‘Hypothesis’ is one of the fundamental tools for research in any kind of investigation. In fact, it is the second step to follow in any kind of research process. The hypothesis is a tentative solution of a problem. The research activities are planned to verify the hypothesis. It is very essential for a researcher to understand the meaning and nature of hypothesis. The researchers always plan or formulate a hypothesis in the beginning of the problem (at the start of research).
MEANING OF HYPOTHESIS:
The word hypothesis is made up of two Greek roots which would roughly mean some sort of ‘sub-statements’ if they are sense translated in English. Thus, the word hypothesis consists of two words: Hypo + thesis = where, ‘Hypo’ means tentative or subject to the verification and ‘Thesis’ means statement about solution of a problem.
The word meaning of the term hypothesis is ‘a tentative statement about the solution of the problem’.
Hypothesis offers a solution of the problem that is to be verified empirically and based on some rationale. Another meaning of the word hypothesis which is composed of two words: ‘Hypo’ means composition of two or more variables which is to be verified. ‘Thesis’ means position of these variables in the specific frame of reference. This is the operational meaning of the term hypothesis.
Hypothesis is the composition of some variables which have some specific position or role of the variables i.e. to be verified empirically. It is a proposition about the factual and conceptual’ elements.
Hypothesis is called a leap into the dark. It is a brilliant guess about the solution of a problem. A tentative generalization or theory formulated about the character of a phenomenon under observation are called hypothesis. It is a statement temporarily accepted as true in the light of what is known at the time about the phenomenon. It is the basis for planning and action- in the research for new truth.
NATURE OF HYPOTHESIS
The following are the main features of a hypothesis:
1. It is conceptual in nature. Some kind of conceptual elements in the framework are involved in a
hypothesis.
2. It is a verbal statement in a declarative form. It is a verbal expression of ideas and concepts, it is not merely an idea but is also available in the verbal form, though the idea is in itself is enough for empirical verification.
3. It has some empirical referent. A hypothesis contains some empirical referent. It indicates the tentative relationship between two or more variables.
4. It has a forward or future reference. A hypothesis is future oriented. It relates to the future verification and not to the past facts and information.
5. It is the pivot of a scientific research. All the research activities are designed for its verification.
Significance of hypothesis
The following are the significance of hypothesis in the research
1. It is a temporary solution of a problem concerning with some truth which enables an investigator to
start his research works.
2. It offers a basis in establishing the specificity what to study and may provide possible solutions to the problem.
3. Each hypothesis may lead to formulate another hypothesis.
4. A preliminary hypothesis may take the shape of a final hypothesis.
5. Each hypothesis provides the investigator with definite statement which may be objectively tested and accepted or rejected.
6. It places clear and specific goals: A well thought out hypothesis is that which places clear and specific goals before the researcher and provides him/her with a basis for selecting sample and research procedure to meet these goals.
7. It links things together: “It serves the important function of linking together the related facts and
information and organizing them into whole.”
8. It prevents blind research: “The use of hypothesis prevents a blind search or research and saves the
researchers from gathering of masses of data which may later prove irrelevant to the study.”
TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS:
Hypotheses vary in form and some extent and in some cases the form is determined by the function of hypotheses in different contexts. Thus a working hypothesis is described as the best guess or statement derivable from known or available evidence. The amount of evidence and the certainty or quality that can be determined will bring different forms of hypotheses, such as specific or general.
In other cases, the type of statistical treatment generates a need for a particular form of hypothesis. In either case, there are some set forms of hypothesis and they can be explained as follows:
1. Declarative Statement: A hypothesis may be developed as a declarative statement which provides an anticipated relationship between variables. The anticipation of a difference between variables would imply that the hypothesis developer has examined existing evidences very carefully and they have led him/her to believe that differences may be anticipated as a process of additional evidences.
2. Cause and effect relationship hypothesis: - Hypothesis describing a relationship between two variables is said to be relational hypothesis. Here, relationship between variables is observed where change in one variable gives change in other variables. “Fast food eating habits is cause of obesity in children” is a good example.
3. Directional Hypothesis: States that the independent variable will effect the dependent variable and
the direction of the effect in the experiment. E.g. Consuming 2 grams of caffeine will make you sleep less than5 hours in one night.
4. Non-Directional Hypothesis: States that the dependent and independent variable will have an effect on one another but it does not specify what that effect will be. E.g. Consuming 2 grams of caffeine will alter how much sleep you will get in hours.
5. Null Hypothesis: It indicates that there is no relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Null Hypothesis States that if there is an effect between the dependent and independent variables, it is down to chance and not an effect from the experiment. E.g. Consuming 2 grams of caffeine will not influence how much you sleep in one night. It depends on the participant levels of stress at the time.
A GOOD HYPOTHESIS IS ONE WHICH:
1. Clearly defines the assumption will all operational definitions which are easy to understand and communicate.
2. Should be brief so that it meaningfully describes the concept involved in the assumption.
3. Requires limited assumption and conditions to testify it.
4. It should meet the criteria, or disprove or add new knowledge to the theory.
5. Based on phenomena which are easily observed or else it is difficult to test it empirically.
6. Explaining and expected relationship between the variables.
7. Initially researcher should make one hypothesis which is significant and can be easily tested. If he finds a need of designing or formulating number of hypothesis, he should do it.
