HYPOTHESIS

MEANING & TYPES

 HYPOTHESIS
It‘s a principal instrument in research.
I t ‘ s also an important step in research.

Hypothesis is a statement or a set of

statements which is put forth as an
explanation for a phenomena as a
supposition that' s to be
investigated and proved.
APA Dictionary of Psychology defines hypothesis as " an
empirically testable proposition about some fact, behavior,
relationship, or the like, usually based on theory , that
states an expected outcome resulting from specific conditions
or assumptions."
Origin of the word‘ Hypothesis’
The word hypothesis has its origin from Greek and Latin languages.
Hypothesis as a word was developed in the late 16th century from Late
Latin.

Hupo+ Thesis
(under) (placing)

Hupothesis
(foundation)

HYPOTHESIS
Characteristics of Hypothesis

I t should be clear .
I t should be limited in scope and must be specific . I t
should be testable empirically .
I t should be amenable to testing within a reasonable time.
I t should specify the variables between which the
relationship is to be established.
 Types of Hypothesis

ALTERNATE DIRECTIONAL LOGICAL

HYPOTHESIS HYPOTHESIS HYPOTHESIS

NULL COMPLEX NON-DIRECTIONAL

HYPOTHESIS HYPOTHESIS HYPOTHESIS
Null Hypothesis
This hypothesis states that there is no relationship or effect
between the two variables being studied or one variable does not
affect the other. There will be no changes in the dependent
variable due to the independent variable.

Example -
There will be no significant relationship between Imposter
Phenomenon and Self - Esteem among final year women
undergraduate students.
Alternate Hypothesis
This hypothesis states that there is a relationship or effect
between the two variables being studied or one variable has an
effect on the other.

Example -
There will be a significant relationship between Imposter
Phenomenon and Self - Esteem among final year women
undergraduate students.
Complex Hypothesis
This hypothesis states that there is a relationship between three
or more variables that is present in the study such as two
independent variables and a dependent variable.

Example -
High Social Anxiety and Imposter Phenomenon
significantly decreases the Self - Esteem of final year
women undergraduate students.
Directional/One - tailed
Hypothesis
This hypothesis predicts the nature of the effect of the
independent variable on the dependent variable. It predicts in
which direction the change will take place.

Example -
There will be a significant negative impact of Imposter
Phenomenon on Self - Esteem among final year women
undergarduate students.
Non - Directional/Two - tailed
Hypothesis
This hypothesis predicts that the independent variable will have
an effect on the dependent variable, but the direction of the
effect is not specified. It just states that there will be an
effect.

Example -
There will be a significant impact of Imposter Phenomenon
on Self - Esteem among final year women undergarduate
students.
Logical Hypothesis

This hypothesis assumes the existence of a relationship between

variables without collecting evidence, it only has logical basis.

Example -
A girl raised by females and surrounded with females would
have trouble interacting with males.