When is a research hypothesis formed?

A research hypothesis is formed before conducting the research. This is a crucial step in the research process as it provides a specific, testable prediction about the relationship between variables or outcomes that the researcher intends to investigate. Formulating a hypothesis typically occurs after the researcher has identified a research question and conducted preliminary background research.

By establishing a hypothesis prior to data collection, the researcher outlines their expectations and guides the design of the study, including what data will be collected and how it will be analyzed. This foresight allows for the formation of a clear structure within which the research can be conducted effectively, ensuring that the results will directly address the initial questions posed.

In contrast, creating a hypothesis during the literature review phase generally serves more as a foundation for formulating the hypothesis rather than being the moment of its creation. Collecting data before forming the hypothesis may lead to biased interpretations and unstructured analysis since the researcher may inadvertently steer the study based on the collected data rather than a pre-determined question. Lastly, forming a hypothesis only at the end of a study would negate the purpose of hypothesis-driven research, which is to establish expectations that guide the inquiry from its inception.