Educational research

Hypothesis

A supposition or explanation that is provisionally accepted in order to interpret certain events or phenomena, and to provide guidance for further investigation. A hypothesis may be proven correct or wrong, and must be capable of refutation. If it remains unrequited by facts, it is said to be verified or corroborated. Hypothesis generate in a way that scientists or researchers carry out experiments or studies regarding any problem or phenomenon after they identify an issue or feel that some facts need to be explored further. Then they declare what actually happens during their course of study- how something occurs and produces further implications. The purpose of such activity is to draw solutions to a problem. Various hypotheses can be generated in this way to a single problem in order to identify its effects and to draw out solutions further.

For example, the chances of childhood obesity increases with the increase in junk food intake or another hypothesis to childhood obesity could be like this; the chances of childhood obesity increase with the increase in sugar intake or fried food intake. So, this is a simple example how an issue can further be explored with different hypotheses.

Figure 1. Hypothesis

Need of hypothesis

Hypothesis is developed to talk about the research problem or to address any phenomenon. It aims to encourage critical approach. It enables the researcher to develop a specific direction as well as better understanding about the subject matter of the study. It further assists in the careful and focused analysis of data collected (“What is hypothesis?,” n.d.). There are different types of hypotheses. The two that are more basic involve those used in scientific researches and the other one in sociological studies. In scientific researches, hypotheses are developed keeping in view the experimentation and observation drawn from the past. Such hypotheses are tested according to the current theories (Ansari, 2016). Science fair projects involve these forms of hypotheses. For example, if water temperature rises then sugar/ salt will be dissolved at higher rate.On the other hand, working hypotheses are based on the widely accepted suppositions in order to carry out further research.

Sources of hypothesis

A hypothesis may be formulated through a number of is sources. Following are the main sources of hypothesis.

·         Personal Experience

·         Imagination & Thinking

·         Observation

·         Scientific Theory

·         Previous Study

·         Culture

Functions of hypothesis

·         Provide temporary solution to a problem

·         Leads to formulation of another hypothesis

·         Provides a definite statement which may be objectivity tested

·         Sensitize the researcher to work selectivity

·         Offers simple means of data collection and verification

Characteristics of hypothesis

·         It must be conceptually clear

·         It should be empirically reference

·         It should be specific brief and to the point

·         It should be related to available techniques

·         It should be related to body of theory

·         It should be testable

·         It should maintain the balance with the objectives

·         It should be very much comprehensive

Types of hypothesis

Simple Hypothesis. It predicts the relationship between independent variable and dependent variable.  

Complex Hypothesis. It predicts that there exist relationship between two or more dependent or independent variables.

Empirical Hypothesis. It actually based on evidence and can be tested using observation

and hypothesis.

      Null Hypothesis. It is a hypothesis that says there is no statistical significance between the two variables.

Alternative Hypothesis. It is the hypothesis that is used in hypothesis testing that is contrary  to the null hypothesis.  

Logical Hypothesis. It  is a proposed explanation processing limited evidence.

Statistical Hypothesis. It is a hypothesis that is testable on the basis of observing a process that is modeled via a set of random variables.
Table 1

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Hypothesis

Advantages		Disadvantages
Hypothesis forces us to think more deeply and specifically about the possible outcomes of a study.		Stating a hypothesis may lead to a bias, either consciously or unconsciously
It enables to make specific predictions  based on prior evidence or theoretical argument		stating hypothesis may sometimes be unnecessary or even inappropriate
It enables us to understand what the question implies and exactly what variables are involved.		stating hypothesis may prevent researchers from noticing other phenomena that might be important to study

POWER POINT PRESENTATION ON THE TOPIC HYPOTHESIS

VOICE NOTE ABOUT HYPOTHESIS

LET US DO SOME ACTIVITIES

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION ABOUT HYPOTHESIS 

PLEASE HAVE A LOOK ON THIS SHEET

Reference

Ansari, N. (2016, May 27). Definition, Importance and Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis. Retrieved August 20, 2019, from Write a Writing website: http://www.writeawriting.com/research/definition-importance-hypothesis/

What is hypothesis? - Definition from WhatIs.com. (n.d.). Retrieved August 20, 2019, from WhatIs.com website: https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/hypothesis

 Camic,PM Rhodes,J.E and Yardley L( Ed).( 2003 )need of hypothesis and research analysis Washington,DC: American psychological association.

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IRFANA E