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Hypothesis
1. Hypothesis
A HYPOTHESIS IS A STATEMENT OF THE
PREDICTED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TWO
OR MORE VARIABLES
2. Purposes
Allow theoretical propositions to be tested in the real
world.
Guide the research design.
Dictate the type of statistical analysis for the data
Provide the reader with an understanding of the
researchers expectations about the study before data
collecting begins.
3. The rationale or sources of hypothesis
From the researchers own experiences.
From previous research studies.
From theoretical propositions. This is the most
important source of a hypothesis. This process of a
hypothesis derivation involves deductive reasoning.
A propositional statement is isolated from the study
frame work and empirically tested
4. Constructing hypotheses:
As a researcher you do not know about a phenomenon, but you do
have a hunch to form the basis of certain assumption or guesses.
You test these by collecting information that will enable you to
conclude if your hunch was right.
The verification process can have one of the three outcomes. Your
hunch may prove
to be:
1. right;
2. partially right; or
3. wrong.
5. Without this process of verification, you cannot conclude anything
about the validity of your assumption.
Hence, a hypotheses is a hunch, assumption, suspicion, assertion or an
idea about a phenomenon, relationship or situation, the reality or truth
of which you do not know.
A researcher calls these assumptions/ hunches hypotheses and they
become the basis of an enquiry
6. In most studies the hypotheses will be based upon your own or
someone else’s observation.
Hypotheses bring clarity, specificity and focus to a research problem.
However, You can conduct a valid investigation without constructing
formal hypotheses in sub-problems
7. The functions of hypotheses
• The formulation of hypothesis provides a study with
focus. It tells you what specific aspects of a research
problem to investigate.
• A hypothesis tells you what data to collect and what not
to collect, thereby providing focus to the study.
• As it provides a focus, the construction of a hypothesis
enhances objectivity in a study.
• A hypothesis may enable you to add to the formulation
of a theory. It enables you to specifically conclude what is
true or what is false
8. Classifications of hypothesis
Simple or complex:
A Simple hypothesis: concerns the relationship
between one independent and one dependent
variable (bivariate study). In experimental studies
the independent variable may be considered the
cause, and the dependent variable may be considered
as the effect.
9. A complex hypothesis: Concerns a relationship
where two or more independent variables, two or
more dependent variables, or both, are examined in
the same study (multivariate).
10. Guidelines for critiquing hypothesis and research
Questions
Is the hypothesis clearly worded and concise?
Is the hypothesis written in a declarative sentences?
Is each hypothesis directly tied to the study problem?
Does the hypothesis contain the population and at least two variables?
Is it apparent that each hypothesis contain only one prediction?
if the study contains research questions, are the questions precise and
specific?
Do the research questions further delineate the problem area of the
study?
