HYPOTHESIS

A hypothesis is used to explain a phenomenon

or predict a relationship in communication
research. There are four evaluation criteria
that a hypothesis must meet.
- First, it must state an expected relationship
between variables.
- Second, it must be testable and falsifiable;
researchers must be able to test whether a
hypothesis is truth or false.
- Third, it should be consistent with the
existing body of knowledge.
- Finally, it should be stated as simply and
concisely as possible.

Formulating a hypothesis requires a specific,

testable, and predictable statement driven by
theoretical guidance and/or prior evidence. A
hypothesis can be formulated in various research
designs. In experimental settings, researchers
compare two or more groups of research
participants to investigate the differences of the
research outcomes.