Formulating hypothesis

Definition
• a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited
evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
• a proposition made as a basis for reasoning, without any assumption
of its truth.
• O ften called a research question, a hypothesis is basically an idea that
must be put to the test.
• A hypothesis is an explanation for an observed problem or
phenomenon based on previous knowledge or observations.
Importance
• It is an essential tool for research.
• It is a temporary solution of a problem concerning with some truth
which enables an investigator to start his research work.
• It offers a basis in establishing the specificity what to study and may
provide possible solutions to the problem.
• E ach hypothesis may lead to formulate another hypothesis.
• used to make testable predictions.
 Cont…
• the hypothesis provides guidance by way of providing the direction, pointing to
enquiry, enabling to select pertinent facts and helping to draw specific
conclusions.
• It ensures the entire research methodologies are scientific and valid.
• It helps to assume the probability of research failure and progress.
• It helps to provide link to the underlying theory and specific research question.
• It helps in data analysis and measure the validity and reliability of the research.
• It provides a basis or evidence to prove the validity of the research.
• It helps to describe research study in concrete terms rather than theoretical
terms.
Characteristics of good hypothesis
• Should be simple.
• S hould be specific.
• S hould be stated in advance.
Types of hypothesis
• 1. Simple Hypothesis:
• A S imple hypothesis is also known as composite hypothesis.
• In simple hypothesis all parameters of the distribution are specified.
• It predicts relationship between two variables i.e. the dependent and
the independent variable
Example:
smoking leads to lung cancer.
The higher ration of umemployment leads to crimes.
2- Complex hypothesis
• It is a statement which reflect the relationship between more than
two variables.
• A C omplex hypothesis examines relationship between two or more
independent variables and two or more dependent variables.
Example:
1-Satisfaction is higher among patients who are older and dwelling in
rural areas than those who are younger and dwelling in urban areas.
2- acculturative stress, cognitive functioning and role of social support
Null hypothesis
• A null hypothesis is a general statement which states no relationship
between two variables or two phenomena.
• No relation between two variables and controlling one variable has not
effect on other.
Example:
If a study is to compare method A with method B about their relationship, and
if the study is preceded on the assumption that both methods are equally
good, then this assumption is termed as the null hypothesis.
1- plant growth is not effected by light of color.
2- suicide is not related with depression.
 Cont…
Symbol:
• The symbol for the null hypothesis is H0, and it is read as H-null, H-zero, or H-
naught.
• T he null hypothesis is usually associated with just ‘equals to’ sign as a null
hypothesis can either be accepted or rejected.
Purpose:
• T he null hypothesis is also used to verify the consistent results of multiple
experiments. For e.g., the null hypothesis stating that there is no relation
between some medication and age of the patients supports the general
effectiveness conclusion, and allows recommendations.
• T he main purpose of a null hypothesis is to verify/ disprove the proposed
statistical assumptions.
Alternate hypothesis
• An alternative hypothesis is a statement which states some statistical
significance between two phenomena.
• T his hypothesis can be simply termed as an alternative to the null
hypothesis.
• If a study is to compare method A with method B about their
relationship and we assume that the method A is superior or the
method B is inferior, then such a statement is termed as an
alternative hypothesis.
 Cont…
Symbol:
• The symbol of the alternative hypothesis is either H1 or Ha while using less than, greater than
or not equal signs.
Purpose:
• An alternative hypothesis provides the researchers with some specific restatements and
clarifications of the research problem.
• An alternative hypothesis provides a direction to the study, which then can be utilized by the
researcher to obtain the desired results.
• S ince the alternative hypothesis is selected before conducting the study, it allows the test to
prove that the study is supported by evidence, separating it from the researchers’ desires and
values.
• An alternative hypothesis provides a chance of discovering new theories that can disprove an
existing one that might not be supported by evidence.
• The alternative hypothesis is important as they prove that a relationship exists between two
variables selected and that the results of the study conducted are relevant and significant.
 Null hypothesis VS alternative hypothesis
Basis of comparison Null hypothesis Alternative hypothesis
The null hypothesis is a general
statement that states that there is no An alternative hypothesis is a statement
relationship between two that describes that there is a relationship
Definition
phenomenons under consideration or between two selected variables in a
that there is no association between two study.
groups.
Symbol It is denoted by H0. It is denoted by H1 or Ha.
It is followed by not equals to, ‘less than’
Mathematical expression It is followed by ‘equals to’ sign.
or ‘greater than’ sign.
The alternative hypothesis believes that
The null hypothesis believes that the
Observation the results are observed as a result of
results are observed as a result of chance. some real causes.

It is the hypothesis that the researcher It is a hypothesis that the researcher tries
Nature
tries to disprove. to prove.
The result of the null hypothesis indicates The result of an alternative hypothesis
Result
no changes in opinions or act ions. causes changes in opinions and act ions.
If an alternative hypothesis is accepted,
If the null hypothesis is accepted, the