Formulating the Hypothesis

The hypothesis is a tentative solution to the problem which is going to be tested in the study. This is a
statement of an idea which could answer the problem or the sub-problem.

The hypothesis then guides the researcher in identifying, categorizing and defining the pertinent
variables involved in the study. It will help him establish the frame of reference with which to approach
the problem.

1. Types of hypotheses

There are two types of hypotheses. The null (H0) and the alternative (H1) hypotheses. The null
hypothesis is a statement of no difference. For example:

H0: There is no difference in yield of plants given 10 kg Nitrogen and yield of plants not given
Nitrogen.

On the other hand, alternative hypothesis may take the form of a directional statement. As in the
example above:
H1: The yield of plants given 10 kg Nitrogen is higher than the yield of plants not given fertilizer.

2. Additional notes on hypotheses

2.1 The main purpose of a hypothesis is to deduce consequences.
2.2 Hypotheses are not supposed to be confirmed.
2.3 Hypotheses cannot verify, they make possibility statements.
2.4 Hypotheses should be explained simply. The simpler the hypothesis the easier it is to test.

Formulating The Objectives

Objectives are the goals of action. They are the outcome the researcher hopes to come up to attain. Being
such, they must be specific and achievable. They must fit properly into the problem stated. When stated
clearly, the objectives serve the following uses

1. Give an indication of the relevant variables to be considered in the study

2. Guide the researcher in the choice of an appropriate research design
3. Guide the researcher on what data will be collected
4. Provide basis for the analysis and interpretation of data

A. Statement of objectives

1. The general objective – This is the over all purpose of the research undertaking. It is essentially a
statement of the hypothesis as expected outcome

2. The specific objectives – These are statements of the sub-problems. Some guides or reminders on
specific objectives are:
2.1 The attainment of specific objectives collectively should achieve the general objective
2.2 Specific objectives should be written clearly as statements which incorporate the specific
hypotheses
2.3 Specific objectives should specify the variables or indicators of the events to be observed,
measured or controlled
2.4 Specific objectives should be expressed in measurable terms.
B. Objectives and Variables

Variables are events, factors or characteristics to be studied which can take on several values in
response to interventions. They are the indicators used to detect the events or changes in the events under
investigation. They are the object of measurement.

The types of variables are

1. Qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative variables are not numerically expressed whereas
quantitative variables are expressed numerically
2. Independent and dependent. The independent variable affects the value of the dependent
variables whereas the dependent variable is influenced by the independent variable. In other
terms, the independent is the casual variable and the dependent is the result variable
3. Extraneous variables. These are variables beyond the control of the researcher.