In what way does a hypothesis differ from a research question?

A hypothesis is a specific, testable statement that proposes a relationship between two or more variables. It typically arises from background knowledge, theory, or previous research and is formulated to be empirically tested through observation or experimentation. By suggesting a potential relationship or outcome, a hypothesis serves as a foundation for the research study, guiding the direction of the data collection and analysis.

In contrast, a research question is broader and generally seeks to address a specific inquiry regarding a topic. It serves as the overarching inquiry that a study aims to answer, while the hypothesis provides a precise prediction to test. The distinction lies in the fact that while a research question may outline what the study is aimed at examining, the hypothesis specifies what the researcher expects to find based on theoretical or empirical knowledge.

This understanding reinforces the importance of formulating both clear research questions and hypothesis, as they work together in the scientific method to advance knowledge in the field of study.