Mod 2: Developing the Question and Hypothesis

Question 1

Reasons for an initial literature review

Syllabus: conduct an initial literature search, from one or more areas of science, to identify the potential use of a contemporary, relevant publicly available data set

Answer 1

Is there enough info out there?
For 2nd hand investigation → are there enough publicly available datasets?
Learn about current research in your area of interest.
Narrow down idea → specific testable question

Question 2

Requirements of a research question

Syllabus: develop a scientific research question from the literature search

Answer 2

Clear, focused, concise, argueable

Question 3

What are the 5 types of research questions?

Syllabus: develop a scientific research question from the literature search

Answer 3

1. Factual
2. Comparative
3. Predictive
4. Problem solving
5. Paradoxical

(mine is predictive)

Question 4

What will a good hypothesis do?

Syllabus: formulate an initial scientific hypothesis based on the scientific research question

Answer 4

Provide insight into the research qu
Is testable + measurable
Has clearly proposed a relationship b/w 2 variables that can be tested.

Question 5

Requirements of a good research question

Syllabus: assess the process involved in the development of a scientific research question and relevant
hypothesis

Answer 5

Not too broad
Not too specific
Addresses a relevant and important issue
Feasible (equipment availability, timeframe)