• In any test of hypothesis we begin with some

assumptions about the population from which the

sample is drawn.  This assumption may be about
the form of the population or about the parameters
of the population.  Such an assumption is logically
drawn. This assumption is called Hypothesis.
• A statistical Hypothesis is defined as a tentative
conclusion logically drawn connecting the
parameter or the form of the distribution.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN HYPOTHESIS
AND A PROBLEM
• Both an hypothesis and a problem contribute to
the body of knowledge which supports or refutes
an existing theory.  An hypothesis differs from a
problem.   A problem is formulated in the form
of a question; it serves as the basis or origin from
which an hypothesis is derived.  An hypothesis is
a suggested solution to a problem.  A problem
(question) cannot be directly tested, whereas an
hypothesis can be tested and verified.
 WHEN IS AN HYPOTHESIS FORMULATED?

• An hypothesis is formulated after the

problem has been stated and the literature
study has been concluded.  It is formulated
when the researcher is totally aware of the
theoretical and empirical background to the
problem.
 THE PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF AN
HYPOTHESIS
• It offers explanations for the relationships between
those variables that can be empirically tested.
• It furnishes proof that the researcher has suffucient
background knowledge to enable him/her to make
suggestions in order to extend existing knowledge.
• It gives direction to an investigation.
• It structures the next phase in the investigation and
therefore furnishes continuity to the examination
of the problem.
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN HYPOTHESIS

• It should have elucidating power.

• It should strive to furnish an acceptable
explanation of the phenomenon.
• It must be verifiable.
• It must be formulated in simple,
understandable terms.
• It should corresponds with existing
knowledge.
 Types of Hypothesis:

• 1) Simple and Composite Hypothesis

• A hypothesis may be simple or composite.  If a hypothesis is
concerning the population completely such as functional form
and the parameter, it is called simple hypothesis.  If a
hypothesis is not simple then it is Composite.

Example:-
• The hypothesis “Population is normal with mean 15 and
standard deviation 5” is a simple hypothesis where as the
hypothesis “population is normal with mean=15” is a
composite hypothesis. 
• 2) Parametric and Non Parametric
• A hypothesis, which only specifies the parameters of
the probability density function, is called parametric
hypothesis. If a hypothesis specifies only the form of
the density function in the population, it is called a
non- parametric hypothesis.
• Example:-
• The hypothesis “ Mean of the population is 15” is
parametric where as the hypothesis “ population is
normal” is non- parametric.
• 3) Null and Alternative Hypothesis
• A null hypothesis can be defined as a statistical hypothesis,
which is stated for acceptance.  It is the original hypothesis.
Any other hypothesis other than null hypothesis is called
Alternative hypothesis..  When null hypothesis is rejected
we accept the alternative hypothesis. Null hypothesis is
denoted by H0 and alternative hypothesis is denoted by H 1.
• Example:-
• When we want to test whether the population mean is 30
then null hypothesis is  “Population mean is 30” and
alternative Hypothesis is “ Population mean is not 30”
– Inductive and deductive
» Inductive hypotheses are formed through inductively reasoning from
many specific observations to tentative explanations
» Deductive hypotheses are formed through deductively reasoning
– Research or statistical
» Research hypotheses are conjectural statements of the expected results
• Directional: a specific outcome is anticipated (e.g., the class using
manipulatives will demonstrate higher achievement levels than the
class using a traditional instructional approach)
• Non-directional: an outcome is anticipated but the specific nature
of it is unsure (e.g., there will be achievement differences between
the groups of children using co-operative group strategies or
individualized instruction)
 Sampling procedure
• Define the population
• Frame the population
• Choose a sample design
• Draw the sample
• Execute the research