What is Hypothesis
Importance of Hypothesis.
Types of Hypothesis.
Hypothesis, one simply means a mere assumption or some supposition to be proved or disproved. But for a researcher hypothesis is a formal question that he intends to resolve. Thus a hypothesis may be defined as a proposition or a set of proposition set forth as an explanation for the occurrence of some specified group of phenomena either asserted merely as a provisional conjecture to guide some investigation or accepted as highly probable in the light of established facts.
1. Conceptual clearness:
A usuable hypothesis must be conceptually clear. In this concepts should be clearly defined and such definitions should be given which are commonly acceptable and communicable rather than definitions which are the product of a private world.
In this regard it is better if concepts in the research outline are listed and then defined in terms of words, particular operation and with reference to other concepts. It will be better, if these concepts are talked out to fellow researchers and some systematic clarification is given where necessary to maintain clarity of concepts.
2. It should be capable of being tested:
A usuable hypothesis should be capable of being tested for this it is essential that the researcher may undertake some prior study to ensure that his hypothesis can be tested. By a testable hypothesis we mean that from its other deductions can be made, which can be established or refuted by observation.
It should also establish some relationship between variables. It is very essential that a hypothesis should be capable of being tested within a reasonable time. A hypothesis even though very excellent but not capable of being tested in a reasonable time should not be used. It should clearly state what it actually wishes to explain.
3. Should have empirical referents:
Then a usable hypothesis should have empirical referents. No usable hypothesis can have moral judgments. The concepts in the hypothesis must have empirical correspondence. All the concepts which express attitudes should be such as can be analysed.
4. Is should be easily understandable:
A usuable hypothesis should be easily understandable. As far as possible in it very simple terms should be used. Some time it is wrongly understood that using of simple terminology, makes hypothesis less significant. It is, however, a wrong notion; use of difficult technical jargons in no way enhances that value of hypothesis. To the extent possible it should be consistent with the known facts.
5. It must be specific:
Then another characteristic of a usuable hypothesis is that it must be specific. In other words, all the operations and predictions indicated in the hypothesis must be clearly spelled out. In the words of Goode and Hatt, After hypothesis are expressed in such general terms, and with so grandiose a scope, that they are simply not testable.
Because of their magnitude, such grand ideas are tempting because they seem impressive and important. It is better for the students to avoid such problems and instead develop his skills upon more tangible notions. In this regard it may be pointed out that for making the hypothesis specific it is necessary that indexes.
If any being used, must be clearly described. In other words, a hypothesis to be usable must include a statement of indexes which are to be used i.e. political office, occupation, effective income, education, etc. It is only then that research can become practical and significant and validity of research can then increases. It has been said that, “Scientific predictions and hypothesis must then, avoid the trap of selective evidence by being as definite and specific as possible.”
It is better if for making the hypothesis specific, that is divided into sub-hypothesis because it then becomes easy to clarify the relationship between the data sought and conclusions drawn on the one hand and make research task more specific and manageable on the other.
6. It should be related to available techniques:
A usable hypothesis can be one which is related to available techniques. It is because theory and methods cannot be opposite to each other. One who does not know what techniques are available to test his hypothesis cannot properly formulate usable questions. It is accepted that in our modern times hypothesis are too complex to be handled by contemporary techniques but all the more a hypothesis devoid of relation to available techniques cannot be a usable hypothesis but it does not mean that without knowledge of technique no usable hypothesis can be developed.
Socio-economic hypothesis of Marx, as one knows was not proved by his data because necessary techniques were not available then. Same can be said about Emile Durkheim’s work on suicide. Not only this, but posing of an impossible question may stimulate the growth of new techniques as well and in fact some impetus towards modern developments in techniques has come from criticisms against significant studies which were considered inadequate because of technical limitations.
7. It should be related to body of theory:
Usually a student is tempted to do some research on an interesting subject without finding out whether the research will really help to refute, qualify or support any existing theory of social relations. No subject can develop without building on an existing body of facts and theory. It can never develop, if each study is an isolated survey. In the words of Goode and Hatt, What is important is that, whatever the source of your hypothesis it must be logically derivable from and based upon a set of sociological propositions.
8. It should be closest to things observable:
Of a usuable hypothesis it is expected that it should be closest to the things observable. In case that is not so it will not be possible to test its accord with empirical facts. A good hypothesis should be formulated in such a manner that some deductions can be derived from it. In the words of Cohen and Nagel, Hypothesis must be formulated in such a manner that deductions can be made from it and that consequently a decision can be reached as to whether it does or does not explain the facts considered.
9. It should be simple and brief:
A good and usable hypothesis should be simple and brief. Simpler the hypothesis, better it will be both for the researcher as well as the research. It should be brief so that it is possible to observe that. A hypothesis can become brief if it is stated in scientific terms. Brevity will also help in better understanding of underlying concepts and meanings.
Importance of Hypothesis.
Types of Hypothesis.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis, one simply means a mere assumption or some supposition to be proved or disproved. But for a researcher hypothesis is a formal question that he intends to resolve. Thus a hypothesis may be defined as a proposition or a set of proposition set forth as an explanation for the occurrence of some specified group of phenomena either asserted merely as a provisional conjecture to guide some investigation or accepted as highly probable in the light of established facts.
A hypothesis is a tentative, testable answer to a scientific
question. Once a scientist has a scientific question she is interested
in, the scientist reads up to find out what is already known on the
topic. Then she uses that information to form a tentative answer to her
scientific question. Sometimes people refer to the tentative answer as
"an educated guess." Keep in mind, though, that the hypothesis also
has to be testable since the next step is to do an experiment to
determine whether or not the hypothesis is right!
A hypothesis leads to one or more predictions that can be tested by experimenting.
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. For a hypothesis to be a scientific hypothesis, the scientific method requires that one can test it. Scientists generally base scientific hypotheses on previous observations that cannot satisfactorily be explained with the available scientific theories. Even though the words "hypothesis" and "theory" are often used synonymously, a scientific hypothesis is not the same as a scientific theory. A working hypothesis is a provisionally accepted hypothesis proposed for further research.
Importance of Hypothesis
Some of the factors responsible for the importance of hypothesis are discussed as under.
To the Point Enquiry
Hypothesis makes a research activity to the point and destination, Research without hypothesis is like a sailor in the sea without compass. So, research is to the point enquiry of problem due to the guidance of hypothesis.
Development of Research Techniques
There are various types of social problems which are complex in nature. For this research is very difficult. We cannot cover it with a single technique but it requires many techniques. These techniques are due to hypothesis provided to a researcher.
Separating Relevant From Irrelevant Observation
A Researcher during study will take the observations and facts which are accordance to the condition and situation. While drop out the irrelevant facts from his study. This separation is due to hypothesis formulation which keeps away relevant observation from irrelevant.
Selecting Required Facts
During study a researcher come across many factors but he confined himself to the selection of required facts through formulation of hypothesis. Hypothesis helps him in selection of relevant facts regarding to the problematic situation.
Direction of Research
Hypothesis acts as a guide master in research. It gives new knowledge and direction to a researcher. It directs a scientist to know about the problematic situation and its causes.
Acts as a Guide
Hypothesis gives new ways and direction to a researcher. It acts as a guide and a leader in various organizations or society. It is like the investigator’s eye.
Prevents Blind Research
Hypothesis provides lighting to the darkness of research. It gives difference b/w scientific and unscientific, false and true research. It prevents blind research and give accuracy.
Accuracy & Precision
Hypothesis provides accuracy and precision to a research activity. Accuracy and precision is the feature of scientific investigation which is possible due to hypothesis.
Link between Theory & Investigation
Theory is a source of hypothesis which leads to its formulation. Hypothesis leads to scientific investigation. So, hypothesis acts as a bridge b/w theory and investigation.
Link between Assumption & Observation
During formulation hypothesis is in the stage of assumption. In the field it transformed into hypothesis in working form. This transformation is due to observation in the field. So, it creates a link between assumption & observation.
Provide answer for a Question
A hypothesis highlights the causes of a problematic situation. Further solution is also given by a hypothesis which provides answer to a question.
Save Time, Money & Energy
Hypothesis save time, money and energy of a researcher because it is a guide for him and help him in saving these basic things.
Proper Data Collection
Hypothesis provides the basis of proper Data Collection Relevant and correct information collected by a researcher is the main function of a good formulated hypothesis.
Proper Conclusion
A proper formulated hypothesis may lead to a good reasonable, utilized and proper conclusion. If the hypothesis is better than the conclusions drawn by a researcher would be better for solution of a problem.
Character of Well-formed Hypothesis
1. Conceptual clearness:
A usuable hypothesis must be conceptually clear. In this concepts should be clearly defined and such definitions should be given which are commonly acceptable and communicable rather than definitions which are the product of a private world.
In this regard it is better if concepts in the research outline are listed and then defined in terms of words, particular operation and with reference to other concepts. It will be better, if these concepts are talked out to fellow researchers and some systematic clarification is given where necessary to maintain clarity of concepts.
2. It should be capable of being tested:
A usuable hypothesis should be capable of being tested for this it is essential that the researcher may undertake some prior study to ensure that his hypothesis can be tested. By a testable hypothesis we mean that from its other deductions can be made, which can be established or refuted by observation.
It should also establish some relationship between variables. It is very essential that a hypothesis should be capable of being tested within a reasonable time. A hypothesis even though very excellent but not capable of being tested in a reasonable time should not be used. It should clearly state what it actually wishes to explain.
3. Should have empirical referents:
Then a usable hypothesis should have empirical referents. No usable hypothesis can have moral judgments. The concepts in the hypothesis must have empirical correspondence. All the concepts which express attitudes should be such as can be analysed.
4. Is should be easily understandable:
A usuable hypothesis should be easily understandable. As far as possible in it very simple terms should be used. Some time it is wrongly understood that using of simple terminology, makes hypothesis less significant. It is, however, a wrong notion; use of difficult technical jargons in no way enhances that value of hypothesis. To the extent possible it should be consistent with the known facts.
5. It must be specific:
Then another characteristic of a usuable hypothesis is that it must be specific. In other words, all the operations and predictions indicated in the hypothesis must be clearly spelled out. In the words of Goode and Hatt, After hypothesis are expressed in such general terms, and with so grandiose a scope, that they are simply not testable.
Because of their magnitude, such grand ideas are tempting because they seem impressive and important. It is better for the students to avoid such problems and instead develop his skills upon more tangible notions. In this regard it may be pointed out that for making the hypothesis specific it is necessary that indexes.
If any being used, must be clearly described. In other words, a hypothesis to be usable must include a statement of indexes which are to be used i.e. political office, occupation, effective income, education, etc. It is only then that research can become practical and significant and validity of research can then increases. It has been said that, “Scientific predictions and hypothesis must then, avoid the trap of selective evidence by being as definite and specific as possible.”
It is better if for making the hypothesis specific, that is divided into sub-hypothesis because it then becomes easy to clarify the relationship between the data sought and conclusions drawn on the one hand and make research task more specific and manageable on the other.
6. It should be related to available techniques:
A usable hypothesis can be one which is related to available techniques. It is because theory and methods cannot be opposite to each other. One who does not know what techniques are available to test his hypothesis cannot properly formulate usable questions. It is accepted that in our modern times hypothesis are too complex to be handled by contemporary techniques but all the more a hypothesis devoid of relation to available techniques cannot be a usable hypothesis but it does not mean that without knowledge of technique no usable hypothesis can be developed.
Socio-economic hypothesis of Marx, as one knows was not proved by his data because necessary techniques were not available then. Same can be said about Emile Durkheim’s work on suicide. Not only this, but posing of an impossible question may stimulate the growth of new techniques as well and in fact some impetus towards modern developments in techniques has come from criticisms against significant studies which were considered inadequate because of technical limitations.
7. It should be related to body of theory:
Usually a student is tempted to do some research on an interesting subject without finding out whether the research will really help to refute, qualify or support any existing theory of social relations. No subject can develop without building on an existing body of facts and theory. It can never develop, if each study is an isolated survey. In the words of Goode and Hatt, What is important is that, whatever the source of your hypothesis it must be logically derivable from and based upon a set of sociological propositions.
8. It should be closest to things observable:
Of a usuable hypothesis it is expected that it should be closest to the things observable. In case that is not so it will not be possible to test its accord with empirical facts. A good hypothesis should be formulated in such a manner that some deductions can be derived from it. In the words of Cohen and Nagel, Hypothesis must be formulated in such a manner that deductions can be made from it and that consequently a decision can be reached as to whether it does or does not explain the facts considered.
9. It should be simple and brief:
A good and usable hypothesis should be simple and brief. Simpler the hypothesis, better it will be both for the researcher as well as the research. It should be brief so that it is possible to observe that. A hypothesis can become brief if it is stated in scientific terms. Brevity will also help in better understanding of underlying concepts and meanings.
Types of Hypothesis
1. Simple Hypothesis
2. Complex Hypothesis
3. Empirical Hypothesis
4. Null Hypothesis
5. Alternative Hypothesis
6. Logical Hypothesis
7. Statistical Hypothesis
1. Simple Hypothesis
Simple hypothesis is that one in which there exists relationship between two variables one is called independent variable or cause and other is dependent variable or effect.
For example
1. Smoking leads to Cancer
2. The higher ratio of unemployment leads to crimes.
2. Complex Hypothesis
Complex hypothesis is that one in which as relationship among variables exists. I recommend you should read characteristics of a good research hypothesis. In this type dependent as well as independent variables are more than two.
For example
1. Smoking and other drugs leads to cancer, tension chest infections etc.
2. The higher ration of unemployment poverty, illiteracy leads to crimes like dacoit, Robbery, Rape, prostitution & killing etc.
3. Empirical Hypothesis
Working hypothesis is that one which is applied to a field. During the formulation it is an assumption only but when it is pat to a test become an empirical or working hypothesis.
4. Null Hypothesis
Null hypothesis is contrary to the positive statement of a working hypothesis. According to null hypothesis there is no relationship between dependent and independent variable. It is denoted by ‘HO”.
5. Alternative Hypothesis
Firstly many hypotheses are selected then among them select one which is more workable and most efficient. That hypothesis is introduced latter on due to changes in the old formulated hypothesis. It is denote by “HI”.
6. Logical Hypothesis
It is that type in which hypothesis is verified logically. J.S. Mill has given four cannons of these hypothesis e.g. agreement, disagreement, difference and residue.
7. Statistical Hypothesis
A hypothesis which can be verified statistically called statistical hypothesis. The statement would be logical or illogical but if statistic verifies it, it will be statistical hypothesis.
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