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INTRODUCTION

“We cannot take a single step forward in any inquiry unless we begin with a suggested
explanation or solution of the difficulty which originated it. Such tentative explanations are
suggested to us by something in the subject-matter and by our previous knowledge. When they
are formulated as propositions, they are called hypothesis.”

-Morris R Cohen & Ernest Nageli

Research is combination of two words Re + Search which means the repetition of search.
Research means to go around as to explore. Research is the process of collection of evidence
or information for ascertaining an assumption or verifying some hypothesis.ii

Since hypothesis is an intelligent guess or a tentative solution hence the formulation of

hypothesis becomes imperative as soon as a research question is formulated.iii Hypothesis is
merely a tentative assumption made in order to draw and test its logical or empirical
consequences. It is a tentative, testable statement. A statement to be a hypothesis must be
capable of being tested. If its validity cannot be put to empirical confirmation, a proposition,
howsoever attractive or interesting may be ceases to be a hypothesis.iv

The formulation of a hypothesis is a step towards formalizing the research process. It is an

essential part of scientific method of research. The quality of hypothesis determines the value
of the results obtained from research. The value of hypothesis in research has been aptly stated
by Claude Bernard as, “The ideas are the seed; the method is the soil which provides it with
the conditions to develop, to prosper and give better fruits following its nature. But just as the
soil will never produce anything other than what has been sown, similarly only those ideas
which have been put to the experimental methods will be developed by the latter.” Thus, the
ideas stated in the form of hypothesis will determine the output of results.v

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MEANING

The word hypothesis is made up of two Greek roots which mean that it is some sort of ‘sub-
statements’, for it is the presumptive statement of a proposition, which the investigation seeks
to prove. The scientist observes a special class of phenomena and broads over it until by a flash
of insight he perceives an order and intelligent harmony in it. This is often referred to as an
‘explanation’ of the facts he has observed. He has a ‘theory’ about particular mass of fact. This
theory when stated testable proposition formally and clearly subjected to empirical or
experimental verification is known as a hypothesis. The hypothesis furnishes the germinal basis
of the whole investigation and remains to the end its corner stone, for the whole research is
directed to test it out by facts. At the start of investigation, the hypothesis is a stimulus to critical
thoughts offers insights into the confusion of phenomena. At the end it comes to prominence
as the proposition to be accepted or rejected in the light of the findings.vi

The word hypothesis consists of two words:

Hypo + thesis = Hypothesis

‘Hypo’ means tentative or subject to the verification and ‘Thesis’ means statement about
solution of a problem.

The world meaning of the term hypothesis is a tentative statement about the solution of the
problem. Hypothesis offers a solution of the problem that is to be verified empirically and
based on some rationale.vii

Ordinarily, ‘hypothesis’ is a plausible statement or generalization that is susceptible to

empirical testing in a scientific manner. It is a mere assumption, some supposition, a predictive
or a provisional statement, that is capable of being objectively verified and empirically tested
by scientific methods. In its most elementary stage, a hypothesis may be a mere hunch, guess,
or an imaginative idea. Hypothesis is a tentative proposition about something, which can be
put to empirical test to determining its validity. It is a tentative statement of presumed
relationship between two or more concepts or variables.viii

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Thus, a tentative generalization or theory formulated about the character of phenomena under
observation are called hypothesis. It is a proposition about the factual and conceptual elements.
Hypothesis is called a leap into the dark. It is a brilliant guess about the solution of a problem.ix

DEFINITIONS

The term hypothesis has been defined in several ways. Some important definitions are given
below:

➢ “A proposition, condition or principle which is assumed, perhaps without belief, in order to

draw out its logical consequences and by this method to test its accord with facts which are
known or may be determined.”
-Webster’s New International Dictionaryx
➢ “A hypothesis is a tentative generalisation the validity of which remains to be tested. In its most
elementary stage, the hypothesis may be any hunch, guess, imaginative idea which becomes
the basis for further investigation.”
- Lungberg
➢ “It is a tentative supposition or provisional guess which seems to explain the situation under
observation.”
- James E. Greighton
➢ “Science employs hypothesis in guiding the thinking process. When our experience tells us that
a given phenomenon follows regularly upon the appearance of certain other phenomena, we
conclude that the former is connected with the latter by some sort of relationship and we form
a hypothesis concerning this relationship.”
- A.D. Carmichaelxi
➢ “A hypothesis states what we are looking for. A hypothesis looks forward. It is a proposition
which can be put to a test to determine its validity. It may prove to be correct or incorrect.”
-Goode and Hatt
➢ “A hypothesis is a statement temporarily accepted as true in the light of what is, at the time,
known about a phenomenon, and it is employed as a basis for action in the search for new

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truth, when the hypothesis is fully established, it may take the form of facts, principles and
theories.”
- Barr and Scates

➢ “It is a shrewd guess or inference that is formulated and provisionally adopted to explain
observed facts or conditions and to guide in further investigation.”
- John W. Bestxii

CHARACTERISTICS OF A WORKABLE HYPOTHESIS

It is said that man’s mind, like his body, is often active without any immediate goal. A number
of interesting hypothesis may emanate from man’s mind but all of them may not necessarily
be empirically verifiable. A ‘workable’ or ‘usable’ hypothesis would be the one that satisfies
many of the following criteria:xiii

1. Hypothesis Should Be Conceptually Clear

The concepts used in the hypothesis should be clearly defined, not only formally but also, if
possibly, operationally. Formal definition of the concepts will clarify what a particular concept
stands for, while the operational definition will leave no ambiguity about what would constitute
the empirical evidence or indicator of the concept on the plane of reality. Obviously, an
undefined or ill-defined concept makes it difficult or rather impossible for the researcher to test
his hypothesis as there will not be any standard basis for him to know the observable facts.
However, a researcher, while defining concepts, should use, as far as possible, the terms that
are communicable or definitions that are commonly accepted. It should be stated as far as
possible in most simple terms so that it can be easily understandable to all concerned. He should
not create ‘a private world of words.’xiv

2. Hypothesis Should Be Specific

A hypothesis should be couched in specific terms. No vague or value-judgmental terms should

be used in formulation of a hypothesis. It should specifically state the posited relationship

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between the variables. It should include a clear statement of all the predictions and operations
indicated therein and they should be precisely spelled out. Specific formulation of a hypothesis
assures that research is practicably significant. It helps to increase the validity of results because
the more specific the statement or prediction, the smaller the probability that it will actually be
borne out as a result of mere accident or chance. A researcher, therefore, must remember that
narrower hypothesis is generally more testable and he should develop such a hypothesis.xv

3. Hypothesis Should Be Empirically Testable

A hypothesis, as, stated earlier, should be formulated in such a way that it should possibly be
to empirically verifiable. It should have empirical referents so that it will be possible to deduce
certain logical deductions and inferences about it. Such statements as ‘pigs are well named
because they are so dirty’ can hardly be usable hypothesis as they do not have any empirical
referents for testing their validity.xvi

4. Hypothesis Should Be Related to Available Techniques

A hypothesis needs to be empirically tested. This requirement obviously makes it necessary

that a hypothesis should be related to available techniques of data collection. A researcher who
does not know what techniques are available to him to test his hypothesis cannot test his
hypothesis. His ignorance of the available techniques, makes him weak in formulating a
workable hypothesis.xvii

5. Hypothesis Should Be Related to A Body of Theory or Theoretical Orientation

It is needless to re-emphasize here that a researcher, through testing his hypothesis, intends to
contribute to the existing fact, theory or science. While formulating his hypothesis, he has to
take a serious pause to see the possible theoretical gains of testing the hypothesis. A hypothesis,
if tested, helps to qualify, support, correct or refute an existing theory, only if it is related to
some theory or has some theoretical orientation.xviii

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FUNCTIONS

The following are the main functions of hypothesis in the research process suggested by H.H.
Mc Ashan:

1. It is a temporary solution of a problem concerning with some truth, which enables an

investigator to start his research work.
2. It offers a basis in establishing the specifics what to study for and may provide possible
solutions to the problem.
3. Each hypothesis may lead to formulate another hypothesis.
4. A preliminary hypothesis may take the shape of final hypothesis.
5. Each hypothesis provides the investigator with definite statement which may be
objectively tested and accepted or rejected and leads for interpreting results and
drawing conclusions that is related to original purpose.xix

The functions of a hypothesis may be condensed into three. The following are the threefold
functions of a hypothesis:

a) To delimit the field of the investigation.

b) To sensitize the researcher so that he should work selectively, and have very realistic
approach to the problem.
c) To offer the simple means for collecting evidences to the verification.xx

TYPES

Hypothesis may broadly be classified as working hypothesis, research hypothesis, null

hypothesis, statistical hypothesis, alternative hypothesis and scientific hypothesis.

1. Working Hypothesis

Working hypothesis is a preliminary assumption of the researcher about the research topic,
particularly when sufficient information is not available to establish a hypothesis, and as a step
towards formulating the final research hypothesis. Working hypotheses are used to design the

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final research plan, to place the research problem in its right context and to reduce the research
topic to an acceptable size.xxi

For example, in the field of business administration, a researcher can formulate a working
hypothesis that “assuring bonus increases the sale of a commodity”. Later on, by collecting
some preliminary data, he modifies this hypothesis and takes a research hypothesis that
“assuring lucrative bonus increases the sale of a commodity.”

2. Scientific Hypothesis

Scientific hypothesis contains statement based on or derived from sufficient theoretical and
empirical data.

3. Alternative Hypothesis

Alternative hypothesis is a set of two hypothesis (research and null) which states the opposite
of the null hypothesis. In statistical tests of null hypothesis, acceptance of Ho (null hypothesis)
means rejection of the alternative hypothesis; and rejection of Ho means similarly acceptance
of the alternative hypothesis.xxii

4. Research Hypothesis

Research hypothesis is a researcher’s proposition about some social fact without reference to
its particular attributes. Researcher believes that it is true and wants that it should be disproved,
e.g., Muslims have more children than Hindus, or drug abuse is found among upper-class
students living in hostels or rented rooms. Research hypothesis may be derived from theories
or may result in developing of theories.xxiii

5. Null Hypothesis

Null hypothesis is reverse of research hypothesis. It is a hypothesis of no relationship. Null

hypothesis does not exist in reality but are used to test research hypothesis.

Why is research hypothesis changed in null hypothesis for verification? The main reasons
according to Black and Champion are:

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(1) It is easier to prove something false than to prove it true.

(2) When one tries to prove something, it indicates his firm belief and commitment to the idea
but when he wants to disprove it, it indicates his objectivity.

(3) It is based on probability theory, i.e., it can either be true or false. It cannot be both.

(4) It is a convention in social research to use null hypothesis.xxiv

6. Statistical Hypothesis

Statistical hypothesis, according to Winter, is a statement/observation about statistical

populations that one seeks to support or refute. The things are reduced to numerical quantities
and decisions are made about these quantities, e.g., income difference between two groups:
group A is richer than group B. Null hypothesis will be: group A is not richer than group B.
Here, variables are reduced to measurable quantities.xxv

For the purpose of testing statistical significance, hypotheses are concisely classified into two
types:

1. Null Hypothesis

A null hypothesis is a statement that there is no actual relationship between variables. (Ho or
HN). The final conclusion of the investigator will either retain a null hypothesis or reject a null
hypothesis in favor of an alternative hypothesis. Not rejecting Ho does not really mean that Ho
is true. There might not be enough evidence against Ho. Once the null hypothesis has been
stated, it is easy to construct the alternative hypothesis. It is essentially the statement that the
null hypothesis is false. Example can be “There is no significant difference in the anxiety level
of children of High IQ and those of low IQ.”xxvi

2. Alternate Hypothesis
An alternative hypothesis is a statement that suggests a potential outcome that the researcher
may expect. (H1 or HA). It is established only when a null hypothesis is rejected. Often an
alternative Hypothesis is the desired conclusion of the investigator. The two types of alternative
hypothesis are: (a)

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i. Directional Hypothesis and

ii. Non-directional Hypothesis.

Directional Hypothesis is a type of alternative hypothesis that specifies the direction of

expected findings. Sometimes directional hypotheses are created to examine the relationship
among variables rather than to compare groups. Directional hypothesis may read, “…is more
than..”, “…will be lesser..” Example can be “Children with high IQ will exhibit more anxiety
than children with low IQ”xxvii

Non-directional Hypothesis is a type of alternative hypothesis in which no definite direction of

the expected findings is specified. The researcher may not know what can be predicted from
the past literature. It may read, “..there is a difference between..” Example can be “There is a
difference in the anxiety level of the children of high IQ and those of low IQ.”xxviii

Goode and Hatt have given the following three types of hypotheses on the basis of level of
abstractness:

1. Hypothesis which presents proposition in common sense terms or, about which some
common-sense observations already exist or, which seeks to test common sense
statements.
For example: bad parents produce bad children, or committed managers always give
profits, or rich students drink more alcohol.
2. Hypothesis which are somewhat complex, i.e., which give statement of a little complex
relationship.xxix
For example: Communal riots are caused by religious polarization, Crime is caused by
differential associations, Juvenile delinquency is related to residence in slums, or
Deviant behaviour is caused by mental disorders.
3. Hypothesis which are very complex, i.e., which describe relationship between two
variables in more complex terms, e.g., high fertility exists more in low income,
conservatives, and rural people than in high income, modern, and urban people. Here
dependent variable is ‘fertility’ while independent variables are income, values, educa-
tion, and residence, etc. The other example is: Muslims have high fertility rate than

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Hindus. We have to keep number of variables constant to test this hypothesis. This is
abstract way to handle the problem.xxx

FORMULATION

Hypothesis can pertain to virtually anything. For example, urbanization and urban life style
boost suicide rate, broken homes tend to lead juvenile delinquency, modernization and
education among women lead to increase in divorces, poverty causes criminality, and
unemployment among youths leads to violent crimes. There can be no restrictions whatsoever
about what can be hypothesized. However, hypothesis needs to be empirically tested. In fact,
a researcher needs to put a great deal of thought into formulation of his hypothesis.xxxi

Formulation of Hypothesis differs with the method of research conducted such as:

1. Qualitative Method
The researcher uses questions, not objectives or hypothesis. He poses a central question, which
is being examined in the study in the most general form- “the broadest question that can be
asked in a study.” Several sub-questions are raised related to the central question to narrow the
focus of study but to leave the questioning at an open end. They are under continual review
and restructuring along the course of research. Questions begin with “what”, “how”. They
focus on a single concept. The questions use non-directional terminology.xxxii

2. Quantitative Method
The researcher uses questions and hypothesis to compose and focus the purpose of study.
Hypothesis or research questions used to compare, relate and describe variables. The research
follows from a test of theory and the question and the hypothesis or the research questions are
included in the theory. Independent and dependent variables are measured separately. It is not
a combination of both either a research question or a hypothesis. Hypothesis needs to be
structured before the data-gathering and interpretation phase of the research. A well-grounded
hypothesis indicates that the researcher has sufficient knowledge in the area to undertake the

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investigation. The hypothesis gives direction to the collection and interpretation of data.
Consider the example of a simple association between two variables, Y and X.xxxiii
i. Y and X are associated (or, there is an association between Y and X).
ii. Y is related to X (or, Y is dependent on X).
iii. As X increases, Y decreases (or, increases in values of X appear to effect reduction in
values of Y).

The first hypothesis provides a simple statement of association between Y and X. Nothing is
indicated about the association that would allow the researcher to determine which variable, Y
or X, would tend to cause the other variable to change in value.

The second hypothesis is also a simple statement of association between Y and X, but this time
it may be inferred that values of Y are in some way contingent upon the condition of the X
variable.

The third hypothesis is the most specific of the three. Not only does it say that Y and X are
related and that Y is dependent on X for its value, but it also reveals something more about the
nature of the association between the two variables.xxxiv

DEDUCTIVE AND INDUCTIVE APPROACHES

There are two broad methods of reasoning such as deductive and inductive approaches. The
main difference between inductive and deductive approaches to research is that whilst a
deductive approach is aimed and testing theory, an inductive approach is concerned with the
generation of new theory emerging from the data.

Deductive Approach:

Deductive reasoning works from the more general to the more specific. Sometimes this is
informally called a “top-down” or “waterfall” approach. Researcher might begin with
thinking up a theory about his topic of interest. He then narrows that down into more specific
hypothesis that he can test. Researcher narrows down even further when he collects

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observations to address the hypothesis. This ultimately leads the researcher to be able to test
the hypothesis with specific data -- a confirmation (or not) of our original theories.xxxv

THEORY

HYPOTHESIS

OBSERVATION

CONFIRMATION

Inductive Approach:

Inductive reasoning works the other way, moving from specific observations to broader
generalizations and theories. Informally, sometimes this is called as a “bottom up” or “hill-
climbing” approach. In inductive reasoning, researcher begins with specific observations and
measures, begins to detect patterns and regularities, formulate some tentative hypothesis that
he can explore, and finally end up developing some general conclusions or theories.xxxvi

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THEORY

TENTATIVE HYPOTHESIS

PATTERN

OBSERVATION

IMPORTANCE

The importance of hypothesis can be described in the following ways:

1. It Focuses Research: Without it, research is unfocussed research and remains like a
random empirical wandering. It serves as necessary link between theory and the
investigation.
2. It Places Clear and Specific Goals: A well thought of hypothesis places clear and
specific goals before the research worker and provides him with a basis for selecting
sample and research procedure to meet these goals.
3. It Prevents Blind Research: “The use of hypothesis prevents a blind search and
indiscriminate gathering of masses of data which may later prove irrelevant to the
problem under study.”
– P. V. Youngxxxvii

George J. Mouley thinks that a good Hypothesis serves the following purposes:

a) Gives help in deciding the direction in which he has to proceed.

b) It helps in selecting pertinent fact.
c) It helps in drawing conclusions.xxxviii

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D.B. Van Dalen advocates the importance of Hypothesis in the following ways:

i. A hypothesis pin points the problem. The investigator can examine thoroughly the
factual and conceptual elements that appear to be related to a problem.
ii. A hypothesis provides the framework for drawing conclusions.
iii. These hypotheses simulate the investigator for further research studies.
iv. A hypothesis provides the map that guides and expedites the exploration of the
phenomenon under consideration.xxxix

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYPOTHESIS, ASSUMPTIONS AND

POSTULATES

Hypothesis, assumptions and postulates are generally confused with one another. However,
following are the major differences between themxl:

Sr. No. Hypothesis Assumptions Postulates

1. Hypothesis are tentative Assumptions are Postulates are propositions

statements or a proposed statements of what the which are accepted as true.
explanation of any researcher believes to be Postulates are fundamental
observable phenomenon. facts but cannot verify. propositions used to prove
other statements.
2. The experiment will either Assumptions are basically Postulates are not proven;
prove the hypothesis right hunches or anything that is they are simply accepted at
or wrong. taken for granted. their face values.

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3. Hypothesis provides Assumption can be used as Postulates provides basis

enough evidence to be premise of a particular for legal reasoning.
regarded as a valid theory. argument but may not be
otherwise accepted.

CONCLUSION

Hypothesis is important for a study. Hypothesis is important for bringing clarity, specificity
and focus to a research study. A hypothesis is a speculative statement that is subjected to
verification through a research study. In formulating, a hypothesis it is important to ensure that
it is simple, specific conceptually clear, able to be verified, rooted in a body of knowledge and
able to be operationalized. The study of hypothesis for logical consistency is a phase of
thinking. It consists of checking the logical character of reasoning by which the consequences
of hypothesis are deduced for verification. In the second place, the study of hypothesis for
logical consistency involves checking if for the agreement with the already known laws of
nature. It must not conflict with the highest and simplest laws of good thinking and it must not
disagree with those principles of science which are considered valid beyond reasonable doubt.
The suggested inferences are tested in thought, for logical coherence, before they are tested in
action. A Hypothesis is never proved; it is merely sustained or rejected. If it fails to meet the
test of its validity, it must be modified or rejected. A hypothesis can be useful even it is partially
incorrect. The negative instances which occur require only clarification and refinement of the
hypothesis rather than its outright rejection. It has a significant role in the formulation of theory,
principles and laws. It is also known as tentative theory, after verification it takes the shape of
final theory. A theory embers new hypothesis, these are subjected to verification, after the
verification it becomes a new theory in field studies. In building up the theories, this cyclic
process continues.xli

“A hypothesis serves as a powerful beacon that lights the way for the research worker.”

-Van Dalenxlii

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