What are the differences between a research problem, a research question, and a hypothesis as defined in the chapter?

In this chapter, a research problem is the broad dilemma or troubling situation that needs investigation and is articulated as a problem statement. A research question narrows that problem into a specific interrogative focus on a phenomenon, group, or relationship. A hypothesis goes further by making a declarative prediction about the expected relationship between variables, usually tested through statistical procedures.

The chapter distinguishes these three elements by their function and form. A research problem is expressed in a problem statement, which articulates what is problematic and serves as the impetus for the study. The problem statement identifies the current problem, its background, scope, consequences, knowledge gaps, and the proposed solution. It is the broadest element and answers why the study is needed. A research question is more specific and is phrased as an interrogative. It states the phenomenon or variables of interest and the group or population to be studied. Quantitative research questions ask about relationships among independent and dependent variables, while qualitative research questions ask about experiences, meanings, processes, or cultures. Hypotheses are declarative predictions. Research hypotheses state an expected relationship between independent and dependent variables. Null hypotheses state that no relationship is expected, which forms the underlying assumption that statistical tests try to reject. In brief, the research problem identifies the troubling situation to be addressed, the research question identifies what specifically will be examined, and the hypothesis predicts what the findings will show.