be used in both quantitative and qualitative studies.

Hypothesis doesn’t allow a wide range of outcomes.

Research Question allows a wide range of outcomes.

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About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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Research Questions & Hypotheses

Generally, in quantitative studies, reviewers expect hypotheses rather than research questions. However, both research questions and hypotheses serve different purposes and can be beneficial when used together.

Research Questions

Clarify the research’s aim (farrugia et al., 2010).

• Research often begins with an interest in a topic, but a deep understanding of the subject is crucial to formulate an appropriate research question.
• Descriptive: “What factors most influence the academic achievement of senior high school students?”
• Comparative: “What is the performance difference between teaching methods A and B?”
• Relationship-based: “What is the relationship between self-efficacy and academic achievement?”
• Increasing knowledge about a subject can be achieved through systematic literature reviews, in-depth interviews with patients (and proxies), focus groups, and consultations with field experts.
• Some funding bodies, like the Canadian Institute for Health Research, recommend conducting a systematic review or a pilot study before seeking grants for full trials.
• The presence of multiple research questions in a study can complicate the design, statistical analysis, and feasibility.
• It’s advisable to focus on a single primary research question for the study.
• The primary question, clearly stated at the end of a grant proposal’s introduction, usually specifies the study population, intervention, and other relevant factors.
• The FINER criteria underscore aspects that can enhance the chances of a successful research project, including specifying the population of interest, aligning with scientific and public interest, clinical relevance, and contribution to the field, while complying with ethical and national research standards.
• The P ICOT approach is crucial in developing the study’s framework and protocol, influencing inclusion and exclusion criteria and identifying patient groups for inclusion.
• Defining the specific population, intervention, comparator, and outcome helps in selecting the right outcome measurement tool.
• The more precise the population definition and stricter the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the more significant the impact on the interpretation, applicability, and generalizability of the research findings.
• A restricted study population enhances internal validity but may limit the study’s external validity and generalizability to clinical practice.
• A broadly defined study population may better reflect clinical practice but could increase bias and reduce internal validity.
• An inadequately formulated research question can negatively impact study design, potentially leading to ineffective outcomes and affecting publication prospects.

Checklist: Good research questions for social science projects (Panke, 2018)

Research Hypotheses

Present the researcher’s predictions based on specific statements.

• These statements define the research problem or issue and indicate the direction of the researcher’s predictions.
• Formulating the research question and hypothesis from existing data (e.g., a database) can lead to multiple statistical comparisons and potentially spurious findings due to chance.
• The research or clinical hypothesis, derived from the research question, shapes the study’s key elements: sampling strategy, intervention, comparison, and outcome variables.
• Hypotheses can express a single outcome or multiple outcomes.
• After statistical testing, the null hypothesis is either rejected or not rejected based on whether the study’s findings are statistically significant.
• Hypothesis testing helps determine if observed findings are due to true differences and not chance.
• Hypotheses can be 1-sided (specific direction of difference) or 2-sided (presence of a difference without specifying direction).
• 2-sided hypotheses are generally preferred unless there’s a strong justification for a 1-sided hypothesis.
• A solid research hypothesis, informed by a good research question, influences the research design and paves the way for defining clear research objectives.

Types of Research Hypothesis

• In a Y-centered research design, the focus is on the dependent variable (DV) which is specified in the research question. Theories are then used to identify independent variables (IV) and explain their causal relationship with the DV.
• Example: “An increase in teacher-led instructional time (IV) is likely to improve student reading comprehension scores (DV), because extensive guided practice under expert supervision enhances learning retention and skill mastery.”
• Hypothesis Explanation: The dependent variable (student reading comprehension scores) is the focus, and the hypothesis explores how changes in the independent variable (teacher-led instructional time) affect it.
• In X-centered research designs, the independent variable is specified in the research question. Theories are used to determine potential dependent variables and the causal mechanisms at play.
• Example: “Implementing technology-based learning tools (IV) is likely to enhance student engagement in the classroom (DV), because interactive and multimedia content increases student interest and participation.”
• Hypothesis Explanation: The independent variable (technology-based learning tools) is the focus, with the hypothesis exploring its impact on a potential dependent variable (student engagement).
• Probabilistic hypotheses suggest that changes in the independent variable are likely to lead to changes in the dependent variable in a predictable manner, but not with absolute certainty.
• Example: “The more teachers engage in professional development programs (IV), the more their teaching effectiveness (DV) is likely to improve, because continuous training updates pedagogical skills and knowledge.”
• Hypothesis Explanation: This hypothesis implies a probable relationship between the extent of professional development (IV) and teaching effectiveness (DV).
• Deterministic hypotheses state that a specific change in the independent variable will lead to a specific change in the dependent variable, implying a more direct and certain relationship.
• Example: “If the school curriculum changes from traditional lecture-based methods to project-based learning (IV), then student collaboration skills (DV) are expected to improve because project-based learning inherently requires teamwork and peer interaction.”
• Hypothesis Explanation: This hypothesis presumes a direct and definite outcome (improvement in collaboration skills) resulting from a specific change in the teaching method.
• Example : “Students who identify as visual learners will score higher on tests that are presented in a visually rich format compared to tests presented in a text-only format.”
• Explanation : This hypothesis aims to describe the potential difference in test scores between visual learners taking visually rich tests and text-only tests, without implying a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
• Example : “Teaching method A will improve student performance more than method B.”
• Explanation : This hypothesis compares the effectiveness of two different teaching methods, suggesting that one will lead to better student performance than the other. It implies a direct comparison but does not necessarily establish a causal mechanism.
• Example : “Students with higher self-efficacy will show higher levels of academic achievement.”
• Explanation : This hypothesis predicts a relationship between the variable of self-efficacy and academic achievement. Unlike a causal hypothesis, it does not necessarily suggest that one variable causes changes in the other, but rather that they are related in some way.

Tips for developing research questions and hypotheses for research studies

• Perform a systematic literature review (if one has not been done) to increase knowledge and familiarity with the topic and to assist with research development.
• Learn about current trends and technological advances on the topic.
• Seek careful input from experts, mentors, colleagues, and collaborators to refine your research question as this will aid in developing the research question and guide the research study.
• Use the FINER criteria in the development of the research question.
• Ensure that the research question follows PICOT format.
• Develop a research hypothesis from the research question.
• Ensure that the research question and objectives are answerable, feasible, and clinically relevant.

If your research hypotheses are derived from your research questions, particularly when multiple hypotheses address a single question, it’s recommended to use both research questions and hypotheses. However, if this isn’t the case, using hypotheses over research questions is advised. It’s important to note these are general guidelines, not strict rules. If you opt not to use hypotheses, consult with your supervisor for the best approach.

Farrugia, P., Petrisor, B. A., Farrokhyar, F., & Bhandari, M. (2010). Practical tips for surgical research: Research questions, hypotheses and objectives.  Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie ,  53 (4), 278–281.

Hulley, S. B., Cummings, S. R., Browner, W. S., Grady, D., & Newman, T. B. (2007). Designing clinical research. Philadelphia.

Panke, D. (2018). Research design & method selection: Making good choices in the social sciences.  Research Design & Method Selection , 1-368.

Research Questions vs. Hypotheses

• September 23, 2024

An important part of study design is framing your central inquiry. You may be attempting to determine what your research question will be and whether or not you will include a hypothesis. This blog examines the research question vs. hypothesis question and aims to help you better understand key differences between these two facets of research design. 

What is a Research Question?

Research Questions (RQs) are inquiries that guide the direction of a research project. They are open-ended and seek to explore or describe a phenomenon.

What is a Hypothesis?

Hypotheses are tentative, testable predictions or explanations for an observed phenomenon. They are typically stated as a relationship between variables.

What is the Role of Research Questions vs. Hypotheses in the Research Process?

Both RQs and hypotheses play crucial roles in research, but they serve different purposes:

• Frame the overall scope of the study
• Guide the literature review
• Help determine appropriate research methods
• Shape data collection and analysis
• Provide specific predictions to test
• Guide the selection of statistical analyses
• Help in operationalizing variables
• Facilitate the interpretation of results

When to Use Research Questions vs. Hypotheses

• Exploring a new area of study
• Conducting qualitative research
• The aim is to describe or explore rather than test
• Conducting quantitative research
• There’s sufficient prior knowledge to make predictions
• The goal is to test specific relationships between variable

Example Research Question:

“How do graduate students’ writing habits affect their academic performance?”

Corresponding Hypothesis:

“Graduate students who engage in daily writing sessions of at least 30 minutes will have higher GPAs compared to those who write sporadically.”

In this example, the research question opens up a broad area of inquiry, while the hypothesis provides a specific, testable prediction based on that question.

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