Hypotheses and variables

Developing Research Questions and Proposals

In quantitative research the question becomes a testable hypothesis: a precise statement about the relationship between an independent variable (what you vary or compare) and a dependent variable (what you measure).

Define each variable operationally — how exactly it will be measured. Qualitative studies usually do not test hypotheses; they pose open questions and may generate hypotheses for later work.

Example

H1: Students in blended courses report higher engagement scores (measured by the NSSE engagement scale) than students in face-to-face courses.

Exercise

If your study is quantitative, add your hypotheses as supporting questions in the blueprint.

Lessons