The Research Question, Literature Review, and Research Hypothesis

Module 1 - SLP

The Research Question, Literature Review, and Research Hypothesis

The SLP for this course is designed to allow you to apply the research concepts and principles introduced throughout this course to a “real-world” health problem. As such, you will be asked to devise your own research question, to use the empirical literature to identify knowledge gaps in the field with regard to that research question, formulate a corresponding research hypothesis, propose an appropriate study design for testing that research hypothesis, and devise a sampling and recruitment plan to strengthen the generalizability of your study’s findings. In Module 4, you will upload a final paper consisting of all of these elements.

Your Task for this Assignment:

After reading the background materials for this module, select one of the following research topics and derive a corresponding research question and hypothesis.

Next, write a 2- to 3-page paper in which you identify your research question and hypothesis.

In devising your research question, apply the “Attributes of a ‘Good’ Research Question.” Your paper should clearly delineate the extent to which each of the following criteria has been satisfied:

• Relevance
• Novelty
• Focus
• Consisting of two core concepts (at minimum)
• Feasibility

A hypothesis should:

1. Be stated clearly and concisely
2. Express the relationship between two or more variables
3. Be testable
4. Be based upon theory and/or clinical experience

Research Topic:

• Obesity and Diabetes Risk

SLP Assignment Expectations

• You are expected to consult the scholarly literature in preparing your paper; you are also expected to incorporate relevant background readings. (required reading is attached below)
• Your paper should be written in your own words. This will enable me to assess your level of understanding.
• In order to earn full credit, you must clearly show that you have read all required background materials.
• Cite your references in the text of all papers and on the reference list at the end. For examples, look at the way the references are listed in the modules and on the background reading list.
• Proofread your paper to be sure grammar and punctuation are correct and that each part of the assignment has been addressed clearly and completely.
• Your assignment will not be graded until you have submitted an Originality Report with a Similarity Index (SI) score <20% (excluding direct quotes, quoted assignment instructions, and references). Papers not meeting this requirement by the end of the session will receive a score of 0 (grade of F). Do keep in mind that papers with a lower SI score may be returned for revisions.  For example, if one paragraph accounting for only 10% of a paper is cut and pasted, the paper could be returned for revision, despite the low SI score.  Please use the report and your SI score as a guide to improve the originality of your work.

Length: 2-3 pages typed, double-spaced.

Note: Wikipedia is not an acceptable source of information.

[1] Select a specific therapy type (e.g., gene therapy, chemotherapy, etc.).

The Research Question, Literature Review, and Research Hypothesis

Required Reading

Available via ProQuest:

Blazer, D. G. (2007). Religious beliefs, practices and mental health outcomes: What is the research question? The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 15(4), 269-72.

Chien, A., Coker, T., Choi, L., Slora, E., Bodnar, P., Weiley, V., . . . Johnson, J. (2006). What do pediatric primary care providers think are important research questions? A perspective from PROS providers. Ambulatory Pediatrics, 6(6), 352-5.

Farrugia, P., Petrisor, B., Farrokhyar, F., & Bhandari, M. (2010). Research questions, hypotheses and objectives. Canadian Journal of Surgery, 53(4), 278-281.

Newton, J. T., Bower, E. J., & Williams, A. C. (2004). Research in primary dental care part 2: Developing a research question. British Dental Journal, 196(10), 605-8.

Available via the Internet

Sparkling Psychology Star (2013, December 22). How to write hypotheses. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/9NCbNgnIhH8

The Doctoral Journey (June, 2013). Developing a Quantitative Research Plan: Research Question. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/ryTDfTnCauw