Hypotheses, Objectives, and Scope in Doctoral Research

Introduction

Once a viable research question has been identified, the doctoral student must move further into framing the research design. This involves three interconnected elements: hypotheses, objectives, and scope. Together, these form the blueprint that guides the research from conception to completion. A clear hypothesis sharpens the intellectual problem, the objectives map the path of inquiry, and the scope defines the boundaries of the project. Without these elements, a dissertation risks becoming diffuse, incoherent, or unmanageable.

In Biblical Studies and theology, these aspects take on added complexity. Hypotheses must be framed with sensitivity to both historical-critical methods and theological interpretation. Objectives must reflect not only academic precision but also the potential impact on ecclesial and cultural contexts. Scope is especially vital, as biblical texts are dense, multivalent, and deeply embedded in historical and theological traditions. This article will explore each of these elements in detail, situating them historically and theologically, and providing practical guidance and case studies to illustrate their significance.

Hypotheses in Doctoral Research

Defining a Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a provisional claim or educated guess that the research seeks to test or evaluate. Unlike a research question, which opens inquiry, the hypothesis proposes a tentative answer that can be substantiated or revised through analysis.

For example:

• Research Question: How does Paul’s rhetoric in Galatians 4 employ maternal imagery?

• Hypothesis: Paul’s maternal imagery in Galatians 4 is not merely metaphorical but functions as a rhetorical strategy to reframe his apostolic authority in contrast to rival teachers.

This hypothesis is testable through textual analysis, rhetorical criticism, and comparison with Greco-Roman maternal metaphors.

The Role of Hypotheses in Biblical Studies

In theology and Biblical Studies, hypotheses often address interpretive or historical claims:

• The Deuteronomistic historian shaped Israel’s history to reflect covenant theology.

• The use of “Son of Man” in Daniel influenced early Christological titles.

• Paul’s conception of “justification by faith” was shaped by his Jewish context rather than Hellenistic philosophy.

These hypotheses direct the research, providing clarity of focus.

Biblical Resonance

Hypotheses resonate with biblical models of testing and discernment. Paul exhorts believers to “test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thess. 5:21). Similarly, doctoral hypotheses are not final truths but provisional claims, tested by evidence and open to refinement.

Objectives in Doctoral Research

Defining Objectives

Objectives are the specific goals a dissertation seeks to achieve. They break down the overarching research aim into manageable steps. While the hypothesis provides the claim to be tested, the objectives outline how the researcher will pursue it.

Objectives typically include:

1. Identifying and analyzing primary sources.

2. Engaging critically with secondary literature.

3. Applying specific methodologies (e.g., narrative criticism, intertextual analysis, archaeology).

4. Demonstrating how findings contribute to ongoing scholarly debates.

Objectives in Practice

For example, if the research question concerns Paul’s use of kinship metaphors, objectives might include:

• To analyze every occurrence of kinship language in the undisputed Pauline letters.

• To situate these metaphors within Greco-Roman family structures.

• To evaluate how Paul employs these metaphors to construct ecclesial identity.

Theological and Pedagogical Dimensions

Objectives also frame how the research serves larger theological and pedagogical purposes. In Biblical Studies, objectives may include:

• Illuminating the theological significance of biblical texts for contemporary contexts.

• Equipping the church to engage faithfully with Scripture.

• Providing pedagogical models for teaching theology and Bible in academic or ecclesial settings.

Scope in Doctoral Research

Defining Scope

Scope refers to the boundaries of the research: what is included, what is excluded, and why. Scope prevents a dissertation from attempting to “say everything about everything.” Instead, it requires the researcher to narrow the focus to what is feasible and significant.

Dimensions of Scope

Scope is typically defined by:

• Textual boundaries (e.g., focusing on Romans 5–8 rather than all of Paul’s letters).

• Historical boundaries (e.g., Second Temple Judaism rather than the entire history of Israel).

• Thematic boundaries (e.g., kinship metaphors, not all metaphors).

• Methodological boundaries (e.g., rhetorical criticism, not sociological analysis).

The Importance of Scope in Biblical Studies

The Bible is an immense collection of texts spanning centuries, cultures, and languages. Without clear scope, a dissertation could become impossibly diffuse. By setting boundaries, scope makes depth possible. A narrowly scoped dissertation often proves more significant than a broadly scoped but superficial one.

Biblical Resonance

Scope resonates with the wisdom of Ecclesiastes: “Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh” (Eccl. 12:12). The wise researcher sets limits, recognizing that human capacity is finite. Scope is thus both an academic and spiritual discipline.

Case Studies

Example 1: E. P. Sanders

Sanders’ groundbreaking work on Paul and Palestinian Judaism was guided by a clear hypothesis: that Paul must be understood within his Jewish context, not against it. His objectives included a thorough survey of Jewish literature and a comparative analysis with Paul’s writings. His scope was defined: focusing on covenantal nomism as a framework. This combination made his work both manageable and transformative.

Example 2: Richard Bauckham

In Jesus and the Eyewitnesses, Bauckham hypothesized that the Gospels were based on eyewitness testimony. His objectives included evaluating internal evidence, comparing historiographical practices, and addressing critical scholarship. His scope—concentrating on the Gospels within the context of ancient historiography—allowed him to make a major contribution.

Practical Guidelines for Students

1. Write Hypotheses as Testable Claims: Avoid vague statements like “Paul uses metaphors.” Instead, propose: “Paul uses kinship metaphors to redefine community boundaries.”

2. Set Objectives that Map the Journey: Each chapter of the dissertation should correspond to one or more objectives.

3. Define Scope Early: Identify what will not be covered. For instance, a dissertation on Galatians should not attempt to resolve every aspect of Pauline theology.

Assignments

1. Hypothesis Workshop (1,500 words): Draft three possible hypotheses for your research area. For each, identify how it could be tested and what kind of evidence would be required.

2. Objectives Exercise: Write a set of 5–7 objectives for a hypothetical dissertation topic in Biblical Studies. Show how each objective advances the research question and hypothesis.

3. Scope Reflection (2,000 words): Take a broad topic (e.g., “biblical justice”) and progressively narrow the scope into a viable dissertation project. Write a reflective essay explaining why each boundary was set and how scope makes the research feasible.

Conclusion

Hypotheses, objectives, and scope transform a research question into a research design. Hypotheses provide tentative answers to be tested, objectives map the steps of inquiry, and scope sets the boundaries within which meaningful work can be accomplished. Together, they ensure that doctoral research is not only ambitious but also feasible, not only creative but also disciplined. For doctoral students in Biblical Studies, framing these elements with care is the first act of scholarly stewardship—a commitment to advancing knowledge responsibly, rigorously, and faithfully.

References

Bauckham, R. (2006). Jesus and the eyewitnesses: The Gospels as eyewitness testimony. Eerdmans.

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE.

Phillips, E. M., & Pugh, D. S. (2010). How to get a PhD: A handbook for students and their supervisors (5th ed.). Open University Press.

Sanders, E. P. (1977). Paul and Palestinian Judaism. Fortress Press.

Swetnam, D., & Swetnam, R. (2009). Writing your dissertation: The bestselling guide to planning, preparing and presenting first-class work (3rd ed.). How To Books.

Turabian, K. L. (2018). A manual for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertations (9th ed.). University of Chicago Press.