Did you have a clear hypothesis when you began your research?

Question: Did you have a clear hypothesis when you began your research?
- Keywords:
  clear,
  hypothesis
Asked by anon-180753 to Noel on 14 Jun 2018.
- Noel Brick answered on 14 Jun 2018:
  
  Hi,
  Yes, we always begin with hypotheses. In quantitative research (that is, where you collect numerical data), you begin with a question, and you also form hypotheses – what you think might happen. The hypothesis is usually based on previous research in the area. We then test those hypotheses when we analyse the data. If a study like this does not have a clear hypothesis, then in a way, we are just collecting data and hoping to find anything that happens. It is not a good approach to scientific research. Often our hypothesis is wrong, and the really interesting thing is to then explain this finding. This can lead to new and exciting discoveries.

Question: Did you have a clear hypothesis when you began your research?