STUDY GUIDE

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

OVERVIEW

In the beginning, there is a question. This simple remark is crucial to achieve robust results, no
matter how big or small the study. After figuring out the question, preliminary results and
observations are used to get an idea of the big picture, what is known already, and which aspects
still need to be revealed. Based on these observations, a hypothesis is formulated.

As hypotheses are uncovered, they are used to make testable predictions to narrow down possible
interpretations of the results and to pigeonhole competing hypotheses. After all this theorizing, it is
then finally time to identify behavioral variables for testing. For every testable variable, a suitable
recording method is chosen, and, finally, the data collection is launched!

Hypotheses and pilot studies are tools to ensure a study has a solid start and a successful
conclusion.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After going through the learning guide, you should be able to:
GENERAL OBJECTIVE: Have a deeper understanding of what is a hypothesis.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
1. Know the kinds of hypothesis
2. Identify the variables in a research
3. Formulate and test hypothesis

VARIABLES IN A HYPOTHESIS

Before explaining what hypothesis statements are, it is important to know what are Variables
because hypothesis statements are constructed in terms of variables. A variable is a
characteristics that can be different from one element to another, or can change over time. An
example of that is the gender which can differ across individuals.
a. Independent variable is the one that likely affects or influences another variable.
b. Dependent variable is a variable that is affected or influenced by another variable.
c. Moderator/Mediator is a variable that can mediate the effect of the independent variable on
the independent variable.

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Example: Effect of zero-tolerance bullying policies in the rate of bullying.
Independent variable: Zero-tolerance policies
Dependent variables: The rate of bullying.
Moderator: Increased teacher presence

KINDS OF HYPOTHESIS

There are two primary kinds of hypothesis statements –-- null and alternative ---- and there are two
kinds of alternative hypothesis --- directional and nondirectional hypothesis. Therefore, in total
there are three primary kinds of hypothesis.
a. Null hypothesis – predicts that there are no significant difference between two situations, or
outcomes.
b. Alternative hypothesis –
(1) Directional hypothesis – relies on prior research to make a prediction that there is a
specific difference between two groups with respect to the variable being tested.
(2) Nondirectional hypothesis – predicts a difference between two groups with respect to the
variables but does not predict what that specific difference will be.
The major differences between the null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis and the research
problems are that the research problems are simple questions that cannot be tested. These two
hypotheses can be tested, though.

The null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis are required to be fragmented properly before the
data collection and interpretation phase in the research. Well fragmented hypotheses indicate that
the researcher has adequate knowledge in that particular area and is thus able to take the
investigation further because they can use a much more systematic system. It gives direction to
the researcher on his/her collection and interpretation of data
The null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis are useful only if they state the expected
relationship between the variables or if they are consistent with the existing body of knowledge.
They should be expressed as simply and concisely as possible. They are useful if they have
explanatory power.
The null hypothesis is generally denoted as H0. It states the exact opposite of what an investigator
or an experimenter predicts or expects. It basically defines the statement which states that there is
no exact or actual relationship between the variables.

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The alternative hypothesis is generally denoted as H1. It makes a statement that suggests or
advises a potential result or an outcome that an investigator or the researcher may expect. It has
been categorized into two categories: directional alternative hypothesis and non directional
alternative hypothesis.

The directional hypothesis is a kind that explains the direction of the expected findings. Sometimes
this type of alternative hypothesis is developed to examine the relationship among the variables
rather than a comparison between the groups.
The non directional hypothesis is a kind that has no definite direction of the expected findings
being specified.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD
HYPOTHESIS
1. Testable
We must be able to test the hypothesis using the methods of science. It must be
possible to gather evidence that will disconfirm the hypothesis if it is indeed false.
2. Logical
Hypothesis is more than just a random guess. It must be informed by previous theories
or observations and logical reasoning. Typically, we begin with and general theory and
use deductive reasoning to generate a more specific hypothesis. However, when there is
no theory to inform our hypothesis, we use inductive reasoning which involves using
specific observations to form a more general hypothesis.
3. Positive
The hypothesis should be a positive statement about the existence about a relationship
rather than a statement that a relationship does not exist.

FORMULATION OF HYPOTHESIS
Research works are designed to verify the hypothesis. Therefore, a researcher, of course, would
understand the meaning and nature of the hypothesis in order to formulate a hypothesis and then
to test the hypothesis.

A hypothesis is a tentative assumption drawn from practical knowledge or theory. A hypothesis is

used as a guide in the inquiry of other facts or theories that a researcher does not know. However,
the formulation of the hypothesis is one of the most difficult steps in the entire scientific research
process.

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This guideline will be helpful in your research works.

1. Define Variables

At first, with a view to formulating a hypothesis, you must define your variables. What do you want
to test? Will you test that rewards increase reading achievement? Or rewards decrease reading
achievement? Whatever your goals are, they need to be clearly defined, quantifiable, and
measurable. This will provide you with a clear idea of what to follow to achieve results.

2. Study In-Depth the Variables

If we do think that your variables are Rewards & Achievements, then you need to intense study
how rewards increase reading achievements? An in-depth study, rigorous questions, and data of
rewards increase reading achievements will make you able to confirm your hypothesis. Specify
dependent and independent variables.

3. Specify the Nature of Relationship

Then, identify what relationship there exist between the variables. What variable influences the
other? That is what is the dependent variable and what is the independent variable? How Rewards
impact achievements? If reward plays a key role in reading achievements, then reward is the
independent variable.

4. Identify Study Population

The population in research we mean the entire group of individuals is going to study. If you want to
test how rewards increase reading achievements in the Grade 7 students, you need not study the
whole population of junior high school. Because the total population does not involve in reading
achievements. Therefore, the researcher must identify the study population.

5. Make Sure Variables are Testable

Variables in your hypothesis must be testable. Otherwise, the hypothesis would be worthless.
Because your research study must accept or reject a variable. So, variables you must need to test.
Testable variables can only be accepted or rejected. Moreover, the sole aim of a research
hypothesis is to test variables in the long run.

TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS

To test a hypothesis you need to go through a process that comprises three phases.
(1) Constructing hypothesis
(2) Gathering appropriate evidence

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 (3) Analysing evidence to draw conclusion as to its validity

Phase I Phase II Phase III

• Formulate • Collect the • Analyse

your hunch required data to draw
for data conclusions
assumption about the
hunch -- true
or false.

After analyzing the evidence, you can conclude whether your hunch or hypothesis was true
or false. When concluding about hypothesis, conventionally, you specifically make a
statement about the correctness or otherwise of a hypothesis in the form of “the hypothesis
is true” or “the hypothesis is false”. It is therefore imperative to formulate hypothesis clearly,
precisely and in a form that is testable. In arriving at a conclusion about the validity of the
hypothesis, the way of collecting the data is of central importance and it is therefore
essential to study design, sample, data collection method(s), data analysis and conclusion,
and communication of conclusion be valid, appropriate and free from any bias.

SUMMARY

Hypotheses are important for bringing clarity, specificity and focus to a research study. The
formulation of a hypothesis provides a study with a focus It tells you what specific aspect of the
research to investigate. As it provides focus, the construction of hypothesis enhances objectivity in
the study. A hypothesis may enable you to add the formulation of theory. It enables you to
conclude specifically what is true and what is false.

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 REFERENCES:

Internet Resources:

https://www.campuscareerclub.com/steps-in-formulation-of-hypothesis/

https://www.public.asu.edu/~kroel/www500/hypothesis.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325846748_FORMULATING_AND_TESTING_HY
POTHESIS

https://www.scribbr.com/statistics/hypothesis-testing/
eBook Resources:

Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide by Ranjit Kumar (3rd Edition,2011)

Research Methods in Education by Louis Cohen (8th Edition, 2018)

Video Resources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BmjujlZExQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCgLjDDD4ek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXMsITB56oU&t=492s

Prepared by:

Vanessa R. Ferrer