Practical Research 2 – QUARTER 2 IAN H.

YLANAN

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
When you are finished identifying your statement of the problem or research
questions/objectives, you may now start formulating the hypothesis of your study. What is
hypothesis?
A Hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more
variables. It is a specific and testable prediction on what you expect to happen with the
variables in your study. Usually, it proposes a possible relationship between the independent
variable (what the researcher changes) and the dependent variable (what the research
measures). It is also described as an “educated guess” of what possibly the result would be
of your research, which should be supported on existing theories and knowledge.
Furthermore, the hypothesis states a tentative answer to your research question that can be
tested by further investigation in which you can support or refute it through scientific research
methods such as data collection and statistical analysis. It is the central concept of any
investigation that converts research questions into predictions and incorporates elements
such as variables, population, and the relationship between factors.
As a researcher, you must determine whether your hypothesis is accepted or not
based on the findings and outcome of your research study. Not all studies have a hypothesis
while some studies have several hypotheses.

Types of Research Hypothesis

1. Simple Hypothesis
A simple hypothesis is a prediction of the relationship between two variables,
the independent variable and the dependent variable. It shows a connection between
one independent variable and a single dependent variable (https://bit.ly/37UCE9q).
Ex: The higher the poverty rate in society (one independent variable), the
higher the number would be the out of school youth (one dependent variable).

2. Complex hypothesis
The complex hypothesis reflects the relationship between the independent
variable and the dependent variable. It expresses a connection between two or more
independent variables and two or more dependent variables (https://bit.ly/37UCE9q).
Ex: Eating more vegetables and fresh fruits (independent variables) leads to
boost immune system and enhance blood circulation and digestion (dependent
variables).

3. Empirical Hypothesis
An empirical hypothesis is also called as the “working hypothesis.” It is
presumed to explain certain facts and relationships of phenomena. It comes to life
when a theory is being put to the test, using observation and experiment. From the
name itself “working,” it would mean that it can be changed or replace anytime as soon
as it is no longer supported or accepted base on the observation and experimentation
being done. It is going through some trial and error and perhaps changing around those
independent variables (https://bit.ly/37UCE9q).
Ex: Plants watered everyday grow faster than plants watered once a week.
(Here, trial and error are leading to a series of findings).
Practical Research 2 – QUARTER 2 IAN H. YLANAN

4. Logical hypothesis
Logical hypothesis expresses explanation with limited evidence that can be
verified logically. It reflects a relationship of the variables which are anchored based
on logical phenomena. Sometimes, a logical hypothesis can be turned into an empirical
hypothesis in which you have to test your theories and postulates
(https://bit.ly/37UCE9q).
Ex: Tomato plants bear fruit faster in Earth than in Moon. (Until we are can test
the soil and plant growth in Moon's ground, the evidence for this claim will be
limited, and the hypothesis will only remain logical).

5. Statistical hypothesis
A statistical hypothesis is an analysis of a portion of a population. It can be
verified statistically. The variables in a statistical hypothesis can be transformed into
quantifiable sub-variable to assess it statistically (https://bit.ly/37UCE9q).
Ex: If your research is about the psychosocial development of K-3 pupils of the
private and public schools in the city, you would want to examine every single
K-3 pupil in the city. It is not practical. Therefore, you would conduct your
research using a statistical hypothesis or a sample of the K-3 pupil population.

6. Null hypothesis
The null hypothesis is denoted with the symbol Ho It exists when you consider
that there is no relationship between the independent and dependent variables or that
there is an insufficient amount of information to claim a scientific hypothesis (McLeod,
2020).
Ex: There is no significant change in my health, whether I exercise every day
or not.

7. Alternative hypothesis
An alternative hypothesis is denoted with the symbol (H a). It is an alternate
statement expressed to be tested in order to generate the desired output when the
empirical or working hypothesis is not accepted. In an attempt to disprove a null
hypothesis, you tend to seek an alternative hypothesis (McLeod, 2020).
Ex: My health improves during the times when I sleep 8 hours a day than
sleeping for 4 hours only.

A Hypothesis can be classified as Directional and Non-directional Hypothesis

Directional Hypothesis
The directional hypothesis relates the relationship between the variables and
can also predict its nature. It illustrates the direct association of the impact of the
independent variable with the dependent variable, whether it is positively or negatively
affected. The direction of the statement should be clear and justified according to the
findings of the study. Since the hypothesis is gearing to one specific direction it is
investigated through a one-tailed test (McLeod, 2020).
Ex: Students who are eating nutritious food have higher grades than students
not having a proper meal. (This shows that there is an effect between the
grades and nutritious food and the direction of effect is clear that the students
got a higher grade).
Practical Research 2 – QUARTER 2 IAN H. YLANAN

Non-directional Hypothesis
A non-directional hypothesis is used when there is no principle involved. It is a
premise that a relationship exists between two variables. However, the direction of the
effect is not specifically determined. It is a statement that reflects the association of the
independent variable to the dependent variable without predicting the exact nature of
the direction of the relationship. This relationship is not specified as negative or
positive. The hypothesis, in this case, is investigated through a two-tailed test (McLeod,
2020).
Ex: There is a significant difference in the average grades between those
students that have proper nutritious meal and those that do not have proper
meals. (This depicts that there is an effect between the average grades and
nutritious food, but it does not reflect the direction of the effect whether it is
positively or negatively affected).

Guidelines in Formulating Hypothesis

These guidelines must be observed in formulating your hypothesis.

1. Before writing your specific hypothesis, spend more time researching about the topic
you are interested in. Focus on information and previous studies related to your topic.

2. Your independent variable and dependent variable must be included in your

hypothesis.

3. The relationship of your variables must be reflected in your hypothesis. Will your
independent variable affect your dependent variable?

4. Your hypothesis should be simple and specific as possible. If your hypothesis is vague
and complicated, it would be difficult to find the answer to your question.

5. Your hypothesis should be concise and comprises clear and simple language. Make it
short and simple for it to be easily understood and avoid any misconceptions or
misunderstandings.

6. Your hypothesis should be testable without violating ethical standards. It means that it
could be investigated and measured through a scientific method such as statistical
analysis and data interpretation.

7. Your hypothesis must be falsifiable. It means that your hypothesis can be proven wrong
through experiments or empirical data. There are no absolute answers to research
questions, but there is a possibility of validating the hypotheses to be true beyond a
reasonable doubt.
Practical Research 2 – QUARTER 2 IAN H. YLANAN

Activity #1: Own Words

Direction: In your own words, briefly define the following terms according to how you understood
the lesson. Write your answers to the space provided.

1. Alternative hypothesis

2. Complex hypothesis

3. Concise.

4. Directional hypothesis.

5. Empirical hypothesis.

6. Falsifiable.

7. Hypothesis.

8. Non-directional hypothesis.

9. Null hypothesis.

10. Testable.