Introduction

"Science consists of both knowledge and the process by which this knowledge is created,
research. Although research succeeds by building and testing better theories, the process
involves constructs, concepts, and activities that are not themselves predictive. Non-
predictive constructs serve science as logical devices, memory aids, and inspirational prods,
incentives to thought, political opinions, personal ideals, half-formed notions, odd beliefs,
and unexpressed ideas. These elements are not 'bad' or unscientific. They form a prescientific
soup from which each scientist draws inspiration and from which the disciplined human mind
has constructed modern science."1

“Hypo” means less than or under, and “thesis” means idea or general opinion to be
defended by a person and thus hypothesis means an idea form beforehand which has less
value than the generally formed view. If we have to proceed towards some destination for
which we don’t know the way, we try to form an idea about the direction to proceed and by
trial and error, we reach that goal. The primary idea is called a hypothesis.2

If we have to proceed towards some destination for which we do not know the way, we try to
form an idea about the direction to proceed and by trial and error, we reach that goal. This
primary idea is called as hypothesis. Ordinarily, when we talk about hypothesis, we simply
mean a mere assumption or some supposition to be proved or disproved, but for a researcher
hypothesis is a formal question that he intends to resolve. In other words, it’s a tentative
answer to his research problem. When we have to conduct research, the first step we have to
take is the identification and formulation of research problem. After the selection of problem,
the next step is to formulate a hypothesis. A good hypothesis depends upon the elements and
testing of the research with complete tools. It is very important part of scientific method and
is significant component in every discipline. Basically, the hypothesis is done on known data
and information. Therefore, a hypothesis is nothing but suggested testable answer to a
problem. Enlarging on this meaning of a hypothesis we may say a hypothesis is a testable
relationship between two or more variables.3

2
Myneni S.R. (Dr.) “Legal Research and Methodology” Allahabad Law Agency, Pg. 80
3
https://oldsite.pup.ac.in/e-content/law/CONCEPT_OF_HYPOTHESIS_Dr_Vani_Bhushan_Law.pdf

1
Review of Literature
The role of hypothesis formulation in purposive research is widely acknowledged as
foundational across behavioral, social, and legal research methodologies. Singh (2004)
emphasizes that hypotheses provide structure in behavioral science, helping to identify
relationships and test outcomes systematically. This perspective is echoed by Yogesh Kumar
Singh (2006), who stresses that hypotheses bring clarity and focus, ensuring the research
remains targeted and measurable.

Goode and Hatt (1971) assert that hypotheses are vital for empirical rigor in social research,
as they provide a scientific framework for exploring and interpreting relationships among
variables. Sarantakos (1998) builds on this, noting that hypotheses in social research allow
for the operationalization of complex social constructs, making them measurable and
analyzable.

In legal studies, Myneni (n.d.) points out that hypothesis formation is crucial in directing
research towards specific legal questions and outcomes. Hypotheses in legal research
promote objectivity and allow researchers to empirically assess the impacts of legal policies
or judicial decisions, facilitating more structured and reliable findings.

This body of literature collectively underscores that hypothesis formation in purposive

research is essential, providing structure, focus, and a pathway for empirical validation.

2
Meaning and Definition

Hypothesis is a hunch the researcher or research team has. Basically, a hypothesis is nothing
more or less than a hunch to solve your research problem. Researchers tend to prefer a
hypothesis that turns out correct, partly because of the human preference for winning instead
of losing, but also partly because of the philosophy behind the scientific method. Researchers
tend to stick to previous results that have not been falsified. It is however of much greater
importance to ensure that hypothesis is manageable and being able to be tested by any kind of
study. A good hypothesis adds to existing theory by proposing rules, laws, and processes and
allows predictions to new situations. A good hypothesis by adding predictions on the how or
why.4 So, use sentences that include variations. If one cannot assess the predictions by
observation or by experience, the hypothesis classes as not yet useful, and must wait for other
that include variations.

Following are various definitions given by various Research Scholars:

1. Sarankatos - “A hypothesis can be defined as a tentative explanation of the research

problem, a possible outcome of the research, or an educated guess about the research
outcome.”5
2. Goode and Hatt - “A proposition which can be put to test to determine its validity”6
3. Eric Rogers- “Hypotheses are single tentative guesses, good hunches – assumed for
use in devising theory or planning experiments intended to be given a direct
experimental test when possible”7
4. George A. Lundberg - “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 action or investigation”8

Thus, a hypothesis is a conjectural statement of the relation between two or more

variables. It is a tentative answer to the research question or an educated guess of the research

4
Yogesh Kumar Singh, Fundamental of Research Methodology and Statistics 54 (New Age International Pvt.
Limited Publishers, 2006).
5
Sarantakos, S. 1998 (first published in 1993). Social Research. Macmillan: London.
6
Goode, W.J. & P.F. Hatt, 1971.Methods in Social Research, McGraw-Hill.
7
Rogers, Eric. 1966. Physics for the enquiring mind. Prinston University Press: Prinston.
8
Social research : a study in methods of gathering data. Longmans, Green and Co., 1929. Reprinted 1942 and
1953. 2nd ed., Greenwood Press, 1968.

3
outcome. Hypothesis is always in a declarative sentence form and they relate either generally
or specifically from variable to variable. The testable proposition is called Hypothesis.

It is a proposition, condition or principle which assured perhaps, without a belief in order

to draw out its logical consequences. By this method, we can test its agreement with facts
which are known and may be determined.

i. A proposition stating in a testable form the relationship between two or more

variables,
ii. A conjectural statement of the relationship between two or more variables.

On this account one can say that, hypothesis is a tentative statement which expresses the
nature of relationship between two or more variables usually in the forms of cause-effect
relationship. Hypothesis constitutes part of the researcher‘s attempt at explaining casual
relationships. It is thus an indispensable tool of the research process.9

Nature of Hypothesis:
The hypothesis is a clear statement of what is intended to be investigated. It should be
specified before research is conducted and openly stated in reporting the results. This allows
to:

i. Identify the research objectives.

ii. Identify the key abstract concepts involved in the research.
iii. Identify its relationship to both the problem statement and the literature review.
iv. A problem cannot be scientifically solved unless it is reduced to hypothesis form.
v. It is a powerful tool of advancement of knowledge, consistent with existing
knowledge and conducive to further enquiry.
vi. It can be tested – verifiable or falsifiable.
vii. Hypotheses are not moral or ethical questions.
viii. It is neither too specific nor to general.
ix. It is a prediction of consequences.
x. It is considered valuable even if proven false.

9
https://www.oiirj.org/oiirj/nov-dec2012/24.pdf

4
Characteristics of A Good Hypothesis:

Hulley says a good hypothesis must be based on a good research question. It should be
simple, specific and stated in advance. 10 So a hypothesis could be called as a good hypothesis
if it possesses the following characteristics11:

i. Hypothesis should be simple so that it is easily understood by everyone.

ii. Hypothesis should be clear, specific and precise. If the hypothesis is not clear and
precise, the inferences drawn on its basis cannot be taken as reliable.
iii. Hypothesis should be capable of being tested.
iv. Hypothesis should state relationship between variables.
v. Hypothesis should be consistent with most known facts. i.e. it must be consistent with
a substantial body of established facts.
vi. The hypothesis must explain the facts that gave rise to the need for explanation. It
must actually explain what it claims to explain.

10
Cummings SR, Browner WS, Hulley S.B. Conceiving the research question. In: Designing clinical research.
Hulley SB, Cummings S.R., Browner WS, Grady D, Hearst N, Newman TB, eds. 2001. Lipincott Willians & Wilkins,
Philadelphia.
11
Formulating Hypotheses for Different Study Designs. (n.d.) Retrieved September 2, 2023, from
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8728594/

5
Importance of Hypothesis in a Research
In the legal field, purposive research is often aimed at resolving specific questions
related to law, policy, or judicial practices. Formulating a hypothesis is essential because
firstly, it provides clarity and direction to the research. For example, a hypothesis like
"Judicial activism in India has positively impacted the enforcement of fundamental rights"
directs the research towards a comparative analysis of case laws, judicial decisions, and their
societal impact.12 Secondly, it ensures legal relevance to the extent that research in law must
address relevant, practical issues. Hypothesis formation ensures that the research question
remains grounded in real-world legal challenges, making the research valuable for legal
scholarship and practice. Thirdly and lastly, It supports policy recommendations as Purposive
legal research often concludes with recommendations for law reform or judicial
interpretation. A hypothesis-driven study can provide concrete evidence to support such
recommendations, adding weight to the research findings.13

Further, its importance can be further ascertained under following heads:

1. Defining the Scope of Research

In purposive research, the hypothesis helps in narrowing down the scope. It
transforms a broad research question into a focused investigation. Without a clear
hypothesis, the research can become ambiguous, leading to irrelevant or scattered
results. The hypothesis helps researchers identify the exact problem, allowing them to
concentrate on a specific aspect of the topic.14

2. Guiding the Research Process

A well-formed hypothesis acts as a roadmap. It helps researchers in designing the
study, selecting appropriate methods, and identifying relevant data. For instance, if
the hypothesis suggests a relationship between crime rates and unemployment, the
research can then focus on collecting data from communities with varying
unemployment levels, ensuring that the research remains targeted and effective.

12
https://www.oiirj.org/oiirj/nov-dec2012/24.pdf
13
https://oldsite.pup.ac.in/e-content/law/CONCEPT_OF_HYPOTHESIS_Dr_Vani_Bhushan_Law.pdf
14
Supra.

6
 3. Providing a Basis for Data Collection
The formation of a hypothesis helps in determining what kind of data should be
collected. For example, if a researcher hypothesizes that "increased police patrol
reduces crime in urban areas," the research will focus on data such as crime statistics
before and after the introduction of patrols. This prevents the collection of
unnecessary data, optimizing both time and resources.15

4. Facilitating Objective Testing

In purposive research, objectivity is key. A hypothesis provides a clear proposition
that can be tested, verified, or refuted through empirical methods. It promotes logical
reasoning and ensures that personal biases or subjective interpretations do not
influence the research outcomes. For example, in criminological research, the
hypothesis helps in objectively measuring the impact of legal policies on crime trends
rather than relying on anecdotal evidence.16

5. Driving Theory Development

In some purposive research, particularly in social sciences and criminology, the
hypothesis not only tests existing theories but also contributes to new theory
development. By formulating and testing hypotheses, researchers can either confirm,
refute, or modify theoretical frameworks, leading to better understanding of complex
phenomena like criminal behavior or judicial processes.

6. Establishing Relationships Between Variables

The core purpose of many research projects is to explore relationships between

variables. A hypothesis clearly defines these relationships, making it easier for the
researcher to establish cause-and-effect linkages. In criminology research, for
instance, the hypothesis might test whether a change in legislation impacts crime
rates. This relationship can then be explored and verified through data analysis,
leading to robust conclusions.

15
https://oldsite.pup.ac.in/e-content/law/CONCEPT_OF_HYPOTHESIS_Dr_Vani_Bhushan_Law.pdf
16
https://www.oiirj.org/oiirj/nov-dec2012/24.pdf

7
Conclusion
The importance and role of a hypothesis in research writing cannot be overstated. A
hypothesis provides a tentative guide for scientific inquiry, helps to determine which facts
will be helpful in finding a solution to a problem, and can be used to predict the outcome of a
study. It is an essential part of the scientific method and serves as a framework for deducing
observable facts from initial conditions. The book distinguishes between three types of
hypotheses: null, research, and alternative hypotheses, with the null hypothesis being an
important aspect of a hypothesis in research writing. The process of hypothesis testing helps
to avoid false claims and conclusions, and the results of a hypothesis test need to be written in
an 'if-then' statement. It is also important to distinguish between the null and alternative
hypothesis, as the null hypothesis predicts that there is no relationship between the variables,
while the alternative hypothesis predicts that there is a relationship between the variables.
The framer of a hypothesis needs to define specifics in operational terms for proper
evaluation, and simplicity, elegance, and consistency with previously established hypotheses
or laws are also major factors for its acceptance. However, preconceived notions or biases
can hinder the development of an effective hypothesis, and intelligence and observation
ability are necessary to avail theoretical knowledge and develop effective hypotheses. In
conclusion, a hypothesis is a valuable tool for drawing meaningful conclusions from sample
data, and the proper use and understanding of hypotheses is crucial for conducting successful
research.

REFERENCES

 Singh, A.K, Research Methods and Measurement in behavioural Science, Bharti Bhawan,
Patna, 2004.
 Myneni S.R. (Dr.) “Legal Research and Methodology” Allahabad Law Agency, Pg. 80
 Yogesh Kumar Singh, Fundamental of Research Methodology and Statistics 54 (New Age
International Pvt. Limited Publishers, 2006).
 Sarantakos, S. 1998 (first published in 1993). Social Research. Macmillan: London.
 Goode, W.J. & P.F. Hatt, 1971.Methods in Social Research, McGraw-Hill.
 Rogers, Eric. 1966. Physics for the enquiring mind. Prinston University Press: Prinston.

8
 Social research : a study in methods of gathering data. Longmans, Green and Co., 1929.
Reprinted 1942 and 1953. 2nd ed., Greenwood Press, 1968.
 https://www.oiirj.org/oiirj/nov-dec2012/24.pdf
 Cummings SR, Browner WS, Hulley S.B. Conceiving the research question. In:
Designing clinical research. Hulley SB, Cummings S.R., Browner WS, Grady D, Hearst
N, Newman TB, eds. 2001. Lipincott Willians & Wilkins, Philadelphia.
 Formulating Hypotheses for Different Study Designs. (n.d.) Retrieved from
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8728594/
 https://www.oiirj.org/oiirj/nov-dec2012/24.pdf