4.1.3 Formulating a Research Question or Hypothesis

• A hypothesis is a testable statement that proposes a relationship between two or more variables
• Gathering relevant sources is the first step in conducting background research and a literature review.


  True
• What is the purpose of a research question?

  To explore a topic
• A hypothesis predicts the outcome of an investigation.

  True
• An achievable research question can be practically studied given available resources
• What are the two concepts being compared in this study material?

  Research question and hypothesis
• Steps to identify the topic area of research

  1️⃣ Relevance to course objectives

  2️⃣ Feasibility of data access

  3️⃣ Interest in the topic

  4️⃣ Uniqueness of exploration
• Key steps in background research and a literature review

  1️⃣ Gather relevant sources

  2️⃣ Critically review the literature

  3️⃣ Synthesize the information

  4️⃣ Refine the research approach
• What is a hypothesis in research?

  A testable prediction
• A hypothesis proposes a relationship between variables.

  True
• Feasibility in research refers to ensuring access to necessary data and expertise.


  True
• Synthesizing information in a literature review involves identifying common themes and contradictions.


  True
• What is an example of a hypothesis related to the urban heat island effect?

  It is more pronounced in low-income neighborhoods
• What three characteristics define a good research question or hypothesis?

  Focused, measurable, achievable
• What is the primary difference between a research question and a hypothesis?

  Open-ended vs. testable
• Steps to refine a research question or hypothesis

  1️⃣ Ensure it is focused

  2️⃣ Ensure it is measurable

  3️⃣ Ensure it is achievable
• What are four essential factors to consider when identifying the topic area for research?

  Relevance, feasibility, interest, uniqueness
• What does selecting a suitable research topic help you formulate effectively?

  Research question or hypothesis
• A literature review involves identifying and analyzing academic journals, books, and conference proceedings.

  True
• What is a hypothesis in research?

  Testable statement predicting outcome
• What is the primary purpose of a hypothesis in research?

  Propose a relationship
• A research question aims to explore a topic without making assumptions about relationships between variables.

  True
• What is one purpose of conducting background research and a literature review?

  Identify gaps in understanding
• Insights from previous studies help refine a research question or hypothesis
• A research question is phrased as a question
• What is the primary purpose of a research question?

  Explore a topic
• Why is a literature review important in research?

  Understand existing knowledge
• How does a literature review refine a research approach?

  By sharpening the question
• Choosing between a research question and hypothesis depends on the gaps identified in the literature review.

  True
• A focused question tackles specific aspects
• A hypothesis is a testable statement that proposes a relationship between two or more variables
• What are the four factors to consider when identifying a research topic area?

  Relevance, feasibility, interest, expertise
• When identifying a research topic, it should align with course objectives and current significance in geography
• Choosing a research topic that genuinely interests you is important for staying motivated.


  True
• Steps to approach background research and a literature review

  1️⃣ Background research to understand the topic’s history and key concepts

  2️⃣ Identify and analyze academic journals, books, and reports

  3️⃣ Critically review methodologies and findings of previous studies

  4️⃣ Synthesize information to identify themes and gaps
• Conducting background research and a literature review helps refine the focus of your study
• A research question does not make any assumptions about the relationship between variables.


  True
• Why should you refer back to your literature review when defining your research question or hypothesis?

  Address a gap in knowledge
• A research question proposes a relationship between two or more variables.

  False
• A hypothesis makes a prediction about the expected outcome of the investigation.

  True