Formulating a Hypothesis

Formulating a Hypothesis:
There are no precise rules for formulating hypothesis However, there are
certain necessary conditions that are conducive to their formulation. They are:

1. Richness of background knowledge: In the absence of knowledge

concerning a subject matter, one can make no well founded judgement of
relevant hypothesis.
 Background knowledge is essential for perceiving relationships among the
variables and to determine what findings other researchers have reported
on the problem under study.

 New knowledge, new discoveries and new inventions should always form
continuity with the already existing corpus of knowledge and therefore it
becomes all the more essential to be well versed with the already existing
knowledge.
 Hypothesis can be formulated correctly by persons who have rich experience and academic
background, but they can never be formulated by those who have poor background
knowledge.

2. Logical and Scientific approach: Formulation of proper hypothesis depends on one’s

experience and logical insight.

 Hypothesis does not have a clear cut and definite theoretical background. Partly, it is a matter
of lifting upon an idea on some problem and it is not always possible to have complete
information of, and acquaintance with the scientific methods for formulating hypothesis.

 This lack of scientific knowledge presents difficulty in formulation of hypothesis. A researcher

may begin a study by selecting one of the theories in his own area of interest and deduce a
hypothesis from this theory through logic which is possible only when the researcher has a
proper understanding of the scientific method and has a versatile intellect.
At times, conversations and consultations with colleagues and experts from
different fields are also helpful in formulating important and useful hypothesis.

As a research hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about what you expect

to happen in a study, you may consider drawing hypothesis from previously
published research based on the theory.
A good research hypothesis involves more efforts than just a guess. In particular, your
hypothesis may begin with a question which could be further explored through background
research.

To help you formulate a promising research hypothesis, you should ask yourself the following
questions:
 Is the language clear and focused?
 What is the relationship between your hypothesis and your research topic?
 Is your hypothesis testable? If yes, then how?
 What are the possible explanations that you might want to explore?
 Does your hypothesis include both an independent and dependent variable?
 Can you manipulate your variables without hampering the ethical standards?

The questions listed above can be used as a checklist to make sure your hypothesis is based
on a solid foundation. Furthermore, it can help you identify weaknesses in your hypothesis
and revise it if necessary.
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, you need
not study the whole population of the. 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.
1. A question which requires a solution is
………….
a) Observation
b) Problem
c) Data
d) Experiment
2. Converting a question into a Researchable
problem is called …………
a) Solution
b) Examination
c) Problem formulation
d) Problem Solving
3) While Selecting a problem, problem which is
………….. is no taken
a) Very Common
b) Overdone
c) Easy one
d) Rare
4) In the formulation of the problem we need
to give a ………….
a) Title
b) Index
c) Bibliography
d) Concepts
5) Hypothesis are of ……………….forms
a) 4
b) 3
c) 10
d)6
6) A tentative proposition subject to test is
a)Variable
b) Hypothesis
c) Data
d) Concept
7) When a hypothesis is stated negatively it is
called
a) Relational Hypothesis
b) Situational Hypothesis
c) Null Hypothesis
d) Casual Hypothesis
8. The first variable is …………….. variable
a) Abstract
b) Dependent
c) Independent
d) Separate
9. ) The first step in formulating a problem is
a) Statement of the problem
b) Measurement
c) Gathering of Data
d)Survey
10. Last step in problem formulation is
a) Survey
b) Discussion
c) Literature survey
d) Re Phrasing the Research problem