Theory and hypothesis are used in scientific research to explain different aspects of the natural world we observe. As a definition, theory is a properly proved or substantiated explanation of a observation of the natural world you face. While, hypothesis is a possible guess or untested explanation of phenomenon you observed. Let’s see theory and hypothesis and research in detail
To be a theory, it is indispensable to have supporting reasons for your educated guess or explanation. But, in case of hypothesis, it is a possible explanation without supporting reasons. So, hypothesis has to be proved by the supporting reasons.
Understanding theory, hypothesis and research
In layman’s language, theory is a possible or tentative explanation without supporting reasons. Generally, it is used while discussing any issue as a part of group discussion or anything. In short, it is general way to providing explanation and making generalization.
In scientific terms, theory means a well proved explanation with genuine supporting reasons and can be used to predict something. Unlike hypothesis, theory is used to generalize phenomenon.
How to form a hypothesis as part of research process
Comparatively, hypothesis is a possible explanation based on observation, and it is yet to be tested. Simply put, hypothesis is a simple guess of things happening as part of observation.
For more details, hypothesis is a logical prediction about what is going to happen based on either observations or prior knowledge.
Technically, hypothesis is a combination of two different variables dependent and independent. And, as per research rule, it should correlate between independent and dependent variables.
What is mean by observation?
Usually, in day-to-day we perceive or see things or phenomenon happening around us. We try to identify by applying our stored earlier knowledge and make predictions.
Research process-Observation
But, in scientific observation, certain rules need to be followed. Scientifically, observation is a conscious, deliberate, and careful process. It is practiced to find connections and patterns out of perceived aspects or phenomenon to reach at an educated guess.
Types of observations used in research
More specifically, observation may be participant or non-participant. In participant observation, observer is a part of phenomenon he observes. While, in non-participant, observer is not part of observation.
Data collected by the means of observation is used to construct or form testable hypothesis.
How to develop a theory?
As I stated earlier that theory is a well proved explanation of observation of natural world. It means that it is supported and proved with facts.
Basic questions to develop a theory
In short, theory is used to explain Why does something happens? How the observed connections and patterns are correlated? And, what is the observed phenomenon?
For to take in-depth understanding, just have a look at observation and hypothesis.
First of all, we have to answer “What” observation. What is the nature of observation?
Second, why the things happening in the way they are, and not other ways?
Third, how the parts are connected or related to one another to make whole?
Exactly, these are three questions that one need to answer before to begin formation of theory.
If you know the observed phenomenon, its connections and patterns, reasons behind connections and patterns, and manners by which these are assembled to form phenomenon you study; it becomes easier to form a testable hypothesis to prove.
Data collection by repeated observations
Once you formed a well testable concise hypothesis, second task is to prove it in the light of relevant facts and evidences. It is done by either conceptual research or empirical.
Hence, data collection is a vital step. Technically, there are various means and methods of data collection. Eventually, even though theory is proved, it is subject to change or modify if there are new facts or evidences surface.
Short summary on theory, hypothesis, and research
First, observation is a conscious, deliberate and careful process of perceiving things happening around you.
Second, observation is used to find patterns and connections among different things.
Third, there are two types of observations participants and non-participant.
Fourth, information collected by the means of observation is used to form hypothesis.
Fifth, hypothesis is a possible explanation of phenomenon you observed.
Sixth, it is untested explanation but testable in the light of relevant facts and evidences.
Seventh, according to rule, hypothesis statement should correlate between independent and dependent variables.
Eighth, once, the testable hypothesis is formed, it is subject to test by either conceptual research or empirical research method.
Ninth, theory is a proved explanation of phenomenon you observed.
Tenth, it explores answers of “What” observation, “Why” causal reasons behind the connections and patterns of observation, and “How” manners and methods of connections and patterns that make the whole.
At last, even though theory is proved, it is subject to change or modify if there are new facts or evidences surface.
This is all about the difference between theory and hypothesis. Now, let’s see some solved questions on theory and hypothesis.
Solved questions on theory, hypothesis, and research
For better understanding for students and learners, here are some important solved questions. Please, have a look of it.
Q. 1. What is scientific research?
Ans: Scientific research is a means to form hypothesis, theory and explore laws to understand the world you live in. There are two types of research methods. One is conceptual research and second is empirical research.
Q. 2. Define conceptual research method
Ans: Conceptual research is a type of research in which researchers used to conceptualise the specific aspect of broader theoretical framework to deduce a specific testable hypothesis.
Q. 3. Describe empirical research method.
Ans: It is a type of research method by which researchers try to generate new facts, or solve problems by collecting data through repeated observations.
In this research method, predictions are made on the basis of repeated observations. No earlier published work is considered like conceptual research method to make final guess.
Q. 4. What is the difference between perception and observation?
Ans: Both perception and observation are important tools of research method. Perception is a cognitive process of making sense of information received by sensory organs.
While, observation is a way to explore truth or facts to verify claims or assertions by the means of empirical research.
Q. 5. What does observation mean?
Ans: Observation is a process of perceiving things happening around you. It is done to find out connections and patterns to collect data. There are two types of observations participants and non-participant.
Q. 6. Why does hypothesis so important?
Ans: Hypothesis is an important tool of research method. A well testable and falsifiable hypothesis is indispensable to test in the light of relevant facts and evidences to prove. It is essential to form theories.
Q. 7. What do you know by theory?
Ans: Hypothesis is a possible explanation without supporting reasons. But, theory is a proved explanation of phenomenon you observed. It answers what, why and how of observation.
I hope that the subject matter of theory, hypothesis, and research will help students to master scientific research and develop scientific temper.
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Empirical research methodology
Conceptual research methodology
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