Hypothesis

 Hypotheses are temporary answers, predictions, or assumptions derived from research

questions or research results. It is a temporary statement that can be tested and verified
or rejected based on the empirical evidence.
 Hypotheses are formulated after conducting literature reviews and before conducting
research.
 The hypothesis demonstrates the connection between different variables.

Types of Hypotheses

Based on its origin, the hypothesis is divided into 2:

1. Inductive hypothesis = It is a hypothesis in the form of a generalization or conclusion

obtained from observations of the object under study or the relationship between variables
carried out by the researcher. It is widely used in qualitative research.

2. Deductive hypothesis = It is a hypothesis derived from existing theories or the results of a

review of related literature. It is used in quantitative research.

Based on the direction of the assumption, the hypothesis is divided into 3:

1. Directional hypothesis: It is a hypothesis used when observations or literature review results

show that one of the variables is more effective than another.

For example:

variable A= method 1

variable B= method 2

Between those two variables, method 1 is more effective in improving student's learning
abilities, so the directional hypothesis is symbolized by A>B.

The hypothesis statement might be: "Method 1 will significantly enhance students' speaking
abilities."

2. Non-directional hypothesis = It is a type of hypothesis used when observations or a review of

existing literature shows that two variables (e.g., variables D and E) have different effects.
However, it is not yet known which one is more effective. In short, there is a relationship or
difference between the variables. Then the symbol is D ≠ E.

Example: "There is a relationship between method 1 and students' reading skills."

3. Null hypothesis/hypothesis statistic: a hypothesis that arises after analyzing data with
statistics. A null hypothesis is created so that researchers remain neutral and objective even
though they already know the directional or non-directional hypothesis. The null hypothesis
states that there is no relationship or difference between variables.

Example:

variable A= method 1

variable B = method 2

Both methods can equally improve students' abilities, but none is more effective. So, the symbol
is A = B.

The statement might be: "There is no significant difference between method 1 and method 2 on
students' achievement".

The Characteristics of Good Hypothesis

1. A hypothesis suggests the direction of the relationship between variables, which can be
either a tendency or an effect.

tendency= correlation relationship (correlational research)

effect= causality (experimental research)

2. A hypothesis must be able to be tested.

A hypothesis that can be tested means that conclusions can be drawn from it. A hypothesis can
be tested if:

 There is empirical evidence that supports it. If it is not supported by empirical evidence,
then the hypothesis will be rejected.
  There are variables that can be measured, that is, variables that have an operational
definition. For example, student writing achievement is defined in the form of scores.

3. A hypotheses should consist of explanations based on theory or previous research.

Hypotheses should be appropriate and not contradict established knowledge in the field.

4. A hypotheses should be stated as clearly and concisely as possible.

The language used to state the hypothesis should be simple so that it is easy to understand.
Generally, hypotheses only examine one relationship, so only one hypothesis is needed. But, if a
researcher examines more than one relationship, he or she needs more than one hypothesis.

For example, a researcher wants to know the effectiveness of the one teaching method on
students' speaking and writing skills. So, the researcher needs 2 hypotheses: first, to know the
effect of the method on students' speaking skills, and second, to know the effect on students'
writing skills.

Steps for testing the hypothesis:

 Choose the sample

 Determine the instrument, design, and procedure
 Gathering data to test the hypothesis
 Analyzing the data to determine if it supports or rejects the hypothesis