HYPOTHESIS

Definition:
When a problem has been stated, a tentative solution in the form of a
testable proposition is offered by the investigator. This testable proposition
is called a ‘hypothesis’. McGuigan (1990,370) has defined hypothesis as,
“a testable statement of a potential relationship between two, (or more)
variables, that is advanced as potential solution to the problem.”
Kerlinger (1973,18) has defined hypothesis as, “a conjectural statement of
the relation between two or more variables. Hypotheses are always in
declarative sentence form, & they relate either generally or specifically,
variables to variables.”
On the basis of these definitions, two points can be suggested about a
hypothesis.
First, a hypothesis is a testable statement, which means that it displays the
relationship between those variables which are measurable or potentially
measurable.
Second, a hypothesis exhibits either a general or specific relationship
between variables.
Characteristics of Good Hypothesis:
Types of Hypothesis:
First, we must take a moment to define independent and dependent variables.
Simply put, an independent variable is the cause and the dependent variable is the
effect. The independent variable can be changed whereas the dependent variable is
what you're watching for change. For example: How does the amount of makeup
one applies affect how clear their skin is? Here, the independent variable is the
makeup and the dependent variable is the skin.
The six most common forms of hypotheses are:
• Simple Hypothesis

• Complex Hypothesis

• Empirical Hypothesis

• Null Hypothesis (Denoted by "HO")

• Alternative Hypothesis (Denoted by "H1")

• Logical Hypothesis

• Statistical Hypothesis
A simple hypothesis is a prediction of the relationship between two variables: the
independent variable and the dependent variable.

Drinking sugary drinks daily leads to obesity.

A complex hypothesis examines the relationship between two or more independent

variables and two or more dependent variables.

Overweight adults who 1) value longevity and 2) seek happiness are more likely
than other adults to 1) lose their excess weight and 2) feel a more regular sense of
joy.

A null hypothesis (H0) exists when a researcher believes there is no relationship

between the two variables, or there is a lack of information to state a scientific
hypothesis. This is something to attempt to disprove or discredit.

There is no significant change in my health during the times when I drink green tea
only or root beer only.
This is where the alternative hypothesis (H1) enters the scene. In an attempt to
disprove a null hypothesis, researchers will seek to discover an alternative hypothesis.

My health improves during the times when I drink green tea only, as opposed to root
beer only.

A logical hypothesis is a proposed explanation possessing limited evidence.

Generally, you want to turn a logical hypothesis into an empirical hypothesis, putting
your theories or postulations to the test.

Cacti experience more successful growth rates than tulips on Mars. (Until we're able
to test plant growth in Mars' ground for an extended period of time, the evidence for
this claim will be limited and the hypothesis will only remain logical.)

An empirical hypothesis, or working hypothesis, comes to life when a theory is being

put to the test, using observation and experiment. It's no longer just an idea or notion.
It's actually going through some trial and error, and perhaps changing around those
independent variables.

Roses watered with liquid Vitamin B grow faster than roses watered with liquid
Vitamin E. (Here, trial and error is leading to a series of findings.)
A statistical hypothesis is an examination of a portion of a population.

If you wanted to conduct a study on the life expectancy of Savannians, you would
want to examine every single resident of Savannah. This is not practical. Therefore,
you would conduct your research using a statistical hypothesis, or a sample of the
Savannian population.

According to Kerlinger (1973:201), hypothesis can be classified into two broad

heads, namely:
i). Substantive hypothesis (popularly known as research hypotheses) &
ii). Statistical hypotheses.
significant relationship between variables which is actually alternative hypothesis.
Main Sources of Hypothesis in Research:
A hypothesis may be formulated through a number of is
sources. Following are the main sources of hypothesis.

• Personal Experience
• Imagination & Thinking
• Observation
• Scientific Theory
• Previous Study
• Culture
Previous Study
Previous study is also a source of developing a concrete hypothesis. If a
researcher uses previous knowledge about a phenomenon for a particular place,
then another researcher followed his techniques and formulates his own. For
example increase in fertilizers and irrigation leads to higher production in
agriculture in District Mardan. Now another researcher studies his work and
applies it to another District Nowshera.

Personal Experience
On the basis of his personal experience he uses his mind and suggests some
points for the eradication of a social problem through developing a good
hypothesis. Greater the researcher experience lead to higher degree of formation.

Imagination & Thinking

Creative thinking and imagination of a researcher sometimes help in formulating
a good hypothesis. Personal ideas and the thinking capabilities of a researcher
would lead to greater number of hypothesis formulation as well as control over
the problem.
Observation
In consideration and undertaking a research problem, observation is necessary. The
collection of previous facts and current facts related to the problem lead to the
formulation of a good hypothesis.

Scientific Theory
Theory is capable in explaining all the facts relating to the problem. Scientific
theory is a fertile source of hypothesis formulation. The theory which is used by a
researcher may satisfied the needs of making it, because theory explains the known
facts.

Culture
Culture is the accumulation of ways of behaving and adoption in a particular place
and time. While formulating a hypothesis for a problem, culture should be studied.
If we want to study trends towards female education in a particular area, for this
purpose we will study, traditions, family system, Norms, Values, region and
education system of that area.
Functions of Hypothesis:
Following are the functions performed by the hypothesis:

1. Hypothesis helps in making an observation and experiments

possible.
2. It becomes the start point for the investigation.
3. Hypothesis helps in verifying the observations.
4. It helps in directing the inquiries in the right directions.

Steps in Formulation of Hypothesis:

A hypothesis is a tentative assumption drawn from practical knowledge
or theory. A hypothesis is used as a guide in the inquiry of other facts or
theories that a researcher does not know. However, the formulation of
the hypothesis is one of the most difficult steps in the entire scientific
research process.
Therefore, in this regard, we intend to point out the basic steps in the
formulation of a hypothesis. We are pretty sure that this guideline will
be helpful in your research works.
1. Define Variables

At first, with a view to formulating a hypothesis, you must define your variables.
What do you want to test? Will you test that rewards increase reading achievement?
Or rewards decrease reading achievement? Whatever your goals are, they need to be
clearly defined, quantifiable, and measurable. This will provide you with a clear idea
of what to follow to achieve results.

2. Study In-Depth the Variables

If we do think that your variables are Rewards & Achievements, then you need to
intense study how rewards increase reading achievements? An in-depth study,
rigorous questions, and data of rewards increase reading achievements will make you
able to confirm your hypothesis. Specify dependent and independent variables.

3. Specify the Nature of Relationship

Then, identify what relationship there exist between the variables. What variable
influences the other? That is what is the dependent variable and what is the
independent variable? How Rewards impact achievements? If reward plays a key role
in reading achievements, then reward is the independent variable.
4. Identify Study Population

The population in research we mean the entire group of individuals is going to

study. If you want to test how rewards increase reading achievements in the
United Kingdom, you need not study the whole population of the United
Kingdom. Because the total population does not involve in reading
achievements. Therefore, the researcher must identify the study population

5. Make Sure Variables are Testable

Variables in your hypothesis must be testable. Otherwise, the hypothesis would

be worthless. Because your research study must accept or reject a variable. So,
variables you must need to test. Testable variables can only be accepted or
rejected. Moreover, the sole aim of a research hypothesis is to test variables in
the long run.

In conclusion, a researcher or investigator can generate more accurate research

results through exactly the following 5 basic Steps in the Formulation of
Hypothesis.
References:
• Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques By C. R. Kothari, 2004
• Foundations of Behavioral Research, Fred N. Kerlinger Surjeet, 2004
• Tests, Measurements and Research Methods in Behavioural Sciences, Arun
Kumar Singh Tata McGraw-Hill, 1986 - Educational tests and measurements –
• Research Methodology in behavioural sciences, S.K. Mongal & Subhra Mongal
2013
• Statistics in biology & psychology, Debajyati Das & Arati Das-2004