Simply, hypothesis is a logical guess, prediction or explanation of any problem you plan to solve. However, writing hypothesis that is specific, testable, and falsifiable in research is not so easy.
In other words, hypothesis is a logical prediction about what is going to happen based on either observations or prior knowledge.
As a rule, it correlate between independent and dependent variables. Technically, no hypothesis is proved but either supported or rejected.
Understanding the role of hypothesis in research
Hypothesis is a vital component of research process in both conceptual as well as empirical research.
Simply, hypothesis is a possible, testable, and specific explanation of what is going to happen based on either observations or prior literature.
It always been targeted to ongoing problems or to fill the knowledge gap between prior and present findings.
“Women who eat nutritious diet during pregnancy have few complications than women who don’t afford to eat so”.
If you avoid diet with high carbs daily, it will help you to lose weight quickly.
In the first example, two variables, independent and dependent, are correlated to form a hypothesis. Whereas, in the second example, cause-effect relations are predicted by conditional statement.
Techniques of writing hypothesis in research
As I stated earlier that hypothesis is a well presumed prediction about possible happenings based on either observations or prior knowledge.
Formation of a good hypothesis need two variables, independent and dependent. In any hypothesis in scientific research, two conditions are correlated. We call these essential conditions as variables.
Basically, there are two types of variables used to form hypothetical prediction.
Importance of variables in hypothesis formation
Between two variables, independent variable is vital as it is manipulated by research community. Hence, identifying independent variable is utmost important in scientific research process.
For example, in the above example, “Women who eat nutritious diet during pregnancy have few complications”, is the independent variable.
Second variable, “women who don’t afford to eat nutritious diet”, is totally depends on the earlier independent variable.
So, it is important to understand and correlate independent and dependent variables as conditions before any writing hypothesis.
In the process of research, researchers are going to collect data to support or reject the correlation between two conditions or variables.
Importantly, more the specific correlation between two variables in question, better the possibility of testing of given hypothesis. This is the reason why researchers advocate specific approach in forming hypothesis.
Role of hypothesis in scientific research
A specific, falsifiable, well testable hypothesis is like engine in scientific process.
Research always revolves around the predicted statement about something happening. Everything is done to either support or reject hypothesis.
If the given reasons fails to support hypothesis in question, the research loses relevance and need fresh beginning with newer hypothesis.
Last words on writing hypothesis in research,
So far, we have understood the nature of hypothesis, techniques to write, and analysis of dependent and independent variables.
It is true that a specific, falsifiable, well testable hypothesis acts as engine in scientific research process.
Because, the quality of hypothesis is necessary condition for the beginning of serious research. But, the quality as well as quantity of supporting statements decide the fate of research in general and hypothesis in particular.
Short summary of writing hypothesis in research
Hypothesis is a logical untested explanation of thing in focus or you want to explore.
It acts as engine in the scientific research processes.
A specific, falsifiable and well testable hypothesis is essential in the research process
In any hypothesis in scientific research, two conditions are correlated. We call these essential conditions as variables.
Research always revolves around the predicted statement about something happening. So, the quality of hypothesis is necessary condition for the beginning of serious research.
Solved Questions on hypothesis
For perfect grasp of the given subject matter on writing hypothesis in research, following solved questions would prove instrumental.
Q. 1. What is mean by hypothesis? Why is it important in scientific research methods?
Ans: In scientific research method, hypothesis acts as engine as the whole research process revolves around the predicted statement.
Hence, the quality of research statement or hypothesis is a necessary condition before to embark on the journey of research.
Generally, a specific, falsifiable and well testable hypothesis is essential in the research process.
Q.2. What are the variable in the scientific research method? Describe the types of variable?
Ans: Formation of a good hypothesis, there is need for two variables, independent and dependent. In any hypothesis in scientific research, two conditions are correlated. We call these essential conditions as variables.
In research process, basically, there are two types of variables used to form hypothetical prediction–dependent and independent variables.
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