Does the research question(s) reflect the best question to address the problem?

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Research Theory, Design, and Methods Walden University

© 2016 Laureate Education, Inc. Page 1 of 2

Research Questions and Hypotheses Checklist Use the following criteria to evaluate an author’s research questions and/or hypotheses. Look for indications of the following:

• Is the research question(s) a logical extension of the purpose of the study?

• Does the research question(s) reflect the best question to address the problem?

• Does the research question(s) align with the design of the study?

• Does the research question(s) align with the method identified for collecting data?

If the study is qualitative, does the research question(s) do as follows?

• Relate the central question to the qualitative approach

• Begin with What or How (not Why)

• Focus on a single phenomenon

• Use exploratory verbs

• Use nondirectional language

• Use an open-ended format

• Specify the participants and research site

If the study is quantitative:

• Do the descriptive questions seek to describe responses to major variables?

• Do the inferential questions seek to compare groups or relate variables?

• Do the inferential questions follow from a theory?

• Are the variables positioned consistently from independent/predictor to dependent/outcome in the inferential questions?

• Is a null and/or alternative hypothesis provided as a predictive statement?

 

 

Research Theory, Design, and Methods Walden University

© 2016 Laureate Education, Inc. Page 2 of 2

• Is the hypothesis consistent with its respective research question?

• Does the question(s) and/or hypothesis specify the participants and research site?

If the study is mixed methods, do the research questions and/or hypotheses do the following?

• Include the characteristics of a good qualitative research question (as listed above)

• Include the characteristics of a good quantitative research and/or hypothesis (as listed above)

• Indicate how the researcher will mix or integrate the two approaches of the study

• Specify the participants and research site

• Convey the overall intent of the study that calls for a mixed methods approach