FUNCTIONS OF HYPOTHESIS

                FUNCTIONS OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

What is hypothesis?

Hypothesis is an assumption that is made on the basis of some evidence. This is the initial point of any investigation that translates the research questions into a prediction. 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 

 

Following are the characteristics of 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.

 

Types of Hypothesis

There are six forms of hypothesis and they are:

Simple hypothesis

Complex hypothesis

Directional hypothesis

Non-directional hypothesis

Null hypothesis

Associative and casual hypothesis

 

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, reduces the risk of many diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers.

 

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 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 the 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 “HO”.

 

Associative and Causal Hypothesis

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

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 directions.

How will Hypothesis help in Scientific Method?

Researchers use hypothesis 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

Summarising the experiment

Communicating the results  

                   References 

Byjus(2021). https://byjus.com/physics/hypothesis/#:~:text=Functions%20of%20Hypothesis,-Following%20are%20the&text=Hypothesis%20helps%20in%20making%20an,helps%20in%20verifying%20the%20observations. 

Britannicca Encyclopaedia(2021).

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