Transforming Research Questions into Testable Hypotheses

Once you have developed a clear and focused research question, the next step is to transform that question into a hypothesis. A research question serves as the starting point—it identifies what you want to explore or better understand. However, a hypothesis goes further by proposing a testable prediction about the relationship between variables. For example, if your research question is, “Does regular exercise improve mental health in college students?” your hypothesis might state, “College students who engage in regular exercise will report lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to students who do not exercise regularly.” This shift from question to hypothesis requires you to think critically about existing theory and prior research, identify the variables involved, and make a prediction that can be measured and tested. In this way, the hypothesis provides direction for your study and ensures that the research process moves from curiosity to evidence-based investigation.