MODULE 3

HYPOTHESIS, THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Lesson 1: Hypothesis

According to Calderon and Gonzales (2011), a hypothesis is a tentative conclusion

or answer to a specific question raised at the beginning of the investigation. It is an
educated guess about the answer to a specific question.

Creswell (2014), on the other hand, defined hypothesis as a tentative statement

about the relationship between two or more variables. It is a specific, testable prediction
about what you expect to happen in a study. In addition, McLeod (2018) defined hypothesis
as a precise, testable statement of what the researcher(s) predict will be the outcome of
the study.

Hypothesis performs important functions in research such as the following:

• It helps the researcher in designing his study: what methods, research

instruments, sampling design, and statistical treatments to use, what data to
gather, etc.
• It provides a tentative explanation of phenomena and facilitates the extension
of knowledge in the area.
• It serves as basis for determining the relevance of data.
• It serves as basis for the explanation or discussion about the data gathered.
• It helps or guide the researcher in consolidating his findings and in
formulating his conclusions. Generally, findings and conclusions are answers
to the hypotheses or specific questions raised at the start of the investigation.

Characteristics of a Hypothesis:

1. Testable
2. Logical
3. Directly related to the research problem
4. Represents a simple unit or subject of the problem
5. Factually or theoretically based
6. States relationships between variables
7. Sets the limits of the study
8. Stated in such a form that it can be accepted or rejected
Guidelines in Writing a Hypothesis:

In formulating a hypothesis, remember the following guidelines by Mc Bride (2013)

and Lapan, Quartaroli, and Riemer (2012).

1. Express your hypotheses in a declarative sentence.

2. Support your hypothesis with ideas based on the theories, known facts,
previous studies, or your own experience and wisdom.
3. Establish a logical relationship between the hypotheses and the research
problem.
4. Have your hypotheses predict the nature of relationship between or among
variables.
5. Ascertain the possibility of having some means of testing, analyzing and
investigating your hypotheses.
6. Avoid wordiness by using clear, exact, or specific language in stating the
hypotheses.

Two Types of a Hypothesis:

1. Null hypothesis

It is symbolized of 𝑯𝟎 . It states that there is no relationship between the

two variables being studied (one variable does not affect the other). In correlational studies,
a null hypothesis merely states that this relationship or difference is non-existent. In
experimental, quasi-experimental, and ex-post facto studies, however, a null hypothesis
states that the independent variable has no effect on the dependent variable.

2. Alternative hypothesis

Symbolized by 𝑯𝟏 ,states that the relationship between the independent and the
dependent variables and the fact that the first affects the second one (Morgan, 2014; Thomas,
2013). This is used in an attempt to disprove a null hypothesis, researchers will seek to
discover an alternative hypothesis..

Furthermore, hypotheses can be directional or non-directional.

1. Directional hypothesis (or one-tailed hypothesis)

It is a hypothesis that states which way you think the results are going
to go. In experimental researches, this hypothesis compares the two groups/conditions and
states which one will have more/less, be quicker/slower, etc. In correlational studies, it states
whether we expect a positive or a negative correlation. In other words, we are stating how
the two variables will be related to each other.
2. Non-directional hypothesis (or two-tailed hypothesis)

In experimental researches, it simply states that there will be a difference

between the two groups/conditions but does not say which will be greater/smaller,
quicker/slower etc. When the study is correlational, we simply state that variables will be
correlated but do not state whether the relationship will be positive or negative.

Lesson 2: Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework is a structure that provides a broad, abstract overview of the

key concepts, variables, and relationships in a research study. It helps to clarify the scope of
the study and the concepts being examined. It often serves as the foundation for developing
hypotheses or research questions.

Theoretical Framework

A theoretical framework, on the other hand, is a more specific and comprehensive set
of concepts, theories, and models that are used to explain the phenomena under
investigation. It draws upon existing theories and literature to guide and inform the research
design and methodology.

Conceptual Framework Importance:

- Provides a clear roadmap for research.

- Defines key concepts and variables.
- Aids in hypothesis or research question development.
- Facilitates understanding of the research context.

Theoretical Framework Importance:

- Offers a theoretical foundation for research.

- Helps in identifying gaps in existing knowledge.
- Guides the selection of research methods.
- Enhances the validity and credibility of the study.
Difference between Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks

Conceptual Framework Theoretical Framework

 It is more about the approach  It is developed from existing
that a researcher takes in theory/theories.
answering a research question.
 It is derived from theory.
 It is derived from concepts.
 By itself, one theory alone can
 A conceptual framework is serve as a theoretical framework.
composed of several concepts.
Further, a conceptual framework  A theoretical framework arises
may include a theoretical from outcomes beyond a single
framework. study, based on one or more
theories
 Conceptual frameworks identify
factors influencing a particular  More specific and detailed.
field.
 Draws upon existing theories to
 Typically, broader and more explain phenomena.
abstract.
 Used in explanatory or
 Focuses on defining key concepts hypothesis-testing research.
and their interrelationships.
 Provides a structured basis for
 Often used in exploratory research design.
research.

 Serves as a foundation for

hypothesis development.

Steps on How to Make a Conceptual Framework

1. Identify the research problem or question.

2. Define the key concepts and variables.
3. Create a visual representation (diagram) of the framework.
4. Specify the relationships between concepts.
5. Validate and refine the conceptual framework through literature review and
expert feedback.
Steps on How to Make a Theoretical Framework

1. Review existing theories relevant to the research topic.

2. Select one or more theoretical perspectives that align with the research.
3. Adapt or extend the chosen theories to fit the specific research context.
4. Formulate hypotheses or propositions based on the theoretical framework.
5. Justify the choice of theoretical framework in your research proposal or report.

MODULE 4
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY, SCOPE AND LIMITATION, AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

Lesson 1: Scope of the Study and Delimitation

The Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The scope describes the coverage of the study. It specifies what is covered in terms of
concept, number of subjects or the population included in the study, as well as the timeline
when the study was conducted. The components of the scope and delimitation include (but
are not limited to) the following items:

• Topic of the study

• Objectives of the study and the issues it will address
• Time frame in which the study will be conducted
• The locale or area where the study will be conducted
• Characteristics of the participants in the study (age, sex, education, economic
status, civil status, and other traits)
• Response formats used in the study (if applicable)
• Delimit by citing factors or variables that are not to be included and the
boundary in terms of time frame, number of subjects, participants or
respondents who are excluded.
• Specify that which you will not deal within the study.

This section discusses the parameters of the research in paragraph. It answers the basic
questions:

1. What – The topic of investigation and the variables included

2. Where – The venue or the setting of the research
3. When – The time frame by which the study was conducted
4. Why – The general objectives of the research
5. Who – The subject of the study, the population and sampling
 6. How – The methodology of the research which may include the research design,
methodology and the research instrument.

It may also discuss why certain variables were not included in the research. The scope
and delimitation of the study must not be set merely for the sake of writing them. You must
make sure that there are reasons for the inclusion and exclusion of some variables, these
reasons vary depending on the nature of the study. For example, you may choose to delimit
the participants to a particular city/community due to a large population. You may also
choose to limit the objectives your study will accomplish due to time constraints. You may
use the following phrases when writing this section:

• This study covers...

• This study focuses on...
• The coverage of this study...
• This study is limited to...
• This study does not cover...

Lesson 2: Significance of the Study

Another important component of the Introduction of your research paper is the

significance of the study. This section details the contribution or benefit that your study
provides to different people and organizations, including the academe and other sectors of
society. Thus, the significance of the study may be in a practical, methodological, or
theoretical sense.

In this part of the research, the researcher defines who will benefit out of the findings
of the study. You describe how the problem will be solved and specifically pinpoints who will
benefit from such findings or results. Usually the beneficiaries of the study are those experts
concerned about the problem, the administrators or policy-makers who make the decisions
or implement programs, the subjects themselves, future researchers and those who are
directly or indirectly affected by the problem. One may also ask into any contribution of the
study to the field of specialization or discipline, any advancement or new knowledge that the
study contributes to the science or the state-of-the-art. In this portion of the study one may
also state the specific sectors who will benefit from the study. This part also justifies the
rationale of the undertaking.

The significance of the study can be written topically or in an enumeration format.

The topical arrangement is done in paragraphs and based on the weight of the individual
contributions. It can be also based on how you sequence your specific research questions. If
you will use this format, there should be one paragraph corresponding to each of the
contributions or research questions.

On the other hand, when using an enumeration format, the details must be arranged
according to the beneficiaries. Below are some of the parties that may benefit from your
study.
 • field of study (e.g., business, education)
• government agencies
• private organizations
• organization or company involved in the study
• staff, heads, and administrators of a specific organization or company
• population the participants belong to
• other researchers

Some of the useful phrases that you can use in writing this section are as follows:

• The findings of this study will be useful to the following entities:

• This study will contribute to...
• This study will benefit the following groups or individuals:

Tips in Writing the Significance of the Study

1. Refer to the statement of the problem.

Your problem statement can guide you in identifying the specific

contribution of your study. You can do this by observing a one-to-one
correspondence between the statement of the problem and the
significance of the study.

2. Write from general to specific.

Write the significance of the study by looking into the general contribution
of your study, such as its importance to society as a whole, then to
individuals which may include yourself as a researcher.