Hypothesis Formulation
- 1. 1 Hypothesis Formulation PRESENTED BY SHEIKH MUBASHAR GANI Department of Libraryand Information Science Jamia Millia Islamia
- 2. 2 Hypothesis Formulation RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS 3 Dependent variables 3 Independent variables 3 Population 4 Relationship 4 Types of hypotheses Simple hypothesis 5 Complex hypothesis 5 Directional hypotheses 5 Non-directional hypotheses 5 Associative and causal hypotheses Associative hypotheses 5 Causal hypotheses 6 Null hypotheses 6 Testable hypotheses 6 Hypothesis & Formulation of Hypothesis 6 Proper Conclusion 10
- 3. 3 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS A hypothesis is a tool of quantitative studies. It is a tentative and formal prediction about the relationship between two or more variables in the population being studied, and the hypothesis translates the research question into a prediction of expected outcomes. So…a hypothesis is a statement about the relationship between two or more variables that we set out to prove or disprove in our research study. To be complete the hypothesis must include three components: The variables. The population. The relationship between the variables. Variables are Qualities, properties, and characteristics of persons, things, or situations that change or vary, and that can be manipulated, measured, or controlled in a research study. There are different types of variables, namely Dependent variables A dependent variable is the response, the behaviour, or the outcome that is predicted and measured in research. Changes in the dependent variable are presumed to be caused by the independent variables. Independent variables An independent variable is the treatment, the intervention, or the experimental activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher during the research study in order to create an effect (i.e. change) on the dependent variable.
- 4. 4 Population A population is what we call the entire group of individuals or elements who meet the sampling criteria. A sample is representative of that population. So if we were interested in looking at the number of childhood cancers in 2006 in the United Kingdom (i.e. population), we obviously could not survey the entire population of children with cancer in that year who live in the United Kingdom, and so consequently we would look at a smaller sample taken from all the children with cancer in 2006 who live in the United Kingdom. Relationship This means the relationship between one variable and another, for example, smoking and lung cancer. A hypothesis should be: stated clearly using appropriate terminology testable a statement of relationships between variables Limited in scope (focused). Examples of a hypothesis are: Health Education programmes influence the number of people who smoke. Newspapers affect people's voting pattern. Attendance at lectures influences exam marks. Diet influences intelligence.
- 5. 5 Types of hypotheses Simple hypothesis This predicts the relationship between a single independent variable (IV) and a single dependent variable (DV) For example: Lower levels of exercise postpartum (IV) will be associated with greater weight retention (DV). Complex hypothesis This predicts the relationship between two or more independent variables and two or more dependent variables. Example of a complex multiple independent variable hypothesis: Low risk pregnant women (IV) who: value health highly; believe that engaging in health promoting behaviours will result in positive outcomes; perceive fewer barriers to health promoting activities; are more likely than other women to attend pregnancy-related education programmes (DV). Directional hypotheses These are usually derived from theory. They may imply that the researcher is intellectually committed to a particular outcome. They specify the expected direction of the relationship between variables i.e. the researcher predicts not only the existence of a relationship but also its nature. Non-directional hypotheses Used when there is little or no theory, or when findings of previous studies are contradictory. They may imply impartiality. Do not stipulate the direction of the relationship. Associative and causal hypotheses Associative hypotheses Propose relationships between variables - when one variable changes, the other changes. Do not indicate cause and effect.
- 6. 6 Causal hypotheses Propose a cause and effect interaction between two or more variables. The independent variable is manipulated to cause effect on the dependent variable. The dependent variable is measured to examine the effect created by the independent variable. Null hypotheses These are used when the researcher believes there is no relationship between two variables or when there is inadequate theoretical or empirical information to state a research hypothesis Null hypotheses can be: Simple or complex; Associative or causal. Testable hypotheses Contain variables that are measurable or able to be manipulated. They need to predict a relationship that can be 'supported' or 'not supported' based on data collection and analysis. Hypothesis & Formulation of Hypothesis A hypothesis is a possible answer to a research question. It is a presumption or a hunch (idea) on the basis of which a study has to be conducted. This hypothesis is tested for possible rejection or approval. If the hypothesis gets accepted it shows that your hunch was right if it get rejected it still does not mean that your research was not valid, but it means that it is the opposite way you thought and perceived. Whether it is approved or not it gives you some conclusion and adds to the available body of knowledge.
- 7. 7 A hypothesis which has been tested again and again by various researchers can still be tested for making it more valid but if the hypothesis has been approved in such a manner that it has become a law that it is better to test something that adds to the available knowledge rather than approving something which has been approved many times before. Once you have identified you research question, it is time to formulate your hypothesis. While the research question is broad and includes all the variables you want your study to consider, the hypothesis is a statement that specific relationship you expect to find from your examination of these variables. When formulating the hypothesis(es) for your study, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Good hypotheses meet the following criteria: 1) Identify the independent and dependent variables to be studied. 2) Specify the nature of the relationship that exists between these variables. 3) Simple (often referred to as parsimonious). It is better to be concise than to be long-winded. It is also better to have several simple hypotheses than one complicated hypothesis. 4) Does not include reference to specific measures. 5) Does not refer to specific statistical procedures that will be used in analysis. 6) Implies the population that you are going to study. 7) Is falsifiable and testable. As indicated above, it is better to have several simple hypotheses than one complex one. However, it is also a good idea to limit the number of hypotheses you use in a study to six or fewer. Studies that address more hypotheses than six will often be too time consuming to keep participants interested, and uninterested participants do not take the importance of their
- 8. 8 responses as seriously. Another advantage to limiting the number of formal hypotheses you formulate is that too many can make the discussion section of your paper very hard to write. Importance of Hypothesis To the Point Enquiry Hypothesis makes a research activity to the point and destination, Research without hypothesis is like a sailor in the sea without compass. So, research is to the point enquiry of problem due to the guidance of hypothesis. Development of Research Techniques There are various types of social problems which are complex in nature. For this research is very difficult. We cannot cover it with a single technique but it requires many techniques. These techniques are due to hypothesis provided to a researcher. Separating Relevant From Irrelevant Observation A Researcher during study will take the observations and facts which are accordance to the condition and situation. While drop out the irrelevant facts from his study. This separation is due to hypothesis formulation which keeps away relevant observation from irrelevant. Selecting Required Facts During study a researcher come across many factors but he confined himself to the selection of required facts through formulation of hypothesis. Hypothesis helps him in selection of relevant facts regarding to the problematic situation. Direction of Research Hypothesis acts as a guide master in research. It gives new knowledge and direction to a researcher. It directs a scientist to know about the problematic situation and its causes.
- 9. 9 Acts as a Guide Hypothesis gives new ways and direction to a researcher. It acts as a guide and a leader in various organizations or society. It is like the investigator’s eye. Prevents Blind Research Hypothesis provides lighting to the darkness of research. It gives difference b/w scientific and unscientific, false and true research. It prevents blind research and give accuracy. Accuracy & Precision Hypothesis provides accuracy and precision to a research activity. Accuracy and precision is the feature of scientific investigation which is possible due to hypothesis. Link between Theory & Investigation Theory is a source of hypothesis which leads to its formulation. Hypothesis leads to scientific investigation. So, hypothesis acts as a bridge b/w theory and investigation. Link between Assumption & Observation During formulation hypothesis is in the stage of assumption. In the field it transformed into hypothesis in working form. This transformation is due to observation in the field. So, it creates a link between assumption & observation. Provide answer for a Question A hypothesis highlights the causes of a problematic situation. Further solution is also given by a hypothesis which provides answer to a question. Save Time, Money & Energy Hypothesis save time, money and energy of a researcher because it is a guide for him and help him in saving these basic things.
- 10. 10 Proper Data Collection Hypothesis provides the basis of proper Data Collection Relevant and correct information collected by a researcher is the main function of a good formulated hypothesis. Proper Conclusion A proper formulated hypothesis may lead to a good reasonable, utilized and proper conclusion. If the hypothesis is better than the conclusions drawn by a researcher would be better for solution of a problem.