A hypothesis can be said to be a form of research where information in terms of data is gathered by taking a preliminary or hypothetical investigation to come up with a tentative explanation of how the final result will reflect (White, 2002).
A hypothesis can also be said to be the ability of a researcher to attempt to pose questions on a particular topic and also give forth plausible explanations as what constitutes as being the final result in a yet to a proven fact through a rigorously testing method.
Hypothesis explains how a value of one variable is affected or changes in comparison with another variable either positively or negatively. Some researchers say that the prediction of the outcome may be based on a kind of educated guess and at times through a formal theory (Kasi, 2009). These postulations by a researcher try to predict what he or she may consider to be the outcome of an investigation.
A hypothesis indicates the outcome of a research based on certain variables. On the other hand, research questions deal only with a specific ideal. Some researchers say that these variables in business and management may include factors that may directly or indirectly affect the outcome of either production or service.
The major difference between a research question and a hypothesis may be the fact that in a hypothesis, the results are postulated and the questions are usually framed towards getting a similar outcome or something near the postulated outcome and therefore, biased (Hiraoka, 2008).
However, in research questions, there is basically no predictable or estimated outcome that may be said to guide the researcher (Buddenbaum & Novak, 2001). In a research question, the problem or the variable is generally formulated in question form.
One of the best demonstrations given to show the difference between a hypothesis and a research question was advanced by Hiraoka, (2008), who held the view that stating research question in form of hypothesis, was advantageous as it leads to a better understanding of what each variable stands for and what each question seek to address.
In addition to this, it enables a researcher to ascertain whether or not there is a relationship between the variables.
A research hypothesis may take various forms, but generally, it takes a declarative form meaning that it states an expected relationship or the difference between the stated variables.
Hypotheses are normally used to state the relationship that exists between two or more variable, where else the research question usually focuses on a single idea. Hypothesis tries to come out with a comparison of various ideals related to the study in order to give a comprehensive conclusion about the study.
Conclusion
It is evident that there exist fundamental differences between a research hypothesis and a research question. It is clear that the researcher should have adequate knowledge on the research topic. The main aim of a research process is to formulate a very good thesis statement for the problem at hand with the hypothesis stipulating the possible outcome of the research, but on the other hand the research questions leave possible outcome open.
From the above analysis, it is clear that there is a major difference between a research question and a hypothesis especially due to the knowledge that a research question tries to establish the exactness of a hypothesis.
Reference
Buddenbaum, J., M, & Novak, K., B. 2001. Applied communication research. New York. Wiley-Blackwell, print.
Hiraoka, C., H, 2008. Influence of pre and post testing on return on investment calculations in training and development. University of North Texas. Pro quest
Kasi, P., M. 2009. Research: What, Why and How? A Treatise from Researchers to Researchers. New York. Author House, Print
White, B. 2002, Dissertation Skills for Business and Management Students. New York: Thomson.