PREPARED BY,

SAAD FAROQI, C.NO: 01

BS 6TH SEMESTER,

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL & CONSERVATION SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF SWAT

04/15/23

1

HYPOTHESIS

Contents2

Introduction

Definition

Nature of hypothesis

Importance of hypothesis

Characteristics of a good hypothesis

Sources of hypothesis

Types of hypothesis

Problem in formulation of hypothesis

Errors in testing of hypothesis

References

Meaning of Hypothesis3

The word hypothesis is derived from the Greek word – ‘hypotithenai’

meaning ‘to put under’ or ‘to suppose’.

The word hypothesis consists of two words ‘Hypo’ and ‘thesis’.

‘Hypo’ means tentative or subject to the verification and

‘Thesis’ means statement about solution of a problem.

So the word “Hypothesis” means tentative statement about solution of a

problem or Hypothesis means the guesses to solve the research problem.

Definition of Hypothesis4

“It is a tentative supposition or provisional guess which seems to explain the

situation under observation.” – James E. Greighton

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

variables. (Kerlinger, 1956)

Hypothesis is a formal statement that presents the expected relationship

between an independent and dependent variable. (Creswell, 1994)

Nature of Hypothesis5

1. It is conceptual in nature.

2. It is a verbal statement in a declarative form.

3. It has the empirical referent.

4. It has a forward or future reference.

5. It is the pivot of a scientific research.

Importance of a hypothesis6

To the point enquiry

Development of Research technique

Separating Relevant from Irrelevant observation

Selecting required facts

Direction of research

Act as a guide

Prevent blind research

Cont.7

Accuracy and precision

Link between Theory and Investigation

Link between Assumption and Observation

Provide answer for a question

Save Time, Money and Energy

Proper data collection

Proper conclusion

Characteristics of a good hypothesis8

A good hypothesis must possess the following main characteristics.

A good hypothesis is in agreement with the observed facts.

A good hypothesis does not conflict with any law of nature which is known to be true.

A good hypothesis is stated in the simplest possible term.

A good hypothesis permits of the application of deductive reasoning.

A good hypothesis shows very clear verbalization. It is different from what is generally

called hunch.

Cont.9

A good hypothesis ensures that the methods of verification are under control of the

investigator.

A good hypothesis guarantees that available tools and techniques will be effectively

used for the purpose of verification.

A good hypothesis takes into account the different types controls which are to be

exercised for the purpose of verification.

Cont.

A good hypothesis ensures that the sample is readily approachable.

A good hypothesis indicates clearly the role of different variables involved in

the study.

A good hypothesis maintains a very apparent distinction with what is called

theory law, facts, assumption and postulate.

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Sources of Hypothesis11

According to Webster,

“Hypothesis is a guess made by the researcher which either solve the problem or guide

him in further investigation.”

Reading Material- Published books, Journals, Magazines, Seminar Reports,

Principle of Theories – Rule of Law, Basic Structure etc.,

Personal Experience, and

Other Studies.

Types of Hypothesis12

Hypotheses are classified in several ways on different basis. On the

other basis of the degree of generality hypothesis can be divided into

two categories.

Universal and

Existential.

Cont.

Universal hypothesis

Universal hypothesis is one which states the relationship that holds good

for all the levels or values of variables which are specified for all time at

all places.

Existential hypothesis

Existential hypothesis is one which states the relationship which holds

good for at least one place.

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Cont.14

Descriptive Hypothesis:

A Hypothesis is about the law which is an instance, is called descriptive Hypothesis.

Explanatory Hypothesis:

A Hypothesis may be about cause of phenomenon; this type of Hypothesis is known

as exploratory. This strongly states the existence of cause and effect relationship.

Cont.

Directional Hypothesis:

It connotes an expected direction in the relationship or difference between

variables.

Non- Directional Hypothesis

It shows absence of relationship in the variables.

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Cont.

Working Hypothesis:

A casual relation between various facts/ which are foremen on probability.

It is set upon the basis of pier observation or on logical grounds.

Statistical Hypothesis:

It is testable within the framework of probability theory. N.C.Nemor the null

hypothesis as the statistical Hypothesis.

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Cont.17

Null Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis is a statistical Hypothesis which used in analyzing the data. It

assumed that observed difference is attributable by sampling error and too difference

is zero.

Problem in formulation of hypothesis18

According to Goode and Hatt these are three major possible difficulties in

formulation of good hypothesis.

First: Absence of knowledge of theoretical framework.

Second: Lack of ability to utilize the theoretical framework logically.

Third: Investigator’s unawareness about available research techniques.

Errors in testing of hypothesis19

There are two types of errors in hypothesis.

(i) Type I error

(ii) Type II error

(i) Type I error :

Rejection of a true null hypothesis is called the type I error.

(ii) Type II error :

Retention of false null hypothesis is called the type II error.

Cont.20

References21

Donald. A, Jacobs. C. L and Razavieh. A, (2010) “Introduction to Research in

Education” 8th Edition, Cengage Learning products, USA; Wadsworth Belmont.

Creswell (2009) “Research design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods

Approach” 3rd Edition, California: SAGE Publications.

Guy (2006) “Educational Research; competencies for analysis and application”

8th edition, New Jersey; Pearson Education, Inc.

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