Research Hypothesis
“A hypothesis is written in such a way that it can be proven or disproved by valid and
reliable data-it is in order to obtain these data that we perform our study” (Grinnel
1988:200).
A hypothesis can be defined as a prediction or explanation of the relationship
between one or more independent variables and one dependent variable
(OUTCOME).
A hypothesis, in other words, translates the problem statement into a precise, clear
prediction of an expected outcomes.
It must be emphasized that hypotheses are not meant to be haphazard guesses, but
should reflect the depth of knowledge, imagination and experience of the
investigator.
Types of hypotheses
o Null hypothesis
o Alternative hypothesis
Null Hypothesis (Ho): It’s the hypothesis of no statistically significant relationships or
differences between variables or groups.
Example:
o There is no statistically significant relationship between age and life
satisfaction.
Alternative / Research Hypothesis (H): It is the hypothesis of statistically significant
relationships or differences between variables or groups. It can be supported only by
rejecting the Ho.
Example:
o There is a statistically significant relationship between age and life
satisfaction.
Functions of Hypothesis:
Formulation of a hypothesis provides a study with focus “specific aspects of a
research problem to investigate”
What data are necessary to collect to test the hypothesis
Enables you to specifically conclude what is true or what is false.
Definition of terms/ Clarification of concepts:
Definition of terms- quantitative research studies
Clarification/Conceptualisation of terms- qualitative research studies
In this section the researcher clarifies the key concepts used in the study
Eg ‘adolescence’ Erikson’s ( 1967) psychosocial stages include …Adolescence is
defined as the stage where the following developmental tasks have to be negotiated
–etc.
“A hypothesis is written in such a way that it can be proven or disproved by valid and
reliable data-it is in order to obtain these data that we perform our study” (Grinnel
1988:200).
A hypothesis can be defined as a prediction or explanation of the relationship
between one or more independent variables and one dependent variable
(OUTCOME).
A hypothesis, in other words, translates the problem statement into a precise, clear
prediction of an expected outcomes.
It must be emphasized that hypotheses are not meant to be haphazard guesses, but
should reflect the depth of knowledge, imagination and experience of the
investigator.
Types of hypotheses
o Null hypothesis
o Alternative hypothesis
Null Hypothesis (Ho): It’s the hypothesis of no statistically significant relationships or
differences between variables or groups.
Example:
o There is no statistically significant relationship between age and life
satisfaction.
Alternative / Research Hypothesis (H): It is the hypothesis of statistically significant
relationships or differences between variables or groups. It can be supported only by
rejecting the Ho.
Example:
o There is a statistically significant relationship between age and life
satisfaction.
Functions of Hypothesis:
Formulation of a hypothesis provides a study with focus “specific aspects of a
research problem to investigate”
What data are necessary to collect to test the hypothesis
Enables you to specifically conclude what is true or what is false.
Definition of terms/ Clarification of concepts:
Definition of terms- quantitative research studies
Clarification/Conceptualisation of terms- qualitative research studies
In this section the researcher clarifies the key concepts used in the study
Eg ‘adolescence’ Erikson’s ( 1967) psychosocial stages include …Adolescence is
defined as the stage where the following developmental tasks have to be negotiated
–etc.
