Page 6 - Doctoral Academy Level 1 Programme-2023

TOPIC 3

Creating a golden thread in research: Framing and linking objectives, questions and hypothesis

Purpose: The purpose of this presentation is to provide postgraduate students and early career

researchers with a framework for creating a "golden thread" in their research, by aligning their research
objectives, questions, and hypothesis. By the end of the presentation, participants should have a clear
understanding of how to formulate research objectives, questions, and hypotheses that are closely linked

and logically connected, to achieve a strong research design and rigorous analysis.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the concept of a "golden thread" in research, and how it relates
to the research design and analysis.

2. Identify the key elements of a research proposal, including the research objectives, questions,
and hypothesis.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between research objectives, questions, and

hypotheses, and how they are interrelated.
4. Formulate research objectives that are clear, specific, and measurable.
5. Develop research questions that are logically connected to the research objectives, and that

provide a clear framework for the analysis.
6. Create a testable hypothesis, and that provides a clear explanation of the expected results.
7. Link the research objectives, questions, and hypothesis together logically and coherently, to

create a strong "golden thread" in their research design.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of revising and refining the research

objectives, questions, and hypothesis throughout the research process, to ensure the research
remains focused and aligned.

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