What is Hypothesis?

A hypothesis is an assumption that is made based on some evidence.

This is the initial point of any investigation that translates the research
questions into predictions. It includes components like variables,
population and the relation between the variables. A research
hypothesis is a hypothesis that is used to test the relationship between
two or more variables.

Characteristics of Hypothesis
Following are the characteristics of the hypothesis:

• The hypothesis should be clear and precise to consider it to be

reliable.
• If the hypothesis is a relational hypothesis, then it should be
stating the relationship between variables.
• The hypothesis must be specific and should have scope for
conducting more tests.
• The way of explanation of the hypothesis must be very simple
and it should also be understood that the simplicity of the
hypothesis is not related to its significance.

Sources of Hypothesis
Following are the sources of hypothesis:

• The resemblance between the phenomenon.

• Observations from past studies, present-day experiences and from
the competitors.
• Scientific theories.
• General patterns that influence the thinking process of people.
Examples of Hypothesis
Following are the examples of hypotheses based on their types:

• Consumption of sugary drinks every day leads to obesity is an

example of a simple hypothesis.
• All lilies have the same number of petals is an example of a null
hypothesis.
• If a person gets 7 hours of sleep, then he will feel less fatigue than
if he sleeps less. It is an example of a directional hypothesis.

Functions of Hypothesis
Following are the functions performed by the hypothesis:

• Hypothesis helps in making an observation and experiments

possible.
• It becomes the start point for the investigation.
• Hypothesis helps in verifying the observations.
• It helps in directing the inquiries in the right direction.

How will Hypothesis help in the Scientific Method?

Researchers use hypotheses to put down their thoughts directing how
the experiment would take place. Following are the steps that are
involved in the scientific method:

• Formation of question
• Doing background research
• Creation of hypothesis
• Designing an experiment
• Collection of data
• Result analysis
• Summarizing the experiment
Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis
Writing a hypothesis is essential as it can make or break your research for you.
That includes your chances of getting published in a journal. So, when you're
designing one, keep an eye out for these pointers:

• A research hypothesis must be simple yet clear to look justifiable enough.

• It has to be testable — your research would be rendered pointless if too far-

fetched into reality or limited by technology.

• It has to be precise about the results —what you are trying to do and
achieve through it should come out in your hypothesis.

• A research hypothesis should be self-explanatory, leaving no doubt in the

reader's mind.

• If you are developing a relational hypothesis, you need to include the

variables and establish an appropriate relationship among them.

• A hypothesis must keep and reflect the scope for further investigations and
experiments.

Hypothesis and prediction

A hypothesis is an educated guess or even a testable prediction validated through
research. It aims to analyze the gathered evidence and facts to define a
relationship between variables and put forth a logical explanation behind the
nature of events.
Predictions are assumptions or expected outcomes made without any backing
evidence. They are more fictionally inclined regardless of where they originate
from.
For this reason, a hypothesis holds much more weight than a prediction. It sticks
to the scientific method rather than pure guesswork. "Planets revolve around the
Sun." is an example of a hypothesis as it is previous knowledge and observed
trends. Additionally, we can test it through the scientific method. Whereas
"COVID-19 will be eradicated by 2030." is a prediction. Even though it results
from past trends, we can't prove or disprove it. So, the only way this gets validated
is to wait and watch if COVID-19 cases end by 2030.
Types of hypothesis

A research study and its hypotheses generally examine the relationships between
independent and dependent variables – so you need to know these two concepts:
• The independent variable is the variable that is causing a change.

• The dependent variable is the variable the is affected by the change. This
is the variable being tested.

Simple Hypothesis
A simple hypothesis is a hypothesis that predicts a correlation between two test
variables: an independent and a dependent variable.
This is the easiest and most straightforward type of hypothesis. You simply need
to state an expected correlation between the dependant variable and the
independent variable.

Complex Hypothesis
A complex hypothesis is a hypothesis that contains multiple variables, making
the hypothesis more specific but also harder to prove.
Independent variables: Age and weight.
Dependent variables: diabetes and heart disease.
Because there are multiple variables, this study is a lot more complex than a
simple hypothesis. It quickly gets much more difficult to prove these hypotheses.

Null Hypothesis
A null hypothesis will predict that there will be no significant relationship
between the two test variables.
For example, you can say that “The study will show that there is no correlation
between marriage and happiness.” A good way to think about a null hypothesis is
to think of it in the same way as “innocent until proven guilty”. Unless you can
come up with evidence otherwise, your null hypothesis will stand.

Alternative Hypothesis
An alternative hypothesis is a hypothesis that is anything other than the null
hypothesis. It will disprove the null hypothesis.
Null hypothesis (H0): “Mental health before an exam does not impact test
scores.”
Alternative hypothesis (HA): “Mental health before an exam does impact test
scores.”
For the alternative hypothesis to be true, all we have to do is disprove the null
hypothesis for the alternative hypothesis to be true. We do not need an exact
prediction of how much mental stability will impact the test scores. So long as
the null hypothesis is proven to be false, then the alternative hypothesis is proven
to be true.
Composite Hypothesis
A composite hypothesis is a hypothesis that does not predict the exact parameters,
distribution, or range of the dependent variable.
Generally, an alternative hypothesis (discussed above) is composite because it is
defined as anything except the null hypothesis. This ‘anything except’ does not
define parameters or distribution, and therefore it’s an example of a composite
hypothesis.
Directional Hypothesis
A directional hypothesis makes a prediction about the positivity or negativity of
the effect of an intervention prior to the test being conducted.
Non-Directional Hypothesis
A non-directional hypothesis does not specify the predicted direction (e.g.,
positivity or negativity) of the effect of the independent variable on the dependent
variable.
We often call this a one-tailed hypothesis (in contrast to a two-tailed or non-
directional hypothesis) because, looking at a distribution graph, we’re
hypothesizing that the results will lean toward one particular tail on the graph –
either the positive or negative.
Logical Hypothesis
A logical hypothesis is a hypothesis that cannot be tested, but has some logical
basis underpinning our assumptions.
Dinosaurs closely related to Aligators probably had green scales because
Aligators have green scales. However, as they are all extinct, we can only rely on
logic and not empirical data.
Empirical Hypothesis
An empirical hypothesis is the opposite of a logical hypothesis. It is a hypothesis
that is currently being tested using scientific analysis. We can also call this a
‘working hypothesis’
Mushrooms grow faster at 22 degrees Celsius than 27 degrees Celsius.
The above hypotheses can be tested, making them empirical rather than just
logical (aka theoretical).
Statistical Hypothesis
A statistical hypothesis utilizes representative statistical models to draw
conclusions about broader populations.
his type of research is necessary when it is impossible to assess every single
possible case. Imagine, for example, if you wanted to determine if men are taller
than women. You would be unable to measure the height of every man and
woman on the planet. But, by conducting sufficient random samples, you would
be able to predict with high probability that the results of your study would remain
stable across the whole population.

Research objective
Research objectives describe what your research is trying to achieve and explain
why you are pursuing it. They summarize the approach and purpose of your
project and help to focus your research.
Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper, at the
end of your problem statement. They should:
• Establish the scope and depth of your project
• Contribute to your research design
• Indicate how your project will contribute to existing knowledge
Research aims
A distinction is often made between research objectives and research aims.
A research aim typically refers to a broad statement indicating the general purpose
of your research project. It should appear at the end of your problem statement,
before your research objectives. Your research objectives are more specific than
your research aim and indicate the particular focus and approach of your project.
Though you will only have one research aim, you will likely have several research
objectives.
Why are research objectives important?
Research objectives are important because they:
• Establish the scope and depth of your project: This helps you avoid
unnecessary research. It also means that your research methods and
conclusions can easily be evaluated.
 • Contribute to your research design: When you know what your objectives
are, you have a clearer idea of what methods are most appropriate for your
research.
• Indicate how your project will contribute to extant research: They allow
you to display your knowledge of up-to-date research, employ or build on
current research methods, and attempt to contribute to recent debates.
SMART research objectives
The acronym “SMART” is commonly used in relation to research objectives. It
states that your objectives should be:
Specific: Make sure your objectives aren’t overly vague. Your research needs to
be clearly defined in order to get useful results.
Measurable: Know how you’ll measure whether your objectives have been
achieved.
Achievable: Your objectives may be challenging, but they should be feasible.
Make sure that relevant groundwork has been done on your topic or that relevant
primary or secondary sources exist. Also ensure that you have access to relevant
research facilities (labs, library resources, research databases, etc.).
Relevant: Make sure that they directly address the research problem you want to
work on and that they contribute to the current state of research in your field.
Time-based: Set clear deadlines for objectives to ensure that the project stays on
track.

Types of research
Applied Research
It is a scientific study that seek to solve various practical problems in the day-to-
day life. It finds answer or solution to everyday problems, cure illness, develop
innovative technologies etc.
For example-
Improve agricultural crop production
Treat or cure specific disease
Improve energy efficiency of homes, offices, modes of transportation.
Basic Research
It is called as Fundamental or Pure research. It Expands the person's knowledge.
This type of research is not going to create or invent anything new. Instead, it is
based on Basic science investigation.
For example-
How did universe begin?
What are protons?
Correlational Research
The relationship among 2 or more variables without necessarily determining the
cause and effect is known as correlational research.
For example-
Correlation between obesity and diabetes mellitus
Correlation between smoking and cancer
Advantages-
It is easy to collect much information from many subjects at single time.
Wide range of variables and their interrelations.
Study variables are not easily produced in the laboratory.
Descriptive Research
This type of research provides accurate portrayal of characteristics of a particular
individual, situation or group. Also known as statistical research. It deals with
everything that can be counted and studied which have an impact on the lives of
people.
Advantages- Less expensive, time consuming, Collect a large amount of notes for
detailed studying.
Disadvantages- Require more skills, Does not identify cause behind the research.
Ethnographic Research
This type of research involves investigation of a culture through an in-depth study
of members of culture. It involves systematic collection, description, analysis of
data for development of theories of cultural behavior. There are anthropological
studies that studies people, ethnic group, ethnic formations and social welfare
characteristics. It is done on the basis of observations, interviews, questionnaire
and data collection.
Experimental Research
This study involves objective, systematic, controlled investigation for purpose of
predicting and controlling the phenomena. It also includes examining the
probability and causality among variables.
Advantages- Best in establishing the cause-and-effect relationships
Disadvantages- Artificiality, Feasibility, Unethical, Variables
Exploratory Research
This type of research will be conducted for a problem that has not been clearly
defined. It helps to determine the best research design, data collection method and
selection of subjects. It is quite informal relying on the secondary research.
For Example- Online marketing and exploring through different sites.
Ground Theory Research
It studies about the problems existing in a given social environment and how
people involved handles them. It operates almost in a reverse fashion from
traditional research and involves 4 stages- Codes, Concepts, Categories and
Theory
For Example- Creating a situation and looking at how people react to it.
Historical Research
Research involving analysis of events that occurred in the remote or recent past.
Application- Understanding this can add perspective on how we can examine the
current situation.
Phenomenological Research
It aims to describe an experience that has been actually lived by a person.
For example- A person suffering from cancer, quality of life of the patient at that
point of time.
Quantitative Research
Involving numbers and quantifying the results mathematically in numbers. For
more information, click in the Quantitative Research page.
Qualitative Research
Difficult or impossible to quantify mathematically such as beliefs, meanings,
attributes and symbols. It aims to gather an in-depth understanding of human
behavior.