NOTES

PRACTICAL
RESEARCH 2
a. List research hypothesis (CS_RS12-If-j-8)
b. Illustrates and explains the conceptual framework
(CS_RS12-If-j-6)

WEEK 5

DR. DIOMAR C. CAMAONGAY

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 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Hypothesis is a statement in quantitative research in which the investigator makes a prediction

or an assumption about the outcome of a relationship among attributes or characteristics
(Creswell, 2012).

Guidelines

a. State independent variables before the dependent variables.

b. If you compare groups in your hypothesis, clearly state the groups; if variables are related, specify the
relationship among the variables
c. Make a prediction about changes you expect in your groups, such as less or more favorable or no
changes (e.g., no difference). You will then test this prediction using statistical procedures.
d. Mention information about participants and the study locale if they are not mentioned in the purpose or
problem statement.

Two Types of Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis

The most traditional way of stating the hypothesis is null hypothesis. It makes a prediction that
of all possible people whom the researchers might study—the general population—there is NO
RELATIONSHIP between independent and dependent variables or NO DIFFERENCE between
groups of an independent variable or a dependent variable. You may simply state the null
hypothesis with the template below.

For “no difference” script:

There is no difference between (independent variable, group 1) and (independent

variable, group 2) in terms of (dependent variable) for (participants) at (research site).

For “no relationship” script:

There is no relationship between (independent variable) and (dependent variable) for

(participants) at (research site).

Alternative Hypothesis

This is used when you think there will be a difference or relationship based on results from past
research or an explanation or theory reported in the literature.

Two Types of Alternative Hypothesis

Directional Alternative Hypothesis

The researcher predicts the direction of a change, difference, or a relationship for

variables in the total population of people. You simply state the directional alternative
hypothesis with the template below.
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For “difference” script:

(independent variable, group 1) at (research site) will have (some difference, such as
higher, lower, greater, leaser) on (dependent variable) than (independent variable, group
2).

For “relationship” script:

(independent variable) will have (relationship, either positive or negative) with (dependent
variable) with (total population) at (research site)

Non-Directional Alternative Hypothesis

The researcher predicts a change, a difference, or a relationship for variables in a

population but does not indicate whether the direction of this prediction will be positive or
negative, or greater or lesser.

For “difference” script:

There is a difference between (independent variable, group 1) and (independent variable,

group 2) in terms of (dependent variable) at (research site).

For “relationship” script:

There is a relationship with (independent group) and (dependent group) of (total

population) at (research site).

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 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
ü It is the “blueprint” or guide for a research (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
ü It is a framework based on an existing theory in a field of inquiry that is related and/or reflects
the hypothesis of a study (Adom et al. 2017).
ü It is a blueprint that is often “borrowed” by the researcher to build his/her research inquiry.

Aside from the house analogy, a theoretical framework is also compared to that of a map or travel plan
(Fulton & Miller, 2010;Siclair, 2007). Thus, when traveling to a particular location, the map guides your
path/destination. Likewise, the theoretical framework guides the researcher in his/her research journey.

In some studies, theoretical framework is not necessary especially when you do not anchor your study
from a certain theory. This happens when you use your own observation or base from other studies or
literature as anchor point of your study. So, when asked if a study can be carried out without theoretical
framework, the answer is yes. This is possible, however, the backbone of your study will be stronger if
it has theoretical framework.

Moreover, you need to coordinate with your research teacher if your study needs to have a theoretical
framework. If your study has a theoretical framework, you may anchor at least one theory and the rest
may be underlying theories under its umbrella.

SELECTING THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

In order to select the most appropriate and best-suited theoretical framework for your study,
consider the following guidelines by Adom et al. (2018).
ü Begin by identifying your beliefs
ü Develop a working knowledge of the theories and understand why the theory is
important to you
ü Conduct a brief literature review to find support for your theories.
ü Apply answers to “how” the theory connects to your problem, the study’s purpose,
significance and methods.
ü Select one theoretical framework that provides a solid, descriptive ‘blueprint’ for your
reader.

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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
ü Is a structure which the researcher believes can explain the natural progression of the
phenomenon to be studied (Camp, 2001).
ü It is the researcher’s summary of explanation of how the research problem would be explored.
ü It is arranged in a logical structure to provide a picture of how ideas in a study relate to one
another (Grant et al. 2014).

Diagrams are created to clearly define the constructs or variables of the research topic and their
relationships are shown by the use of arrows. Take into consideration Figure 2 below..

Figure 1. Theoretical-Conceptual Framework on Integrating Sexuality Education in Biology by Alfeche

and Corales (2018)

The above figure is a conceptual framework carrying a theoretical framework. It shows the flow or
series of action the researcher intends to carry out in a research study. The arrows show the series
of action from the preparation of materials for integration, implementation of the integration to the
students, down to evaluation and lastly, the expected output of your study. The last box in a conceptual
framework is usually the expected output of the researcher based on the findings of the study.

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The research topic is Integrating Sexuality Education in Teaching Biology. As you can see, there are
three theories and a Republic Act that support this study. This study is anchored with the Critical theory
of Horkhelmer (1984), Social Cognitive Theory of Bandura (1986) and Transtheoretical Model of
Prochaska (1997). These comprise the theoretical framework of the study.

Other research reports do not include conceptual framework to meet the number of words or size of
space as requirement when publishing research in journals. Since conceptual framework illustrates the
flow of the study and the connections of concepts in the study, other researchers choose to explain
them in methodology part in a fragmented basis. However, if applicable, you have to include a
conceptual framework to provide a convenient way in understanding the flow of the study and the
connection of concepts.

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Innovation distinguishes between

a leader and a follower.

― Raewyn Connell