Hypothesis Meaning and Testing

Definition by Various Authors “A hypothesis is a conjectural (opinion based/
incomplete information) statement of the relation between two or more variables”.

(Kerlinger, 1956)
“Hypotheses are single tentative guesses, good hunches – assumed for use in
devising theory or planning experiments intended to be given a direct experimental
test when possible”. (Eric Rogers, 1966)
“Hypothesis is a formal statement that presents the expected relationship between

an independent and dependent variable.”(Creswell, 1994)
Characteristics of Hypothesis:
1. Related to problem
2. An educated guess
3. A proposition not yet tested
4. Clear & Precise
5. State relation
6. Testable
7. Specific & Simple
8. Amenable with time
Example:
“If a prisoner learns a work skill while in jail, then he is less likely to commit a
crime when he is released.”
Purpose of Hypothesis:
1. Guides/gives direction to the study/investigation

2. Defines Facts that are relevant and not relevant
3. Suggests which form of research design is likely to be the most appropriate
4. Provides a framework for organizing the conclusions of the findings
5. Limits the research to specific area
6. Offers explanations for the relationships between those variables that can be
empirically tested
1) Universal hypothesis
It is one, which denotes that, the stated relationship holds for all specified variables
for all times at all places.
For example, “if brave soldiers are frequently rewarded for their better
performance, they will perform better.”
This relationship hold true for all time and all places.
2.) Existential Hypothesis
It is one in which the stated relationship is said to exist for at least one particular
case.
For example:
There are at least few corporate workers who are scrounger and may not perform
better despite the fact that he is being awarded suitably for better performance.
3.) Research Hypothesis
This type of hypothesis is derived from some type of theory

or some observation and examination.
In other words, the hypothesis set upon the basis of theory

or prior observation or on logical grounds.
4.) Null Hypothesis
Null hypothesis always predicts that there is no relationship between the variables
being studied.
The researcher wishes to disapprove this hypothesis.
It is denoted by H0
For example: “There is no relationship between smoking and lung cancer.”
5.) Alternate Hypothesis
The alternate hypothesis always predicts that there will be a relationship between
the variables being studied.
It is denoted by Ha/H1
Alternative hypothesis can be Non Directional Hypothesis or Directional
Hypothesis
If the hypothesis simply predicts that there will be a

difference between the two groups, then it is a non-
directional hypothesis. It is non-directional because it
predicts that there will be a difference but does not specify
how the groups will differ. “Smoking leads to lungs cancer”
If, however, the hypothesis uses so-called comparison

terms, such as “greater,”“less,”“better,” or “worse,” then it
is a directional hypothesis. It is directional because it
predicts that there will be a difference between the two
groups and it specifies how the two groups will differ
“smoking will increase the chances of lungs cancer in a
person than a person who do not smoke.”
Steps Involved in Hypothesis Testing
(i) State the null hypothesis (Ho) and the alternative hypothesis (Ha/
H1)
(ii) Determine level of significance or alpha level for the hypothesis test- In
hypothesis testing, the set of potential samples is divided into those that
are likely to be obtained and those that are very unlikely if the hypothesis
is true.
(iii) Identification of Critical Region- The region composed of extreme
samples values that are very unlikely outcomes if the null hypothesis is
true.
(iv) Set the criteria for a decision- If sample data fall in the critical region,
the null hypothesis is rejected. On the contrary if sample data fall in non-
critical region null hypothesis is accepted.
(v) Collect data and compute sample statistics
(vi) Make a decision
OR
Five Steps in Hypothesis Testing:

1. Specify the Null Hypothesis (H0).
2. Specify the Alternative Hypothesis (Ha/H1).
3. Set the Significance Level alpha (a) and identify critical (rejection) region- If
sample data fall in the critical region, the null hypothesis is rejected. On the
contrary if sample data fall in non-critical region null hypothesis is accepted.
4. Calculate the Test Statistic and Corresponding P-Value.
5. Make a decision and Draw a conclusion.

Hypothesis Meaning and Testing

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Definition by Various Authors “A hypothesis is a conjectural (opinion based/

incomplete information) statement of the relation between two or more variables”.

“Hypothesis is a formal statement that presents the expected relationship between

1. Guides/gives direction to the study/investigation

2.) Existential Hypothesis

3.) Research Hypothesis

This type of hypothesis is derived from some type of theory

In other words, the hypothesis set upon the basis of theory

4.) Null Hypothesis

The researcher wishes to disapprove this hypothesis.

For example: “There is no relationship between smoking and lung cancer.”

5.) Alternate Hypothesis

If the hypothesis simply predicts that there will be a

If, however, the hypothesis uses so-called comparison

Five Steps in Hypothesis Testing:

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