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hypothesis

A hypothesis is a testable predictive statement that relates an independent variable to a dependent variable, crucial for scientific research. The process of formulating a hypothesis involves several steps, including observation, literature review, and refinement, culminating in a clear statement of the hypothesis. Hypothesis testing assesses the validity of the hypothesis through evidence gathering and analysis, with potential errors being Type I and Type II errors.

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9 views

hypothesis

A hypothesis is a testable predictive statement that relates an independent variable to a dependent variable, crucial for scientific research. The process of formulating a hypothesis involves several steps, including observation, literature review, and refinement, culminating in a clear statement of the hypothesis. Hypothesis testing assesses the validity of the hypothesis through evidence gathering and analysis, with potential errors being Type I and Type II errors.

Uploaded by

izhar ahmad
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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hypothesis, one simply means a mere assumption or some supposition to be proved or

disproved. research hypothesis is a predictive statement, capable of being tested by scientific


methods, that relates an independent variable to some dependent variable. A hypothesis is
written in such a way that it can be proven or disproven by valid and reliable data – it is in
order to obtain these data that we perform our study.
Characteristics of hypothesis: Hypothesis should be clear and precise; Hypothesis should be
capable of being tested; Hypothesis should state relationship between variables, if it happens
to be a relational hypothesis; Hypothesis should be limited in scope and must be specific;
Hypothesis should be stated as far as possible in most simple terms; Hypothesis should be
consistent with most known facts; Hypothesis should be amenable to testing within a
reasonable time; Hypothesis must explain the facts that gave rise to the need for explanation.
This means that by using the hypothesis plus other known and accepted generalizations, one
should be able to deduce the original problem condition. Thus, hypothesis must actually
explain what it claims to explain; it should have empirical reference.
Formulating a hypothesis is a crucial step in the scientific research process. Here are the
steps involved in formulating a hypothesis:
Step 1: Observation and Identification of a Problem - Researchers start by observing a
phenomenon or a problem that sparks their curiosity. They identify a gap in knowledge or an
area that requires further investigation.
Step 2: Background Research and Literature Review - Researchers conduct a thorough
review of existing literature and research on the topic. This helps them understand the current
state of knowledge, identify patterns and relationships, and refine their research question.
Step 3: Formulation of a Research Question - Based on their observations, background
research, and literature review, researchers formulate a specific research question. This
question should be clear, concise, and testable.
Step 4: Generation of a Hypothesis - A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or prediction that
answers the research question. Researchers generate a hypothesis based on their
understanding of the topic, the research question, and the literature review. A good hypothesis
should be: Specific and clear; Testable and falsifiable; Relevant to the research question;
Based on theoretical frameworks or existing research
Step 5: Refinement of the Hypothesis - Researchers refine their hypothesis by considering
alternative explanations, potential biases, and limitations. They may also consult with
colleagues, experts, or mentors to get feedback and improve their hypothesis.
Step 6: Statement of the Hypothesis -- Making a formal statement: The step consists in
making a formal statement of the null hypothesis
(
) and also of the alternative hypothesis (Ha). This means that hypotheses should be clearly
stated, H H considering the nature of the research problem. The formulation of hypotheses is
an important step which must be accomplished with due care in accordance with the object
and nature of the problem under consideration. It also indicates whether we should use a one-
tailed test or a two-tailed test. The final step is to clearly state the hypothesis in a concise and
unambiguous manner. This statement should include: - The independent variable (the factor
being manipulated or changed); The dependent variable (the factor being measured or
observed); The expected relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
hypothesis testing determines the validity of the assumption - To test a hypothesis you need

to go through a process that comprises three phases: (1) constructing a hypothesis; (2)

gathering appropriate evidence; and (3) analysing evidence to draw conclusions as to its

validity. Statisticians have developed several tests of hypotheses (also known as the tests of

significance) for the purpose of testing of hypotheses which can be classified as: (a)

Parametric tests or standard tests of hypotheses; and (b) Non-parametric tests or distribution-

free test of hypotheses. The important parametric tests are: (1) z-test; (2) t-test; x-test, and (4)

F-test. All these tests are based on the assumption of normality i.e., the source of data is

considered to be normally distributed.

FIGURE 6.3 Types of hypothesis a hypothesis serves the following functions: The

formulation of a hypothesis provides a study with focus. It tells you what specific aspects of a

research problem to investigate. A hypothesis tells you what data to collect and what not to

collect, thereby providing focus to the study. As it provides a focus, the construction of a

hypothesis enhances objectivity in a study. A hypothesis may enable you to add to the

formulation of theory. It enables you to conclude specifically what is true or what is false. in

drawing conclusions about a hypothesis, two types of error can occur:

Rejection of a null hypothesis when it is true. This is known as a Type I error.

Acceptance of a null hypothesis when it is false. This is known as a Type II error.

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