University Institute of Legal Studies

University Institute
of Legal Studies
Social Legal Research
Hypothesis

Acknowledgement
We have been taught the subject of Social Legal Research by our Respected
teacher Mrs. Vijay Lakshmi who helped all through in the accomplishment of
this project. Our sincerity thanks to the respected lecturer, who helped us to
gather the various sources which we could give final shape under study. She not
only provided us a platform to compile but also guided us at all level.

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We, also thanks the member of the library staff and computer section for the
corporation in making available the books and accessing the internet even
during their free time.

Index
 Introduction
4
 Sources of hypothesis
6
 Characteristics of hypothesis
9
 Formulation of Hypothesis
12
 Problem in formulating hypothesis
12

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 Stages in formulation of hypothesis

12
 Types of hypothesis
14
 Benefit of Hypothesis
17
 Conclusion
18
 Bibliography
19

Introduction
‘Hypo’ means less than or under and ‘thesis’ mean, idea or general opinion
To be defended by a person and thus ‘hypothesis’ means an idea formed
beforehand which has less value than the generally formed view.
If we have to proceed toward some destination for which we don’t know the
way, we try to form an idea about the direction to proceed and by trial and error,
we reach that goal. The primary idea is called a hypothesis.
When the problem has been stated the investigator offers a tentative solution in
the form of a testable proposition. This testable proposition is known as
hypothesis. Therefore a hypothesis is a suggested testable answer to a problem
and is a testable relationship between two or more than two variable.

According to George A. Lundbery, “A hypothesis is a tentative generalization

the validity of which remains to be tested. In its most elementary stage the
hypothesis may be any hunch guess, imaginative idea, which becomes the basis
for action or investigation.”
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According to werkmeiter, “The guesses he make are the hypothesis which

either solve the problem or guide him in further investigation.”
In short , we dine hypothesis as a tentative statement which expresses the nature
of relationship between two or more variable usually in the form of cause-effect
relationship.

Scientific hypothesis are empirical testable statement deduced from a theory.

They present the relationship between the variable in a testable form, for
example poverty is a cause of crime.
Hypothesis provided direction to research.it directs an investigator to identify
the procedures and methods to be followed in solving the problem. The
hypothesis is forward looking. It may be a statement of relationship or it may
specify the function. For any problem framing the hypothesis requires prior
knowledge of the phenomena. We can frame master hypothesis and subsidiary
hypothesis.

Sources of hypothesis
The main sources of hypothesis are:-
 General Culture
The general pattern of culture help not only to formulate a hypothesis, but
also to guide its trend. A cultural pattern influences the thinking process
of the people and the hypothesis may be formulated to test one or more of
these ideas. Cultural values serve to direct research interests. The function
of culture has been responsible for developing today’s science to a great
dimension. We may also cite metaphysical bias and metaphysical ideas of

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Indian culture to have been responsible for the formulation of certain

types of hypotheses. It implies that cultural elements of common cultural
pattern may form a source of the formulation of hypotheses.
 Scientific theory
A major source of hypothesis is theory. A theory binds a large body of
facts by positing a consistent and lawful relationship among a set of
general concepts representing those facts. Further generalizations are
formed on the basis of the knowledge of theory. These generalizations
constitute a part of hypothesis.
 Analogies
Hypothesis of social physics is also based on analogy. “When the
hypothesis was born out by social observation, the same term was taken
into sociology. It has become an important idea in sociological theory”.
Although analogy is not always considered, at the time of formulation of
hypothesis; it is generally satisfactory when it has some structural
analogies to other well established theories. For the systematic simplicity
of our knowledge, the analogy of a hypothesis becomes inversely helpful.
Formulation of an analogous hypothesis is construed as an achievement
because by doing so its interpretation is made easy.
 Personal experience
Hypothesis is formulated according to the way in which an individual react to
culture, science and analogy. The facts will be true but the hypothesis may be
formulated when a rightful individual sees it in a rightful perspective. The
example of Sir Isaac Newton, the discoverer of the theory of Gravitation, is
glaring example of this type of ‘personal experience’. Although prior to
Newton’s observation, several persons had witnessed the falling of the apple, he
was the right man to formulate the theory of gravitation on the basis of this
phenomenon
 Available Knowledge
Hypothesis can be formulated by knowledge because it increases the thinking
and imagination. Through which a vastness of vision is produced in the
researcher, producing an ability to analyse the social problems and he can
formulate hypothesis by using this ability.
 Imagination and thinking
Creative thinking and imagination of a researcher sometimes help in
formulating a good hypothesis. Personal ideas and the thinking
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capabilities of a researcher would lead to greater number of hypothesis

formulation as well as control over the problem.
 Observation
In consideration and undertaking a research problem, observation is
necessary. The collection of previous facts and current facts related to the
problem lead to the formulation of a good hypothesis.
 Previous Study
Hypotheses may rest also on the findings of other studies. The researcher on
the basis of the findings of other studies may hypothesize that similar
relationship between specified variables will hold good in the present study too.
This is a common way of researchers who design their study with a view of
replicating another study conducted in a different concrete context or setting.

Characteristics
Some of the major characteristics of useful hypothesis are;-
 Conceptually clearness
The hypothesis should be properly expressed. The definition and
terms used in the hypothesis should be those which are commonly
accepted tears and not our own creation. If new terms have to be used,
their definition and meaning in terms of already existing concept
should be made clear. In this regard it is better if concepts in the
research outline are listed and then defined in terms of words,
particular operation and with reference to other concepts.
 Testable and verified
A hypothesis must be testable, taking into account current knowledge
and technique and be realistic. A researcher hypothesis is to be
checked for possible approval and rejection. This analysis is done

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statistically and therefore it should be tested and analysed. After

analysed the result is obtain. Some hypothesis cannot be tested
because they are too subjective and they are not suitable for research.
Research needs objectively and evidences and without these two
things any research is impossible to conduct.
 Easily understandable
The working of the hypothesis should be simple and easily
understandable. Any complex idea and wordings should be avoided. A
simple hypothesis will make it easier for you to carry on throughout the
research and will be easy to read and understandable. If there is any
question related to hypothesis so. It should be cleared from every
perspective if it is not clear you will hard to conduct the further study.
 Related to body of theory
Usually a student is tempted to do some research on an interesting subject
without finding out whether the research will really help to refute, qualify
or support any existing theory of social relations. No subject can develop
without building on an existing body of facts and theory. It can never
develop, if each study is an isolated survey. In the words of Goode and
Hatt, What is important is that, whatever the source of your hypothesis it
must be logically derivable from and based upon a set of sociological
propositions.
 Related to available technique
A usable hypothesis can be one which is related to available techniques.
It is because theory and methods cannot be opposite to each other. One
who does not know what techniques are available to test his hypothesis
cannot properly formulate usable questions. It is accepted that in our
modern times hypothesis are too complex to be handled by contemporary
techniques but all the more a hypothesis devoid of relation to available
techniques cannot be a usable hypothesis but it does not mean that
without knowledge of technique no usable hypothesis can be developed.
 Simple and brief
A good and usable hypothesis should be simple and brief. Simpler the
hypothesis, better it will be both for the researcher as well as the research.
It should be brief so that it is possible to observe that. A hypothesis can
become brief if it is stated in scientific terms. Brevity will also help in
better understanding of underlying concepts and meanings.
 Relevant
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The hypothesis should be relevant to the study that you are about to
conduct. An irrelevant hypothesis will lead to an invalid research.
Hypothesises the possible answer to your research question, if your
presumption or presumed answer is wrong and irrelevant, your method to
find its accuracy too will not result in any relevant conclusion.

Formulation
Formulation of hypothesis gives a definite point to the enquiry , help in
establishing direction in which to proceed and help to delimit the field of
enquiry by choosing the permanent point on which to concentrate.
According to L.S. Stebbing “every hypothesis springs from the
knowledge and sagacity.in the absence of knowledge we can make no
well-founded judgement or relevance.”
Hence three things are very much essential, knowledge experience, and
capacity. The problem may have connection with a number of subject. A
researcher has to form hypothesis based on them.

Problems in formulating Hypothesis

 Absence of clear theoretical framework
 Lack of ability to utilize that theoretical framework logically
 Failure to be acquainted with available research technique so as to be able
to phrase the hypothesis properly.

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Stages in formulation of hypothesis

 Observation
The researcher has to first to observe the phenomena.
 Reflection
He should identify the reflection that is cause and consequence of the
phenomena.
 Deduction
He should logically deduct the fact relating to the phenomena.
 Verification
He should keep it ready for verification with the empirical situation.

Types of Hypothesis
There are various types of hypothesis which are:-
 Descriptive hypothesis
Descriptive hypothesis is a type of hypothesis which is based on data.
Descriptive hypothesis contains only one variable so it called invariable
hypothesis. Descriptive hypothesis typically state the existence, size,
form or distribution of some variable. It describe the situation or collects
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the data, same as it has happened without adding our own assumptions or
judgement. It describes the characteristics of a variable by closely
observing what is what.
For example:- The rate of unemployment among arts graduates is higher
than that of commerce graduates.
 Relational hypothesis
It is a proposition which describes the relationship between two variables.
The relationship suggested may be positive or negative correlation. It
explains how and why things are going on, by suggesting meaningful
inter-connection between two or more objects.
For example:- The lower the rate of job turnover in a group work , the
higher the group productivity.

 Working hypothesis
Working hypothesis is a preliminary assumption of the researcher about
research topic, particularly when sufficient information is not available to
establish a hypothesis and as a step towards formulating the final research
hypothesis it keeps mere going on in order to find out the fact.
 Statistical hypothesis
It is a statement about statistical populations that one seeks to support or
refute. The things are reduced to a numerical quantities and decision are
made about these quantities.
 Research hypothesis
research hypothesis is a researcher’s proposition about some fact without
reference to its particular attribute. Researcher believe that it is true and
wants that should be proved.
 Null hypothesis
Null hypothesis is a study of existence of non-relationship between
variable. It is often written Ho and is called “H sub oh”. It is called a null
hypothesis because it is an ‘empty’ hypothesis of no scientific interest.
Null hypothesis is a testable hypothesis.
Null hypothesis can be crude and refined.
A crude null hypothesis is one which is at low level of abstraction and it
does not lead to higher theoretical research.
A refined null hypothesis is one which has more significance in research.
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Benefit of hypothesis
Hypothesis has the following benefits:-
 Clarity
Hypothesis brings clarity to research. It makes your mind clear about the
way in which you have to carry on the research. Methodology of the
research depends greatly on the research hypothesis. Clarity brings 50 %
chances of success in research. At each step, you need to be clear about
every aspect and dimension. If you are not clear about a single thing you
should not go forward, stay where ever you are and resolve the issue and
then move to the next step.
 Focus
You formulate your research hypothesis and you get a focal point in your
research. You need not go off the track and stay intact to the main
objective which you set for the hypothesis. Your research becomes
organized and haphazard actions are minimized.
 Direction
Hypothesis sets a direction of research. This direction shows you what
should be the objectives, methodology, mode of analysis and research
design. With a hypothesis, you have a confidence that whatever you have
presumed will be tested rather than testing something that is irrelevant to
the research.
 Objectivity
Every research requires objectivity but without hypothesis you may
collect data which is not relevant to the research and hence decreases the
objectivity of the research. When you know that your hypothesis only
deals with a particular aspect of the phenomenon you will not collect data
that is not required and the objectivity and validity of the research
increases.
 Add to the body of knowledge
A hypothesis adds to the available body of knowledge. For example you
study different literature and you find out that this much work has already
been done on this topic and you should concentrate on the gaps that are
yet to be filled by new research you formulate a hypothesis and keep your
direction towards it.

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Conclusion
Hypothesis is an important element in socio-legal research. The significance of
an object can be determines by a hypothesis. The importance of hypothesis can
be hardly be ignored in any scientific research. In fact it is very foundation of
scientific research. A good hypothesis which is clear, simple, and scientific,
make the enquiry more specific and to the point. Without hypothesis research is
unfocused. The result cannot be stated as fact without clear meaning.
Hypothesis is the indispensable relationship between theory and investigation,
which leads to breakthrough or to addition of knowledge. at the end, it can
conclude that the hypothesis forms the starting point of investigation which
makes observation and experiment possible.

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Bibliography
Books
 Myneni , S.R. Legal Research Methodology, Faridabad: Allahabad law
agency,2017
 Singh, Rattan Legal Research Methodology, Gurgaon: LexisNexis,2016

Websites
 http://readingcraze.com/index.php/hypothesis-formulation-research/
 http://www.managementnote.com/types-of-hypothesis-in-research/
 https://www.slideshare.net/
 https://www.scribd.com/
 http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/social-research/hypothesis/sources-of-
hypothesis-in-social-research-4-sources/64503
 http://www.studylecturenotes.com/social-research-methodology/

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