Hypothesis

Hypothesis
By Saad Farooqi

1. PREPARED BY,
SAAD FAROQI, C.NO: 01
BS 6
TH
SEMESTER,
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL &
CONSERVATION SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF
SWAT
05/27/15
1
HYPOTHESIS

2. Contents
2
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

3. Meaning of Hypothesis
3
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.

4. Definition of Hypothesis
4
“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)

5. Nature of Hypothesis
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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.

6. Importance of a hypothesis
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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

7. Cont.
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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

8. Characteristics of a good hypothesis
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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.

9. 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.

10. 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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11. Sources of Hypothesis
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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.

12. Types of Hypothesis
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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.

13. 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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14. 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.

15. 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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16. 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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17. Cont.
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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.

18. Problem in formulation of hypothesis
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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.

19. Errors in testing of hypothesis
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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.

20. Cont.
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21. References
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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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