Dear all,
I am planning to undertake quantitative research with a survey for my thesis. I am wondering if the hypothesis formulation is compulsory or am I able to do my research without it?
My research question revolves around the perception of a certain controversial tourism experience/phenomenon, thereby I am planning to test the participants attitude and awareness towards it. Thus, it is not possible for me to formulate hypotheses as I cannot derive them from my literature review.
Thanks for your help in advance!
With best regards
E.Z.
I will be rude - you are planning journalism not scientific research - are you bringing no theoretical propositions to bear on the topic? Will you work have no wider implications? Fine if you want rich description but my fear is that it is easy descend to 26 men approved but 39 women did not, and a bare pass. What are you planning to test?. Honestly, this is meant to be helpful. Over the years I have seen a lot of this at the planning stage, and it could be so much better. Find the 'best' similar study in a high quality journal and think how you can improve on it; this is your opportunity!
Even if your research is purely descriptive, you will need a reasonably large sample in order to have statistically reliable results. If gathering generalizable results is essential to your goals, then such a survey would be a reasonable method. But if you have more exploratory goals, then a smaller series of well-targeted qualitative interviews might be more reasonable.
I can't agree more with Prof. Kelvyn Jones and Prof. David L Morgan. Usually research objectives guide the researcher about what specific statistical technique is required. Reading from your note it is assumed that you want to predict the perception toward tourism experience. This sort of objectives indicate hypotheses testing to solve research problems/questions. You must read research papers published in reputed journals and some research method books to enhance the understanding about quantitative research.
Sounds like an invitation to HARK. In line with the commentators above, this is bad science. If you don't know what to look for, don't look!
HARK = Hypothesizing After Results Known
I think it will be better to formulate hypothesis since you have research questions. Two major things will be achieved with hypothesis;
1. Estimate that sample population (check if the population is well represented by the sample);
2. Test of significance
These are crucial in research.
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