Formulating Research

• State and explain the FIRST step in formulating research

  • Identify the aim of the research
  • Written in general statement explaining the purpose of the research
• State and explain the SECOND step in formulation research:

  • Develop a research question based on the aim
  • General question based on the background information i.e. literature review
• State and explain the THIRD step in formulation research:

  • Identify variables
  • Operation definitions of both IV and DV are required
• State and explain the FOURTH step in formulation research:

  • Construct a hypothesis (quantitative)
  • A hypothesis produces quantitative data and informs the methodology that will be followed
• What should a hypothesis include:

  • Specify the kind of relationship between two variables
  • Should include the population of research interest and in which way the independent and dependent variable will be measured
• Explain what a directional hypothesis is:

  A statement that compares the predicted outcome of each condition.

  Used when past research provides a clue as to what results will show
• Explain what a non-directional hypothesis:

  • A statement that declares there is a difference between conditions BUT does NOT SPECIFY the type of difference
  • Used when no previous research, or previous research has provided contradictory results
• State and explain the FIFTH step in formulation research:

  • Construct an inquiry question (qualitative)
  • Open ended question
  • Starts with question word that researchers is aiming to answer