ASSIGNMENT

HYPOTHESIS: MEANING, TYPES AND FORMULATION

NAME : ADITYA SINGH

SUBJECT : LEGAL RESEARCH AND METHODOLOGY
REFERENCE NUMBER : 4201
COURSE : LLM
SEMESTER : 1
EMAIL : [email protected]
ABSTRACT

 A hypothesis is a preliminary assertion regarding the resolution of an issue. It

provides a proposed answer to the problem that must be validated through empirical
evidence and is based on some logical reasoning. The hypothesis directs the research
process in a structured manner towards accomplishing a specific aim. Certain key
attributes of an ideal hypothesis include clarity, specificity, the ability to be
empirically tested, and its connection to an established theoretical framework. It
serves as a provisional solution and assists the researcher in beginning their inquiry in
an objective way. There are various forms of hypotheses such as working, scientific,
alternative, research, null, or statistical hypotheses. A hypothesis can potentially
pertain to any subject matter. Therefore, great care and a practical mindset must be
employed when crafting a hypothesis.

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 Nagel.
 Research comprises two components: "Re" and "Search," signifying the act of
searching again. It involves the exploration process, where one gathers evidence or
information to confirm an assumption or test a hypothesis. Since a hypothesis is an
educated guess or a provisional solution, creating a hypothesis becomes crucial once a
research question is established. A hypothesis serves as a temporary assumption used
to examine and evaluate its logical or empirical implications. To qualify as a
hypothesis, a statement must be testable. If its validity cannot be subjected to
empirical verification, any proposition, no matter how appealing or intriguing, ceases
to qualify as a hypothesis.
 Developing a hypothesis is a key step in structuring the research process. It plays a
vital role in the scientific method of research. The quality of a hypothesis impacts the
significance of the findings derived from research. Claude Bernard effectively
highlighted the importance of a hypothesis in research by stating that “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”.
 The term hypothesis originates from two Greek components that imply it is a type of
‘substatement’, serving as a preliminary assertion of a proposal that the inquiry aims
to validate. A scientist examines a specific category of phenomena and reflects upon it
until he suddenly discerns an arrangement and underlying order within it. This is often
described as an ‘explanation’ of the observations he has made. He develops a ‘theory’
concerning a certain collection of facts. When this theory is articulated as a testable
proposition that is formally and clearly subjected to empirical or experimental
evaluation, it is termed a hypothesis. The hypothesis provides the foundational basis
for the entire investigation and remains its cornerstone, as the research is focused on
testing its validity through factual evidence. At the beginning of the investigation, the
hypothesis stimulates critical thinking and offers clarity amid the confusion of
phenomena. By the conclusion, it takes center stage as the proposition to be accepted
or dismissed based on the findings.
 Hypo + thesis = Hypothesis, where ‘Hypo’ signifies tentative or subject to
verification, and ‘Thesis’ denotes a statement regarding the solution to a problem. The
broad interpretation of the term hypothesis is a provisional statement concerning the
solution of an issue. A hypothesis proposes a resolution to the problem that needs to
be validated through empirical means and is underpinned by some rationale.
 Typically, a ‘hypothesis’ is a credible assertion or generalization that can undergo
empirical scrutiny through scientific methods. It is essentially an assumption, a
supposition, a predictive or provisional statement, capable of being objectively
confirmed and empirically evaluated by scientific approaches. In its most basic form,
a hypothesis may represent a mere intuition, guess, or creative idea.
 A hypothesis is a tentative proposition regarding something that can be subjected to
empirical testing to assess its validity. It serves as a provisional statement of an
assumed relationship between two or more concepts or variables.
 “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.
  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.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A WORKABLE HYPOTHESIS

1. Hypothesis Should Be Conceptually Clear

 The ideas included in the hypothesis need to be explicitly defined, both in a
formal sense and, where feasible, in an operational sense. A formal definition
will elucidate the meaning of a specific concept, whereas an operational
definition will eliminate any confusion regarding what would serve as
empirical evidence or indicators of the concept in the real world.
2. Hypothesis Should Be Specific
 A hypothesis must be expressed in clear, specific terms. It should avoid vague
language or subjective judgments in its formulation. It must explicitly describe
the proposed relationship between the variables. Additionally, it should
provide a clear explanation of all the predictions and the operations involved,
ensuring they are articulated precisely. Clearly defining a hypothesis
guarantees that the research holds practical significance.
3. Hypothesis Should Be Empirically Testable
 A hypothesis, as previously mentioned, needs to be framed in a manner that
allows for empirical verification. It should possess empirical references that
enable the derivation of logical conclusions and inferences. Statements like
‘pigs are aptly named due to their dirtiness’ are not suitable hypotheses, as
they lack empirical references to assess their validity.
4. Hypothesis Should Be Related to A Body of Theory or Theoretical Orientation
 It is unnecessary to reiterate that a researcher aims to enhance the current body
of knowledge, theories, or scientific understanding by testing his hypothesis.
When crafting his hypothesis, he needs to carefully consider the potential
theoretical benefits that could arise from its evaluation. Testing a hypothesis
can either affirm, adjust, invalidate, or refine a pre-existing theory, provided it
is associated with a theory or has a theoretical basis.
 5. Hypothesis Should Be Related to Available Techniques
 A hypothesis must undergo empirical testing. This necessity clearly indicates
that a hypothesis should connect to the existing methods of data collection. A
researcher who is unaware of the techniques at his disposal to evaluate his
hypothesis is unable to test it. His lack of knowledge regarding the available
methods leaves him at a disadvantage in crafting an effective hypothesis.

FUNCTIONS

The main roles of hypotheses in the research process, as proposed by H.H. Mc Ashan, are as
follows:

1. It serves as a provisional solution to a problem related to some truth, allowing a

researcher to initiate their study.

2. It establishes a framework for determining what to investigate and may offer

potential solutions to the issue.

3. Each hypothesis can lead to the development of another hypothesis.

4. An initial hypothesis can evolve into the final hypothesis.

5. Each hypothesis presents the researcher with a clear statement that can be
objectively tested and either confirmed or rejected, guiding the interpretation of
results and the formulation of conclusions connected to the original objective.

The roles of a hypothesis can be summarized in three main functions. The three primary
functions of a hypothesis are:

a) To define the scope of the research.

b) To alert the researcher so that they can work with focus and maintain a practical
perspective on the issue.

c) To provide a straightforward method for gathering evidence for verification.

TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS

1. Null Hypothesis The null hypothesis posits that, due to experimental or sampling
errors, there is no significant difference between the populations referenced in the
experiments. This hypothesis is denoted as H0.
2. Empirical Hypothesis An empirical hypothesis is formulated based on the outcomes
of the research conducted by the investigator.
3. Statistical Hypothesis In a statistical hypothesis, the statement must be either logical
or illogical, allowing for the hypothesis to be tested statistically.
4. Alternative Hypothesis An alternative hypothesis suggests that random factors can
significantly influence fundamental observations.
5. Complex Hypothesis A complex hypothesis is utilized when there is a relationship
among the variables in question, indicating that both dependent and independent
variables consist of more than two elements.

HOW TO DEVELOP HYPOTHESIS

Creating a research hypothesis entails a structured procedure to guarantee clarity, testability,

and relevance to the research inquiry. Here’s a detailed guide on formulating a research
hypothesis:

Step 1: Define the Research Issue or Inquiry

Begin by clearly articulating the research issue or inquiry you wish to explore. This could
stem from identified gaps in existing research, observations, theoretical frameworks, or
practical concerns.

Step 2: Survey the Existing Literature

Perform a comprehensive review of pertinent literature to grasp the current knowledge

surrounding the topic. Pinpoint theories, findings, and knowledge gaps that can aid in shaping
your hypothesis.

Step 3: Identify Variables

Determine the variables involved in your investigation. Variables are quantifiable traits,
conditions, or characteristics that can differ or change.
Specifically, ascertain:

Independent Variable: The factor that you manipulate or examine in your research.

Dependent Variable: The result or response you are measuring or observing in relation to the
independent variable.

Step 4: Create a Hypothesis

Develop a clear and specific hypothesis derived from your research issue, literature survey,
and identified variables. An effective hypothesis should:

Indicate the expected relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Be assessable through empirical research methods (e.g., experiments, surveys, observations).

Be precise, avoiding any ambiguity.

Step 5: Evaluate Alternative Hypotheses

In the process of crafting your hypothesis, contemplate alternative interpretations or

hypotheses that might also account for the relationship between your variables. This ensures
that your hypothesis is thoroughly grounded and comprehensive.

Step 6: Confirm Testability

Verify that your hypothesis is testable through suitable research methods and techniques.
Define how you will measure or manipulate the variables to collect empirical evidence that
supports or contradicts your hypothesis.

Step 7: Document and Refine

Record your hypothesis in a clear and concise manner. Revise and enhance it as needed for
improved clarity and specificity. Ensure that it aligns with your study's objectives and
effectively addresses the research inquiry.

Step 8: Request Feedback

Prior to finalizing your hypothesis, seek input from colleagues, mentors, or peers within your
field. Their insights can help identify potential weaknesses or ambiguities in your hypothesis
and offer suggestions for enhancement.
Step 9: Finalize Your Hypothesis

Once you have polished your hypothesis based on feedback and considerations, finalize it as
the foundational statement for your research study.

IMPORTANCE

The significance of a hypothesis in research cannot be underestimated, as it performs several

essential roles in the scientific inquiry process.

Here are the primary reasons why hypotheses are crucial to research:

1. Directs the Research Process

A hypothesis provides a clear focus for a study by outlining the intended investigations and
establishing the connections you aim to explore between variables. It is concise and
straightforward, assisting in the formulation of research questions and the planning of
methodologies. Utilizing a hypothesis helps structure the testing procedure from the outset to
the conclusion of the study.

2. Clarifies the Variables

A well-constructed hypothesis clearly identifies the independent and dependent variables. It

delineates what will be manipulated and measured. As defined, a hypothesis is a supposition
regarding the connection between the subjects of study. Given that statistics is integral to
research, the hypothesis is a predictive statement that can be empirically tested.

3. Supports Testability and Empirical Inquiry

A clearly articulated hypothesis reveals a distinct relationship between the variables under
investigation, thereby establishing a basis for creating experiments and observations. In some
instances, a null hypothesis is formulated to later conduct the appropriate statistical test to
either confirm a previously established hypothesis or to disprove it.

4. Increases Objectivity

A hypothesis helps reduce researcher bias by positing a specific prediction. It compels the
researcher to depend on empirical evidence instead of personal views or beliefs. This
objectivity is vital for upholding the integrity of the scientific method and ensuring that the
results are trustworthy and valid.

5. Encourages Critical Thinking and Theoretical Frameworks

Developing a sound and feasible hypothesis begins with a thorough understanding of the
problem and the relevant field. With a comprehensive grasp of the current evidence and
knowledge, researchers can build upon previous work. By rigorously analyzing the literature,
researchers can critically assess it and pinpoint issues or inquiries that remain unanswered.

6. Allows for Structured Analysis and Interpretation

A hypothesis is a provisional assumption that offers a framework for data analysis and
interpretation. It aids in selecting specific statistical tests to employ and clarifying how to
interpret the results. If the findings support the hypothesis, there is adequate evidence to
assert and deduce that the selected variables are related in a specific manner.

If the hypothesis is inconsistent with the results, it prompts a reevaluation of the theoretical
assumptions that underpin it, indicating the need for further testing.

7. Propels Scientific Advancements

The ongoing testing of hypotheses enables researchers to expand knowledge beyond merely
analyzing a specific aspect. The data supporting and contradicting hypotheses can lead to the
development of new theories, which may lay the groundwork for future research. This cycle
greatly benefits researchers aiming to broaden their understanding of particular elements of
the external world.

Hypothesis Testing

Hypothesis testing is a statistical method where an analyst evaluates an assumption about a

population parameter. The method chosen by the researcher relies on the type of data being
analyzed and the purpose of the evaluation.

By using sampled data, hypothesis testing aims to assess the validity of a claim. This data
might come from a larger population or from a data-generating process. The term
"population" will refer to both scenarios in the descriptions that follow.
In simpler terms, hypothesis testing can be viewed as the process of determining whether the
initial assumptions made at the start of the research hold true or not. It's crucial to understand
that if the null hypothesis is shown to be false, the alternate hypothesis is then accepted. This
does not imply that if the hypothesis is proven false, the research itself is flawed; it simply
means that the alternate hypothesis has gained acceptance.

CONCLUSION

A hypothesis plays a crucial role in a research study. It provides clarity, specificity, and focus
to the research. A hypothesis is a conjecture that can be tested and verified through the
research process. When developing a hypothesis, it is essential to ensure that it is
straightforward, conceptually clear, verifiable, grounded in existing knowledge, and capable
of being operationalized. Analyzing a hypothesis for logical consistency is an important stage
in the thought process.