Research Ideas and Hypotheses — How to Generate and Test Research Questions | Chapter 2 of Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences
Research Ideas and Hypotheses — How to Generate and Test Research Questions | Chapter 2 of Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences Chapter 2 of Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences focuses on the crucial early steps of the research process: developing research ideas and shaping them into testable hypotheses. This chapter emphasizes how scholars identify meaningful research questions, evaluate the existing literature, and transform general interests into rigorous, operationalized studies. Watch the full summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more clear, concise chapter breakdowns. Sources of Research Ideas There are many starting points for research in psychology and the behavioral sciences. The chapter highlights common sources, including: Personal interests and experiences: Everyday curiosity can spark scientific questions. Casual observations: Observing human behavior in real-world settings can inspire hypotheses. Practical proble...