Formulating Hypotheses for research.pptx

Formulating Hypothesis

1. Where do research hypotheses come from? 9/27/2024 1:13:04 PM

2. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of where research hypotheses come from: 1. Formulation of the Research Question The research question defines the main problem or phenomenon you want to investigate. The hypothesis will be a specific, testable prediction that addresses this research question. Example Research Question: Does the use of interactive vocabulary teaching techniques improve student retention compared to traditional methods?

3. 2. Review of Literature and Existing Theories Research hypotheses are often grounded in existing theories or findings from previous studies. By reviewing the literature, you can identify patterns, gaps, or contradictions that may help inform your hypothesis. The literature helps to narrow down the scope of your research and provide a foundation for what you expect to find. Example: Previous research suggests that interactive techniques, such as games and discussions, improve student engagement and learning outcomes in vocabulary acquisition.

4. 3. Preliminary Observations or Data Sometimes, researchers conduct preliminary studies or have observations that help inform a hypothesis. Even without formal data, insights from teachers or practitioners might suggest trends that can be turned into a hypothesis. Example: Based on classroom observations, teachers report that students seem more engaged when using interactive methods.

5. 4. Personal or Practical Experience Researchers often rely on their own expertise or experience in the field to generate hypotheses. This is especially common when research is conducted to solve practical problems in areas like education, health, or any other technical area. Example: If you have experience teaching vocabulary with interactive techniques, you might hypothesize that these methods improve retention compared to traditional lectures.

6. 5. Logical Deduction Hypotheses are often formulated through logical reasoning. If A leads to B (according to theory or prior evidence), then we can hypothesize that B will happen in the context of the study. Example: If interactive methods are known to improve engagement, it is logical to hypothesize that they will also improve vocabulary retention.

7. 6. Types of Hypotheses Null Hypothesis (H0): This typically states that there is no effect or difference. It serves as the default position that the study seeks to test against. Alternative Hypothesis (H1): This is what the researcher expects to find; it predicts an effect or difference.

8. Example Hypotheses: Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant difference in vocabulary retention between students taught using interactive techniques and those taught using traditional methods. Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Students taught using interactive vocabulary techniques will have significantly higher retention compared to those taught using traditional methods.

9. 7. Testability A good hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable, meaning it can be supported or refuted based on empirical data. It should be specific enough to guide the research process and analysis. Testable Example: Students who engage in vocabulary games will score 20% higher on retention tests than those who learn through traditional lectures.

10. Summary In summary, research hypotheses come from the interplay of the research question, existing literature, theory, prior observations, and logical reasoning. The hypothesis translates a broad research question into a testable statement that can be confirmed or refuted through empirical research.