Research Hypothesis
Research Hypothesis
A research hypothesis is a hypothesis that is used to test the relationship between two or more variables.
If your study has variables, then your hypotheses should be presented at the end of the introduction.
What is Hypothesis?
Hypothesis is an assumption that is made on the basis of some evidence. This is the initial point of any
investigation that translates the research questions into a prediction. It includes components like variables,
population and the relation between the variables. A research hypothesis is a hypothesis that is used to test the
relationship between two or more variables.
Characteristics of Hypothesis
Following are the characteristics of hypothesis:
Sources of Hypothesis
Following are the sources of hypothesis:
Types of Hypothesis
There are six forms of hypothesis and they are:
Simple hypothesis
Complex hypothesis
Directional hypothesis
Non-directional hypothesis
Null hypothesis
Associative and casual hypothesis
Simple Hypothesis
It shows a relationship between one dependent variable and a single independent variable. For example – If
you eat more vegetables, you will lose weight faster. Here, eating more vegetables is an independent variable,
while losing weight is the dependent variable.
Complex Hypothesis
It shows the relationship between two or more dependent variables and two or more independent variables.
Eating more vegetables and fruits leads to weight loss, glowing skin, reduces the risk of many diseases such as
heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers.
Directional Hypothesis
It shows how a researcher is intellectual and committed to a particular outcome. The relationship between the
variables can also predict its nature. For example- children aged four years eating proper food over a five-year
period are having higher IQ levels than children not having a proper meal. This shows the effect and direction
of effect.
Non-directional Hypothesis
It is used when there is no theory involved. It is a statement that a relationship exists between two variables,
without predicting the exact nature (direction) of the relationship.
Null Hypothesis
It provides the statement which is contrary to the hypothesis. It’s a negative statement, and there is no
relationship between independent and dependent variables. The symbol is denoted by “HO”.
Examples of Hypothesis
Following are the examples of hypothesis based on their types:
Consumption of sugary drinks every day leads to obesity is an example of a simple hypothesis.
All lilies have the same number of petals is an example of a null hypothesis.
If a person gets 7 hours of sleep, then he will feel less fatigue than if he sleeps less.
Functions of Hypothesis
Following are the functions performed by the hypothesis:
Formation of question
Doing background research
Creation of hypothesis
Designing an experiment
Collection of data
Result analysis
Summarizing the experiment
Communicating the results