hypothesis kinds and importance in research

Turney, S. (2022, December 06). Null & Alternative Hypotheses | Definitions, Templates & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/statistics/null-and-alternative-hypotheses/

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What is the importance of hypothesis in research?

A hypothesis forms the base of research that defines the relationship between two or more research variables. The main topic of discussion is defined based on the hypothesis statement that is clear and concise.

Basic characteristics of a hypothesis:

A research hypothesis talks about the possible outcome or result of the experiment. The key concepts and the connection between the statement of problem and literature review are defined using the hypothesis.

It is written in a declarative form, which makes it brief and to the point. Formulate a hypothesis in a testable form so that your readers can understand the core concept of the research.

Steps involved in writing a research paper:

Formulation of question : A research question is clear and concise, and it focuses on the area of concern. It states the problem that the author is trying to solve through the research.

Background research : Analyze research papers published in your field of study. Provide context by sharing your ideas and observations on the related research theories and scientific concepts.

Create a hypothesis : State the expected outcome and define the research variables and establish a link between them.

Reporting data : Use tables and graphs to represent the data by referring to the images and charts correctly. Determine whether you want to use the decimal system or alphanumeric system.

Research findings : Write a result overview and report the research findings. Try to be as specific as possible while summarizing the results.

Before writing the introduction section, ensure that your hypothesis is based on the main topic of research. Double-check the independent and dependent variables and ensure that it can be tested.

What are the different types of research hypothesis?

Research Hypothesis : The research hypothesis also known as the non-parametric hypothesis; it states the nature of the relationship between the research variables. The variables identify possible solutions to the main problem statement. As the data is not represented in quantitative form, the research hypothesis is not tested by statistical methods.

Null hypothesis : This hypothesis simply establishes that no statistical importance in a set of data exists. It proves that no variation exists between two or more variables.

Alternative hypothesis : This hypothesis is the opposite of the null hypothesis. If the null hypothesis is rejected, then you can use the alternative hypothesis to complete the experiment.

Various functions of the research hypothesis:

Hypothesis testing:

State the hypothesis : Identify the hypothesis that needs to be tested? Which type of hypothesis are you working on? Is it an alternative hypothesis or null hypothesis?

Plan : How do you plan to utilize the sample data? What methods are you going to use for testing the hypothesis?

Analyze : Perform sample analysis to test your hypothesis. Compare two different sets of data you have received before and after the sample selection.

Acceptance/Rejection : Evaluate the results by subjecting the hypothesis to tests. You can determine whether or not the hypothesis is valid based on the test results.

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What is a hypothesis?

This usually involves proposing a possible relationship between two variables: the independent variable (what the researcher changes) and the dependent variable (what the research measures).

In research, there is a convention that the hypothesis is written in two forms, the null hypothesis, and the alternative hypothesis (called the experimental hypothesis when the method of investigation is an experiment ).

Types of research hypotheses

Alternative hypothesis.

An experimental hypothesis predicts what change(s) will take place in the dependent variable when the independent variable is manipulated.

Null Hypothesis

Nondirectional hypothesis, directional hypothesis, falsifiability.

The Falsification Principle, proposed by Karl Popper , is a way of demarcating science from non-science. It suggests that for a theory to be considered scientific it must be able to be tested and conceivably proven false.

Can a hypothesis be proven?

Upon analysis of the results, an alternative hypothesis can be rejected or supported, but it can never be proven to be correct. We must avoid any reference to results proving a theory as this implies 100% certainty, and there is always a chance that evidence may exist which could refute a theory.

How to write a hypothesis

What are examples of a hypothesis.

The null hypothesis is, therefore, the opposite of the alternative hypothesis in that it states that there will be no change in behavior.

How to reference this article:

McLeod, S. A. (2018, August 10). What is a hypothesis . Simply Psychology. www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-a-hypotheses.html

scientific hypothesis

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experiments disproving spontaneous generation

scientific hypothesis , an idea that proposes a tentative explanation about a phenomenon or a narrow set of phenomena observed in the natural world. The two primary features of a scientific hypothesis are falsifiability and testability, which are reflected in an “If…then” statement summarizing the idea and in the ability to be supported or refuted through observation and experimentation. The notion of the scientific hypothesis as both falsifiable and testable was advanced in the mid-20th century by Austrian-born British philosopher Karl Popper .

The formulation and testing of a hypothesis is part of the scientific method , the approach scientists use when attempting to understand and test ideas about natural phenomena. The generation of a hypothesis frequently is described as a creative process and is based on existing scientific knowledge, intuition , or experience. Therefore, although scientific hypotheses commonly are described as educated guesses, they actually are more informed than a guess. In addition, scientists generally strive to develop simple hypotheses, since these are easier to test relative to hypotheses that involve many different variables and potential outcomes. Such complex hypotheses may be developed as scientific models ( see scientific modeling ).

Depending on the results of scientific evaluation, a hypothesis typically is either rejected as false or accepted as true. However, because a hypothesis inherently is falsifiable, even hypotheses supported by scientific evidence and accepted as true are susceptible to rejection later, when new evidence has become available. In some instances, rather than rejecting a hypothesis because it has been falsified by new evidence, scientists simply adapt the existing idea to accommodate the new information. In this sense a hypothesis is never incorrect but only incomplete.

The investigation of scientific hypotheses is an important component in the development of scientific theory . Hence, hypotheses differ fundamentally from theories; whereas the former is a specific tentative explanation and serves as the main tool by which scientists gather data, the latter is a broad general explanation that incorporates data from many different scientific investigations undertaken to explore hypotheses.

Countless hypotheses have been developed and tested throughout the history of science . Several examples include the idea that living organisms develop from nonliving matter, which formed the basis of spontaneous generation , a hypothesis that ultimately was disproved (first in 1668, with the experiments of Italian physician Francesco Redi , and later in 1859, with the experiments of French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur ); the concept proposed in the late 19th century that microorganisms cause certain diseases (now known as germ theory ); and the notion that oceanic crust forms along submarine mountain zones and spreads laterally away from them ( seafloor spreading hypothesis ).

Research Writing

Types of hypothesis in research/Characteristics/Importance

The hypothesis is the attempt to explain some phenomenon or problem that can be corroborated through observation or experimentation. Scientists need to propose hypotheses as possible explanations for the problem they want to solve.

“It is what someone thinks of the reality they are investigating and that because they are not certain about it, they should prove it.”

The hypothesis is the proposition that a certain event will cause a hitherto unknown effect . Both cause and effect must be related in some logical way, and arise from previous antecedents.

Not all investigations require the statement or formulation of hypotheses. When an investigation does not seek to prove something, it does not need a hypothesis. For example, if the study is about the physical characteristics of adolescents from a certain school, it is a descriptive investigation, without the need for hypotheses.

Characteristics of the hypotheses

Types of hypotheses

There are different types of hypotheses according to various points of view. According to the objective , we find descriptive and explanatory hypotheses.

Descriptive hypotheses

This type of hypothesis seeks to describe the correlation between phenomena and not the reasons why they occur. Examples:

Explanatory hypothesis

When we are interested in discovering why the events occur and the explanation of them, we propose explanatory hypotheses. Examples:

Null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis

The terms null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis are applied in statistical analyzes when you want to compare parameters between populations. In this case, the null hypothesis refers to the fact that there is no difference between the populations with respect to the parameter evaluated, and the alternative hypothesis establishes that there are differences.

It is good to clarify that the null hypothesis does not mean that it is wrong.

How to make a hypothesis

A hypothesis is a conjecture that can be tested and / or examined. As such it should be expressed as a statement or proposition in the simplest possible way. Some prefer to express the hypotheses in the format ” if A is, then B happens “.

When we have a hypothesis we must know “what produces what”, that is, what is the cause and what is the effect . The hypothesis assumes that the fact X has the effect Y . These facts are what we know as variables .

For example, in the hypothesis “people between 60 and 70 years who consume more chicken eggs per week

In all hypotheses, the relationship between cause and effect must be clearly established and at least two facts must be related.

There may be more than one hypothesis for a problem. For example, if you want to investigate the reason for the greater height of adolescents in a country, you can hypothesize about the quality and / or quantity of food, the genetics of parents or the physical activity of young people.

Difficulties in formulating hypotheses

Importance of the hypothesis

Examples of hypotheses

Here are several examples of scientific hypotheses.

Sugary drinks and cancer

The increase in the consumption of sugary drinks in recent decades and the impact of these on metabolic diseases is well known. In a population study in France, it was suggested that this increase could also be related to oncological diseases. The hypothesis most in line with this research would be:

The increased consumption of sugary drinks increases the risk of suffering from some form of cancer.

In this case, the hypothesis is descriptive because it did not seek to demonstrate the cause by which sugar could promote cancer. In this study, 101 257 participants

Popeye and spinach

For those who do not know the Popeye the sailor cartoon , this was a sailor whose particular characteristic was to become stronger when he ate spinach. Certainly, spinach has compounds that improve physical activity in these animals in experimental rats and mice.

A group of researchers in Germany made the following hypothesis :

The compound in spinach that works in animals also improves physical activity in humans.

The hypothesis was tested by supplementing 22 athletes with the compound in question for ten weeks, and they were compared with 24 other athletes who acted as controls. After ten weeks, an increase in muscle mass and an improvement in physical performance were observed, which showed that the hypothesis was correct.

The super glue of snails

We have seen how snails can move on rough, inclined surfaces and even parallel to the ground without falling. This is thanks to the mucus they produce at their base. Researchers in South Korea and the US established the following hypothesis :

Creating a material with the properties of snail mucus will work as a strong, reversible adhesive.

They then invented a methacrylate-based polymeric hydrogel system that acts as a reversible super adhesive.

Hypothesis of importance to humanity

There are probably millions of scientific hypotheses since ancient times the human being has tried to give explanations to the phenomena he observed. Here are some examples of scientific hypotheses and how they were corroborated.

The endosymbiotic hypothesis

Lynn Sagan proposed in 1966 that eukaryotic cells originated from endosymbiosis between photosynthetic and respiratory prokaryotes in a predominantly aerobic environment . Thus, an aerobic prokaryote (protomitochondria) entered the cytoplasm of a heterotrophic anaerobic microorganism.

The corroboration of this hypothesis is based on the particular characteristics of mitochondria and chloroplasts, organelles of eukaryotic cells that have their own DNA.

Tectonic plates

In 1912 the German scientist Alfred Wegener (1880-1930) proposed the concept of continent plate motion. Wegener suggested that millions of years ago the current continents were united into one great and single continent (Pangea), which then cracked apart, each landmass moving apart like the continents we know today.

The bases of this hypothesis were in the coastlines of America that correspond to the coasts of Europe and Africa and in the similar fossils found between these continents. The proof that this hypothesis was correct was demonstrated in the 1960s.

ZIKA virus and microcephaly

Microcephaly is a neurological condition where a baby’s brain does not fully develop, causing the head to appear smaller than normal. In Brazil, more than 8,000 cases were reported between November 2015 and June 2016, representing an alarming increase in this problem.

Around the same time, Zika virus infections also increased. This virus belongs to the same family as the yellow fever virus ( Flaviviridae ) and is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Of people infected with the Zika virus, between 20 and 25% have symptoms similar to those of the common cold or flu.

The initial hypothesis suggested that the fetuses of pregnant women infected with the Zika virus may have an increased risk of microcephaly. The results of a case-control study in 2016 showed that 13 of 32 newborns with microcephaly had evidence of virus infection, compared to 62 control newborns who were free of infection, demonstrating the association between Zika and microcephaly .

The Riemann hypothesis

Prime numbers have the property that they cannot be expressed as the product of two smaller numbers. When these prime numbers appear among the natural numbers is difficult to determine. However, the German mathematician G, FB Riemann (1826-1866) proposed an equation, called the Riemann Zeta function, that approximates the frequency of prime numbers.

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What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?

Table of Contents

One of the most important aspects of conducting research is constructing a strong hypothesis. But what makes a hypothesis in research effective? In this article, we’ll look at the difference between a hypothesis and a research question, as well as the elements of a good hypothesis in research. We’ll also include some examples of effective hypotheses, and what pitfalls to avoid.

What is a Hypothesis in Research?

Simply put, a hypothesis is a research question that also includes the predicted or expected result of the research. Without a hypothesis, there can be no basis for a scientific or research experiment. As such, it is critical that you carefully construct your hypothesis by being deliberate and thorough, even before you set pen to paper. Unless your hypothesis is clearly and carefully constructed, any flaw can have an adverse, and even grave, effect on the quality of your experiment and its subsequent results.

Research Question vs Hypothesis

It’s easy to confuse research questions with hypotheses, and vice versa. While they’re both critical to the Scientific Method, they have very specific differences. Primarily, a research question, just like a hypothesis, is focused and concise. But a hypothesis includes a prediction based on the proposed research, and is designed to forecast the relationship of and between two (or more) variables. Research questions are open-ended, and invite debate and discussion, while hypotheses are closed, e.g. “The relationship between A and B will be C.”

A hypothesis is generally used if your research topic is fairly well established, and you are relatively certain about the relationship between the variables that will be presented in your research. Since a hypothesis is ideally suited for experimental studies, it will, by its very existence, affect the design of your experiment. The research question is typically used for new topics that have not yet been researched extensively. Here, the relationship between different variables is less known. There is no prediction made, but there may be variables explored. The research question can be casual in nature, simply trying to understand if a relationship even exists, descriptive or comparative.

How to Write Hypothesis in Research

Writing an effective hypothesis starts before you even begin to type. Like any task, preparation is key, so you start first by conducting research yourself, and reading all you can about the topic that you plan to research. From there, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to understand where your focus within the topic will lie.

Remember that a hypothesis is a prediction of the relationship that exists between two or more variables. Your job is to write a hypothesis, and design the research, to “prove” whether or not your prediction is correct. A common pitfall is to use judgments that are subjective and inappropriate for the construction of a hypothesis. It’s important to keep the focus and language of your hypothesis objective.

An effective hypothesis in research is clearly and concisely written, and any terms or definitions clarified and defined. Specific language must also be used to avoid any generalities or assumptions.

Use the following points as a checklist to evaluate the effectiveness of your research hypothesis:

Research Hypothesis Example

Perhaps the best way to evaluate whether or not your hypothesis is effective is to compare it to those of your colleagues in the field. There is no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to writing a powerful research hypothesis. As you’re reading and preparing your hypothesis, you’ll also read other hypotheses. These can help guide you on what works, and what doesn’t, when it comes to writing a strong research hypothesis.

Here are a few generic examples to get you started.

Eating an apple each day, after the age of 60, will result in a reduction of frequency of physician visits.

Budget airlines are more likely to receive more customer complaints. A budget airline is defined as an airline that offers lower fares and fewer amenities than a traditional full-service airline. (Note that the term “budget airline” is included in the hypothesis.

Workplaces that offer flexible working hours report higher levels of employee job satisfaction than workplaces with fixed hours.

Each of the above examples are specific, observable and measurable, and the statement of prediction can be verified or shown to be false by utilizing standard experimental practices. It should be noted, however, that often your hypothesis will change as your research progresses.

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How to Develop a Good Research Hypothesis

The story of a research study begins by asking a question. Researchers all around the globe are asking curious questions and formulating research hypothesis. However, whether the research study provides an effective conclusion depends on how well one develops a good research hypothesis. Research hypothesis examples could help researchers get an idea as to how to write a good research hypothesis.

This blog will help you understand what is a research hypothesis, its characteristics and, how to formulate a research hypothesis

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What is Hypothesis?

Hypothesis is an assumption or an idea proposed for the sake of argument so that it can be tested. It is a precise, testable statement of what the researchers predict will be outcome of the study. Hypothesis usually involves proposing a relationship between two variables: the independent variable (what the researchers change) and the dependent variable (what the research measures).

What is a Research Hypothesis?

Research hypothesis is a statement that introduces a research question and proposes an expected result. It is an integral part of the scientific method that forms the basis of scientific experiments. Therefore, you need to be careful and thorough when building your research hypothesis. A minor flaw in the construction of your hypothesis could have an adverse effect on your experiment. In research, there is a convention that the hypothesis is written in two forms, the null hypothesis, and the alternative hypothesis (called the experimental hypothesis when the method of investigation is an experiment).

Essential Characteristics of a Good Research Hypothesis

As the hypothesis is specific, there is a testable prediction about what you expect to happen in a study. You may consider drawing hypothesis from previously published research based on the theory.

A good research hypothesis involves more effort than just a guess. In particular, your hypothesis may begin with a question that could be further explored through background research.

To help you formulate a promising research hypothesis, you should ask yourself the following questions:

The questions listed above can be used as a checklist to make sure your hypothesis is based on a solid foundation. Furthermore, it can help you identify weaknesses in your hypothesis and revise it if necessary.

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How to formulate an effective research hypothesis.

A testable hypothesis is not a simple statement. It is rather an intricate statement that needs to offer a clear introduction to a scientific experiment, its intentions, and the possible outcomes. However, there are some important things to consider when building a compelling hypothesis.

1. State the problem that you are trying to solve.

Make sure that the hypothesis clearly defines the topic and the focus of the experiment.

2. Try to write the hypothesis as an if-then statement.

Follow this template: If a specific action is taken, then a certain outcome is expected.

3. Define the variables

Independent variables are the ones that are manipulated, controlled, or changed. Independent variables are isolated from other factors of the study.

Dependent variables , as the name suggests are dependent on other factors of the study. They are influenced by the change in independent variable.

4. Scrutinize the hypothesis

The types of research hypothesis are stated below:

1. Simple Hypothesis

It predicts the relationship between a single dependent variable and a single independent variable.

2. Complex Hypothesis

It predicts the relationship between two or more independent and dependent variables.

3. Directional Hypothesis

It specifies the expected direction to be followed to determine the relationship between variables and is derived from theory. Furthermore, it implies the researcher’s intellectual commitment to a particular outcome.

4. Non-directional Hypothesis

It does not predict the exact direction or nature of the relationship between the two variables. The non-directional hypothesis is used when there is no theory involved or when findings contradict previous research.

5. Associative and Causal Hypothesis

The associative hypothesis defines interdependency between variables. A change in one variable results in the change of the other variable. On the other hand, the causal hypothesis proposes an effect on the dependent due to manipulation of the independent variable.

6. Null Hypothesis

Null hypothesis states a negative statement to support the researcher’s findings that there is no relationship between two variables. There will be no changes in the dependent variable due the manipulation of the independent variable. Furthermore, it states results are due to chance and are not significant in terms of supporting the idea being investigated.

7. Alternative Hypothesis

It states that there is a relationship between the two variables of the study and that the results are significant to the research topic. An experimental hypothesis predicts what changes will take place in the dependent variable when the independent variable is manipulated. Also, it states that the results are not due to chance and that they are significant in terms of supporting the theory being investigated.

Research Hypothesis Examples of Independent and Dependent Variables:

Research Hypothesis Example 1 The greater number of coal plants in a region (independent variable) increases water pollution (dependent variable). If you change the independent variable (building more coal factories), it will change the dependent variable (amount of water pollution).

Research Hypothesis Example 2 What is the effect of diet or regular soda (independent variable) on blood sugar levels (dependent variable)? If you change the independent variable (the type of soda you consume), it will change the dependent variable (blood sugar levels)

You should not ignore the importance of the above steps. The validity of your experiment and its results rely on a robust testable hypothesis. Developing a strong testable hypothesis has few advantages, it compels us to think intensely and specifically about the outcomes of a study. Consequently, it enables us to understand the implication of the question and the different variables involved in the study. Furthermore, it helps us to make precise predictions based on prior research. Hence, forming a hypothesis would be of great value to the research. Here are some good examples of testable hypotheses.

More importantly, you need to build a robust testable research hypothesis for your scientific experiments. A testable hypothesis is a hypothesis that can be proved or disproved as a result of experimentation.

Importance of a Testable Hypothesis

To devise and perform an experiment using scientific method, you need to make sure that your hypothesis is testable. To be considered testable, some essential criteria must be met:

Without these criteria, the hypothesis and the results will be vague. As a result, the experiment will not prove or disprove anything significant.

What are your experiences with building hypotheses for scientific experiments? What challenges did you face? How did you overcome these challenges? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

Wow! You really simplified your explanation that even dummies would find it easy to comprehend. Thank you so much.

Thanks a lot for your valuable guidance.

I enjoy reading the post. Hypotheses are actually an intrinsic part in a study. It bridges the research question and the methodology of the study.

Useful piece!

This is awesome.Wow.

It very interesting to read the topic, can you guide me any specific example of hypothesis process establish throw the Demand and supply of the specific product in market

Nicely explained

It is really a useful for me Kindly give some examples of hypothesis

It was a well explained content ,can you please give me an example with the null and alternative hypothesis illustrated

clear and concise. thanks.

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Research Hypothesis: The Essential Requirements and Guidelines

27 Feb 2023

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❔ What is a Hypothesis in Research?

Research Question vs Hypothesis

Null hypothesis.

📔 Hypothesis Essential Requirements

🎓 How to Formulate an Effective Research Hypothesis

📋 Research Hypothesis Example

Writing research requires students to have a deep knowledge not only of the subject but also of the requirements for the project. There are a lot of structural units that form an integral part of research writing.

Knowing the right methods and carrying out background research will get you to new discoveries. In this article, we will talk about such a technique as a research hypothesis. We will analyze in detail the features of using a good research hypothesis, its types, and meanings, the peculiarities of independent and dependent variables as well as the connection with the research topic.

This article will guide you as you write your paper and give you the key techniques to follow all the requirements.

What is a Hypothesis in Research?

Let's start by clarifying the term "research hypothesis". This is a kind of assumption or idea that the author of the study puts forward for further investigation. A hypothesis requires proof and is not true until confirmatory experiments have been carried out.

In the context of the research project, a hypothesis is necessary for the presentation of the expected directions and results of the work. This idea must be clearly stated to follow a logical chain and help to write your research and do further experiments. The ultimate goal of your research is to confirm or disprove the hypothesis. Not to be confused with the research question.

Let's list the main types of hypotheses and find out the differences they may present for an academic research:

Null hypothesis

Alternative hypothesis

Simple hypothesis

Complex hypothesis

Statistical hypothesis

Empirical hypothesis

Causal hypothesis

Directional hypothesis

Associative hypothesis

Logical hypothesis

Being aware that there are different kinds of research hypotheses will help you build your own with less effort. Many researchers adhere to the approach that there are only two varieties: Null hypothesis and Alternative hypothesis. However, we will consider what is the essence of the most used methods.

The Null hypotheses is a statement with two or more variables. The Null hypothesis proposes there is no connection between those variables. This type of inference is very often used in the course of scientific research in the field of statistics, medicine, biology and many other sciences. The Alternative hypothesis states the opposite information to the Null Hypothesis, and aims to prove that there is a relationship between two variables.

A Simple hypothesis presents a correlation between only two variables, single dependent variable and single independent variable. While Complex hypothesis states the presence of connection between several dependent variables and independent variables.

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The differences between these two critical techniques in writing a scientific paper should be explained so that you have no doubts. A research question is a question that is raised in the course of observations and to which the researcher seeks to answer.

While a hypothesis is an assumption that must be proven or refuted in the course of the study. These two concepts are different by nature, the research question has an inquisitive function, while a research hypothesis predicts the outcome of the experiment.

Now we will take a closer look at the most used, basic scientific method. Null hypothesis states that there is no interconnection between two variables that are being studied. To formulate the Null Hypothesis, you need to present your testable prediction about relevant variables as a negative statement.

The original hypothesis might state that the variables do not have differences, there is no influence of factors, there is no effect, the characteristics of which are equal to zero, with no statistical significance.

The purpose of scientific experiments is to disprove the Null Hypothesis, that is, to prove the positive relationship between independent and dependent variables. For example, you are a scientist in the field of mental health, and you face with the necessity of writing a psychology research paper .

Alternative Hypothesis

Let's now talk about the opposite of the Null Hypothesis, which is the Alternative Hypothesis. This kind of inference is an opposite idea to the one supported by the Null Hypothesis. It is also sometimes called an experimental hypothesis, as it reveals the subject of future scientific research.

The essence of this hypothesis involves proposing the relationship between two variables, more precisely that one variable influences the independent variable. The experimental hypothesis predicts how exactly the outcome may be affected during experimental manipulations.

At the same time the Alternative hypothesis can be divided into two groups: Directional hypothesis and Nondirectional hypothesis. Directional hypothesis states that the researchers expect a positive or negative outcome. While non directional hypothesis does not make predictions on the possible influence on the dependent variable.

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Hypothesis Essential Requirements

A good research hypothesis sets the direction for your further research study. If you manage to formulate it correctly, then this will give a significant impetus to experiments.

However, if the basis of your scientific research paper is not specifically, or vaguely explained, then your experiments may go into a dead corner. To avoid such problems, let's look at what an effective research hypothesis should look like.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to accurately formulate a compelling hypothesis that will serve as a reliable core and help you write a research paper fundamentally. It will also be very helpful to study few examples of good research hypotheses in order to have a better understanding of the issue.

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How to Formulate an Effective Research Hypothesis

A hypothesis is an effective methodological tool that helps us structure our work. That is why it is very important to pay attention to the correct formulation and designation of a strong hypothesis.

Preliminary research is also required before formulating your assumptions. General knowledge of the field of study will help you accurately identify problems in the subject of study. Namely, this is the basis for the construction of supporting assumptions.

A hypothesis itself is a scientific method in a form of assumption that is formed based on a theory. Therefore, the key to successful research is the choice of a reliable experimental and theoretical base. Brilliant research is based on previous, and no less brilliant research. Therefore, your assumptions must come from evidence-based sources, otherwise, they may lead to false results.

To formulate a hypothesis, you need to study the research problem. This means that preliminary research is indispensable, and it is precisely what a hypothesis begins with. If you find it challenging to manage the study on your own you can opt for research paper help from professional writers.

It is necessary that your predictions correspond to the object of study, do not create contradictions between existing and received knowledge, and are also testable. Be careful not to use banal facts as a basis for building a hypothesis, otherwise you will severely limit the field for experiments.

In the course of conducting previous research, you will be able to highlight certain factors in the theory that need additional observation. Perhaps these phenomena deviate from the general vector of the functioning of the theory.

Talking about variables, they should be well elaborated, to avoid any misconceptions. Find out what your independent variable would be, it is the one you are about to substitute to get new research data. Then figure out what you’d dependent variable stands for, which is what the research measures. Subsequently you have to determine what kind of relationship exists between them.

Once you have identified the necessary factors, you are ready to begin formulating your hypothesis. Or if you still struggle to start the research, then it may be useful for you resort to writing service professional help. This should be done in such a way that the hypothesis explains the cause of the problem. Then you have to test your assumptions by conducting an experiment, or by looking for correlations between the dependent variable and independent variable.

As difficult as it may be to formulate a good hypothesis, this is a key step to successful, structured work. Any knowledge comes through a long process of learning theory and then reconciling skills in practice. That is why we are confident in your abilities, and we wish you success in creating a research hypothesis. We hope this article has become informative for you and clarified the key concepts necessary for a good scientific hypothesis.

Research Hypothesis Examples

Increased exposure to sunlight will result in higher rates of photosynthesis in spinach plants. Individuals with a higher level of emotional intelligence will have more successful personal relationships. Access to higher education will decrease income inequality within a society. An increase in temperature will result in an increase in the average kinetic energy of gas molecules. Increasing the concentration of a reactant in a chemical reaction will increase the rate of reaction. The presence of a black hole at the center of a galaxy will affect the motion of stars within the galaxy. Changes in the Earth's magnetic field will result in changes in the frequency and intensity of earthquakes. The introduction of non-native species to an ecosystem will disrupt the food chain and result in decreased biodiversity. The use of written language will result in the development of more complex societies. An increase in the minimum wage will result in decreased unemployment rates within a society.

Why must a hypothesis be testable?

What is a directional and non-directional research hypothesis, why do we need an alternative hypothesis, what is an empirical hypothesis, was this article helpful, thanks for your feedback.

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Scientific Methods

What is Hypothesis?

We have heard of many hypotheses which have led to great inventions in science. Assumptions that are made on the basis of some evidence are known as hypotheses. In this article, let us learn in detail about the hypothesis and the type of hypothesis with examples.

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:

Sources of Hypothesis

Following are the sources of hypothesis:

Types of Hypothesis

There are six forms of hypothesis and they are:

Simple Hypothesis

It shows a relationship between one dependent variable and a single independent variable. For example – If you eat more vegetables, you will lose weight faster. Here, eating more vegetables is an independent variable, while losing weight is the dependent variable.

Complex Hypothesis

It shows the relationship between two or more dependent variables and two or more independent variables. Eating more vegetables and fruits leads to weight loss, glowing skin, and reduces the risk of many diseases such as heart disease.

Directional Hypothesis

It shows how a researcher is intellectual and committed to a particular outcome. The relationship between the variables can also predict its nature. For example- children aged four years eating proper food over a five-year period are having higher IQ levels than children not having a proper meal. This shows the effect and direction of the effect.

Non-directional Hypothesis

It is used when there is no theory involved. It is a statement that a relationship exists between two variables, without predicting the exact nature (direction) of the relationship.

Null Hypothesis

It provides a statement which is contrary to the hypothesis. It’s a negative statement, and there is no relationship between independent and dependent variables. The symbol is denoted by “H O ”.

Associative and Causal Hypothesis

Associative hypothesis occurs when there is a change in one variable resulting in a change in the other variable. Whereas, the causal hypothesis proposes a cause and effect interaction between two or more variables.

Examples of Hypothesis

Following are the examples of hypotheses based on their types:

Functions of Hypothesis

Following are the functions performed by the hypothesis:

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:

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is hypothesis.

A hypothesis is an assumption made based on some evidence.

Give an example of simple hypothesis?

What are the types of hypothesis.

Types of hypothesis are:

Associative and Casual hypothesis

State true or false: Hypothesis is the initial point of any investigation that translates the research questions into a prediction.

Define complex hypothesis..

A complex hypothesis shows the relationship between two or more dependent variables and two or more independent variables.

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What Is A Research (Or Scientific) Hypothesis? A plain-language explanation + examples

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2020

If you’re new to the world of research, or it’s your first time writing a dissertation or thesis, you’re probably noticing that the words “research hypothesis” and “scientific hypothesis” are used quite a bit, and you’re wondering what they mean in a research context .

“Hypothesis” is one of those words that people use loosely, thinking they understand what it means. However, it has a very specific meaning within academic research. So, it’s important to understand the exact meaning before you start hypothesizing.

Research Hypothesis 101

What is a hypothesis?

Let’s start with the general definition of a hypothesis (not a research hypothesis or scientific hypothesis), according to the Cambridge Dictionary:

Hypothesis: an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved.

In other words, it’s a statement that provides an explanation for why or how something works, based on facts (or some reasonable assumptions), but that has not yet been specifically tested . For example, a hypothesis might look something like this:

Hypothesis: sleep impacts academic performance.

This statement predicts that academic performance will be influenced by the amount and/or quality of sleep a student engages in – sounds reasonable, right? It’s based on reasonable assumptions , underpinned by what we currently know about sleep and health (from the existing literature). So, loosely speaking, we could call it a hypothesis, at least by the dictionary definition.

But that’s not good enough…

Unfortunately, that’s not quite sophisticated enough to describe a research hypothesis (also sometimes called a scientific hypothesis), and it wouldn’t be acceptable in a dissertation, thesis or research paper. In the world of academic research, a statement needs a few more criteria to constitute a true research hypothesis .

What is a research hypothesis?

A research hypothesis (also called a scientific hypothesis) is a statement about the expected outcome of a study (for example, a dissertation or thesis). To constitute a quality hypothesis, the statement needs to have three attributes – specificity , clarity and testability .

Let’s take a look at these more closely.

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Hypothesis Essential #1: Specificity & Clarity

A good research hypothesis needs to be extremely clear and articulate about both what’ s being assessed (who or what variables are involved ) and the expected outcome (for example, a difference between groups, a relationship between variables, etc.).

Let’s stick with our sleepy students example and look at how this statement could be more specific and clear.

Hypothesis: Students who sleep at least 8 hours per night will, on average, achieve higher grades in standardised tests than students who sleep less than 8 hours a night.

As you can see, the statement is very specific as it identifies the variables involved (sleep hours and test grades), the parties involved (two groups of students), as well as the predicted relationship type (a positive relationship). There’s no ambiguity or uncertainty about who or what is involved in the statement, and the expected outcome is clear.

Contrast that to the original hypothesis we looked at – “Sleep impacts academic performance” – and you can see the difference. “Sleep” and “academic performance” are both comparatively vague , and there’s no indication of what the expected relationship direction is (more sleep or less sleep). As you can see, specificity and clarity are key.

A good research hypothesis needs to be very clear about what’s being assessed and very specific about the expected outcome.

Hypothesis Essential #2: Testability (Provability)

A statement must be testable to qualify as a research hypothesis. In other words, there needs to be a way to prove (or disprove) the statement. If it’s not testable, it’s not a hypothesis – simple as that.

For example, consider the hypothesis we mentioned earlier:

Hypothesis: Students who sleep at least 8 hours per night will, on average, achieve higher grades in standardised tests than students who sleep less than 8 hours a night.

We could test this statement by undertaking a quantitative study involving two groups of students, one that gets 8 or more hours of sleep per night for a fixed period, and one that gets less. We could then compare the standardised test results for both groups to see if there’s a statistically significant difference.

Again, if you compare this to the original hypothesis we looked at – “Sleep impacts academic performance” – you can see that it would be quite difficult to test that statement, primarily because it isn’t specific enough. How much sleep? By who? What type of academic performance?

So, remember the mantra – if you can’t test it, it’s not a hypothesis 🙂

A good research hypothesis must be testable. In other words, you must able to collect observable data in a scientifically rigorous fashion to test it.

Defining A Research Hypothesis

You’re still with us? Great! Let’s recap and pin down a clear definition of a hypothesis.

A research hypothesis (or scientific hypothesis) is a statement about an expected relationship between variables, or explanation of an occurrence, that is clear, specific and testable.

So, when you write up hypotheses for your dissertation or thesis, make sure that they meet all these criteria. If you do, you’ll not only have rock-solid hypotheses but you’ll also ensure a clear focus for your entire research project.

What about the null hypothesis?

You may have also heard the terms null hypothesis , alternative hypothesis, or H-zero thrown around. At a simple level, the null hypothesis is the counter-proposa l to the original hypothesis.

For example, if the hypothesis predicts that there is a relationship between two variables (for example, sleep and academic performance), the null hypothesis would predict that there is no relationship between those variables.

At a more technical level, the null hypothesis proposes that no statistical significance exists in a set of given observations and that any differences are due to chance alone.

And there you have it – hypotheses in a nutshell.

If you have any questions, be sure to leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to help you. Also be sure to check out the Grad Coach blog for more research-related content.

Psst… there’s more (for free)

This post is part of our research writing mini-course, which covers everything you need to get started with your dissertation, thesis or research project.

You Might Also Like:

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research: How To Choose Your Research Approach

Very useful information. I benefit more from getting more information in this regard.

Very great insight,educative and informative. Please give meet deep critics on many research data of public international Law like human rights, environment, natural resources, law of the sea etc

In a book I read a distinction is made between null, research, and alternative hypothesis. As far as I understand, alternative and research hypotheses are the same. Can you please elaborate? Best Afshin

Very good definition. How can I cite your definition in my thesis? Thank you. Is nul hypothesis compulsory in a research?

Please what is the difference between alternate hypothesis and research hypothesis?

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User Research – The Importance of Hypotheses

It is easy to be tempted to look at the objective of your user research and pump out a solution that fits your best idea of how to achieve those objectives. That’s because experienced professionals can be quite good at that but then again they can also be very bad at it.

It is better to take your objectives and generate some hypothetical situations and then test those hypotheses with your users before turning them into concrete action. This gives you (and hopefully your clients) more confidence in your ideas or it highlights the need for changing those hypotheses because they don’t work in reality.

Let’s say that your objective is to create a network where people can access short (say a chapter) parts of a full text before they decide to buy the text or not. (Rather like Amazon does).

You can create some simple hypotheses around this objective in a few minutes brainstorming .

User-Attitude

We think that people would like to share their favourite clips with others on Facebook and Twitter.

User-Behaviour

We think that people will only share their favourite authors and books. They won’t share things that aren’t important to them.

User-Social Context

We think that people will be more likely to share their favourite authors and books if they are already popular with other users.

Why does this matter?

One of the things about design projects is that when you have a group of intelligent, able and enthusiastic developers, stakeholders, etc. that they all bring their own biases and understanding to the table when determining the objectives for a project. Those objectives may be completely sound but the only way to know this is to test those ideas with your users.

You cannot force a user to meet your objectives. You have to shape your objectives to what a user wants/needs to do with your product.

What happens to our product if our users don’t want to share their reading material with others? What if they feel that Facebook, Twitter, etc. are platforms where they want to share images and videos but not large amounts of text?

If you generate hypotheses for your user-research; you can test them at the relevant stage of research. The benefits include:

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IMAGES

Hypothesis Meaning In Quantitative Research
Research Hypothesis Examples / Hypothesis example
The Null Hypothesis and Research Hypothesis
What is Hypothesis? Functions- Characteristics-types-Criteria
Hypothesis Examples For Research Paper
Research Hypothesis Examples / Hypothesis in research example pdf

VIDEO

EXAMPLE: hypothesis & conclusions. (Part 4)
Introduction to Hypothesis and its characteristics
KINDS OF RESEARCH ACROSS FIELDS
RESEARCH QUESTION AND HYPOTHESES
WHAT IS HYPOTHESIS?
How to write a hypothesis

COMMENTS

Research Hypothesis: Definition, Types, Examples and Quick Tips
A hypothesis must keep and reflect the scope for further investigations and experiments. Separating a Hypothesis from a Prediction Outside of academia, hypothesis and prediction are often used interchangeably. In research writing, this is not only confusing but also incorrect.
Hypothesis in Research: Definition, Types And Importance
Importance of Hypothesis: It ensures the entire research methodologies are scientific and valid. It helps to assume the probability of research failure and progress. It helps to provide link to the underlying theory and specific research question. It helps in data analysis and measure the validity and reliability of the research.
Types of Research Hypotheses
There are seven different types of research hypotheses. Simple Hypothesis A simple hypothesis predicts the relationship between a single dependent variable and a single independent variable. Complex Hypothesis A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship between two or more independent and dependent variables. Directional Hypothesis
(PDF) Hypothesis Types and Research
A hypothesis ensures the entire research process remains scientific and reliable. Though hypotheses are essential during the research process, it can produce complications with regards to...
Developing the research hypothesis
The research hypothesis contributes to the solution of the research problem. Types of research hypotheses include inductive and deductive, directional and non-directional, and null and alternative hypotheses. Rejecting the null hypothesis and accepting the alternative hypothesis is the basis for building a good research study. This work reviews ...
Forming a Good Hypothesis for Scientific Research
In a study exploring the effects of a particular drug, the hypothesis might be that researchers expect the drug to have some type of effect on the symptoms of a specific illness. In psychology, the hypothesis might focus on how a certain aspect of the environment might influence a particular behavior.
Null & Alternative Hypotheses
A research hypothesis is your proposed answer to your research question. The research hypothesis usually includes an explanation ("x affects y because …"). A statistical hypothesis, on the other hand, is a mathematical statement about a population parameter. Statistical hypotheses always come in pairs: the null and alternative hypotheses.
What is the importance of hypothesis in research?
What is the importance of hypothesis in research? A hypothesis forms the base of research that defines the relationship between two or more research variables. The main topic of discussion is defined based on the hypothesis statement that is clear and concise. Basic characteristics of a hypothesis: It is self-explanatory and consistent.
(PDF) Significance of Hypothesis in Research
Research generates assumptions, possibilities and predictions about the knowledge variable (Anupama, 2018). It also identifies the problems and solutions that can be verified and offers...
Hypothesis Definition & Examples
A fundamental requirement of a hypothesis is that is can be tested against reality, and can then be supported or rejected. To test a hypothesis the researcher first assumes that there is no difference between populations from which they are taken. This is known as the null hypothesis.
Scientific hypothesis
scientific hypothesis, an idea that proposes a tentative explanation about a phenomenon or a narrow set of phenomena observed in the natural world. The two primary features of a scientific hypothesis are falsifiability and testability, which are reflected in an "If…then" statement summarizing the idea and in the ability to be supported or refuted through observation and experimentation.
Types of hypothesis in research/Characteristics/Importance
Importance of the hypothesis Orientation and guidance of the investigation : the hypothesis proposes the direction that the investigation should follow. Relationship between the facts : the hypothesis presents the first sketch of how the facts that are the subject of the investigation may be related and why they occur.
What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?
Remember that a hypothesis is a prediction of the relationship that exists between two or more variables. Your job is to write a hypothesis, and design the research, to "prove" whether or not your prediction is correct. A common pitfall is to use judgments that are subjective and inappropriate for the construction of a hypothesis.
How to Write a Research Hypothesis| Enago Academy
State the problem that you are trying to solve. Make sure that the hypothesis clearly defines the topic and the focus of the experiment. 2. Try to write the hypothesis as an if-then statement. Follow this template: If a specific action is taken, then a certain outcome is expected. 3.
How to Write a Research Hypothesis?
The scientific hypothesis should be formulated in such a way that the stated problems could be studied, proved or refuted in the course of the work. Your hypothesis must obligatory include at least one dependent variable and one independent variable. A non-testable hypothesis is a blind corner to your research study.
What is Hypothesis
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
What Is A Research Hypothesis? A Simple Definition
A research hypothesis (also called a scientific hypothesis) is a statement about the expected outcome of a study (for example, a dissertation or thesis). To constitute a quality hypothesis, the statement needs to have three attributes - specificity, clarity and testability. Let's take a look at these more closely.
User Research
The benefits include: Articulating a hypothesis makes it easy for your team to be sure that you're testing the right thing. Articulating a hypothesis often guides us to a quick solution as to how to test that hypothesis. It is easy to communicate the results of your research against these hypotheses. For example:
What is a Hypothesis?
A hypothesis is used in an experiment to define the relationship between two variables. The purpose of a hypothesis is to find the answer to a question. A formalized hypothesis will force us to ...
PDF HYPOTHESIS: MEANING, TYPES AND FORMULATION
various types such as working, scientific, alternative, research, null or statistical hypothesis. A hypothesis can virtually relate to anything under the sun. Hence, a great caution and practical approach needs to be adopted while formulating a hypothesis. Two basic methods of hypothesis formulation are qualitative method and quantitative method.
Hypothesis
A working hypothesis is a hypothesis that is provisionally accepted as a basis for further research in the hope that a tenable theory will be produced, even if the hypothesis ultimately fails. Like all hypotheses, a working hypothesis is constructed as a statement of expectations, which can be linked to the exploratory research purpose in empirical investigation.