Specific: The question must target a clear, narrow area of study rather than a vague concept. It should identify the exact variables and location involved.
Measurable: There must be a way to collect quantitative or qualitative data to answer the question. If you cannot measure it (e.g., through surveys, counts, or sensors), it is not a viable fieldwork question.
Achievable: The researcher must have the resources, time, and access required to gather the necessary data. A question that requires equipment or locations that are unavailable is impractical.
Relevant: The question should contribute to a broader understanding of geographical theory or solve a practical environmental problem.
Time-bound: The investigation must be possible within the allocated timeframe, accounting for seasonal variations or specific event durations.
A Research Question is an open-ended inquiry that guides the exploration of a topic. It is used when the outcome is uncertain or when the study is exploratory in nature.
A Hypothesis is a specific, testable statement or prediction about the relationship between two or more variables. It is often phrased as an 'If... then...' or 'There is a correlation between...' statement.
While a research question asks 'How does distance from the CBD affect building height?', a hypothesis predicts 'Building height decreases as distance from the CBD increases.'
In many geographical studies, a primary research question is supported by several sub-questions or specific hypotheses that break the problem down into testable units.
| Feature | Research Question | Hypothesis |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Inquiry-based / Open | Statement-based / Predictive |
| Goal | To explore or describe | To test a specific relationship |
| Outcome | An answer or explanation | Proven, disproven, or null |
| Usage | Common in qualitative or exploratory work | Standard in quantitative and scientific methods |
Identify Variables: When asked to evaluate a fieldwork question, always identify the independent variable (what changes) and the dependent variable (what is measured).
Check for Locational Context: Ensure the question includes a specific site or environment. A question like 'How does wind speed change?' is too weak; 'How does wind speed vary between the windward and leeward sides of Hill X?' is much stronger.
Feasibility Check: Examiners often ask why a question might be difficult to investigate. Consider factors like 'access to private land,' 'safety during extreme weather,' or 'equipment precision.'
Link to Data: Always be prepared to explain exactly how you would collect data to answer a specific question. If you can't name a method (e.g., quadrat sampling, bipolar survey), the question may not be measurable.
Being Too Broad: Students often choose questions like 'How does the environment change?', which is impossible to measure comprehensively. Narrowing it to 'How does soil pH change along a 50m transect?' makes it manageable.
Subjectivity: Avoid questions that rely purely on opinion without a framework for measurement. Instead of 'Is the park nice?', use 'How do user perceptions of safety vary between daylight and evening hours?'
Confusing Correlation with Causation: Just because a question identifies a link between two variables (e.g., temperature and altitude) doesn't mean one causes the other without further explanatory inquiry.
