When should a hypothesis be established in the research planning process?

In the research planning process, establishing a hypothesis after the research question is defined is critical to ensuring that the hypothesis directly addresses the question posed. The research question serves as a guide to what the investigator aims to explore, and once that is clearly defined, the hypothesis can be formulated to provide a testable statement that predicts an outcome based on theoretical frameworks or prior evidence. This relationship allows researchers to maintain a focused approach, leading to more coherent and relevant findings.

By defining the hypothesis after the research question, researchers can ensure that their predictions align closely with the specific variables or phenomena they intend to study, setting a clear direction for the subsequent research design and methodology. This step not only enhances the clarity of the research objectives but also aids in the selection of appropriate methods for data collection and analysis.