Hypothesis

RESEARCH
HYPOTHESIS
A Hypothesis is a tentative statement
about the relationship between two or
more variables. It is a specific and
testable prediction on what you
expect to happen with the variables in
your study.
Usually, it proposes a possible
relationship between the independent
variable (what the researcher changes)
and the dependent variable (what the
research measures). It is also described
as an “educated guess” of what possibly
the result would be of your research,
which should be supported on existing
theories and knowledge.
Furthermore, the hypothesis states a
tentative answer to your research
question that can be tested by further
investigation in which you can support or
refute it through scientific research
methods such as data collection and
statistical analysis.
It is the central concept of any
investigation that converts research
questions into predictions and
incorporates elements such as variables,
population, and the relationship between
factors.
As a researcher, you must determine
whether your hypothesis is accepted or
not based on the findings and outcome of
your research study. Not all studies have
a hypothesis while some studies have
several hypotheses.
1. Simple Hypothesis
A simple hypothesis is a prediction of the
relationship between two variables, the
independent variable and the dependent
variable. It shows a connection between
one independent variable and a single
dependent variable
Ex: The higher the poverty rate in society
(one independent variable), the higher
the number would be the out of school
youth (one dependent variable).
2. Complex hypothesis
The complex hypothesis reflects the
relationship between the independent
variable and the dependent variable. It
expresses a connection between two or
more independent variables and two or
more dependent variables
Ex: Eating more vegetables and fresh
fruits (independent variables) leads to
boost immune system and enhance blood
circulation and digestion (dependent
variables).
3. Empirical Hypothesis
An empirical hypothesis is also called as
the “working hypothesis.” It is presumed
to explain certain facts and relationships
of phenomena. It comes to life when a
theory is being put to the test, using
observation and experiment.
From the name itself “working,” it would
mean that it can be changed or replace
anytime as soon as it is no longer
supported or accepted base on the
observation and experimentation being
done. It is going through some trial and
error and perhaps changing around those
independent variables
Ex: Plants watered everyday grow faster
than plants watered once a week.
(Here, trial and error are leading to a
series of findings).
4. Logical hypothesis
Logical hypothesis expresses explanation
with limited evidence that can be verified
logically. It reflects a relationship of the
variables which are anchored based on
logical phenomena. Sometimes, a logical
hypothesis can be turned into an
empirical hypothesis in which you have to
test your theories and postulates
Ex: Tomato plants bear fruit faster in
Earth than in Moon. (Until we are can test
the soil and plant growth in Moon's
ground, the evidence for this claim will be
limited, and the hypothesis will only
remain logical).
5. Statistical hypothesis
A statistical hypothesis is an analysis of a
portion of a population. It can be verified
statistically. The variables in a statistical
hypothesis can be transformed into
quantifiable sub-variable to assess it
statistically.
Ex: If your research is about the
psychosocial development of K-3 pupils of
the private and public schools in the city,
you would want to examine every single
K-3 pupil in the city. It is not practical.
Therefore, you would conduct your
research using a statistical hypothesis or
a sample of the K-3 pupil population.
6. Null hypothesis
The null hypothesis is denoted with the
symbol Ho It exists when you consider
that there is no relationship between the
independent and dependent variables or that
there is an insufficient amount of information
to claim a scientific hypothesis (McLeod,
2020).
Ex: There is no significant change in my
health, whether I exercise every day or not.
7. Alternative hypothesis
An alternative hypothesis is denoted with
the symbol (Ha). It is an alternate
statement expressed to be tested in order
to generate the desired output when the
empirical or working hypothesis is not
accepted. In an attempt to disprove a null
hypothesis, you tend to seek an
alternative hypothesis (McLeod, 2020).
Ex: My health improves during the times
when I sleep 8 hours a day than sleeping
for 4 hours only.
A Hypothesis can be classified as
Directional and Non-directional
Hypothesis
Directional Hypothesis
The directional hypothesis relates the
relationship between the variables and
can also predict its nature. It illustrates
the direct association of the impact of the
independent variable with the dependent
variable, whether it is positively or
negatively affected.
The direction of the statement should be
clear and justified according to the
findings of the study. Since the hypothesis
is gearing to one specific direction it is
investigated through a one-tailed test
(McLeod, 2020).
Ex: Students who are eating nutritious
food have higher grades than students
not having a proper meal. (This shows
that there is an effect between the grades
and nutritious food and the direction of
effect is clear that the students got a
higher grade).
Non-directional Hypothesis
A non-directional hypothesis is used when
there is no principle involved. It is a
premise that a relationship exists
between two variables. However, the
direction of the effect is not specifically
determined.
It is a statement that reflects the
association of the independent variable to
the dependent variable without predicting
the exact nature of the direction of the
relationship. This relationship is not
specified as negative or positive. The
hypothesis, in this case, is investigated
through a two-tailed test (McLeod, 2020).
Ex: There is a significant difference in the
average grades between those students
that have proper nutritious meal and
those that do not have proper meals.
(This depicts that there is an effect
between the average grades and
nutritious food, but it does not reflect the
direction of the effect whether it is
positively or negatively affected)
Guidelines in Formulating Hypothesis
These guidelines must be observed in
formulating your hypothesis.
1. Before writing your specific hypothesis,

spend more time researching about the
topic you are interested in. Focus on
information and previous studies related
to your topic.
2. Your independent variable and
dependent variable must be included in
your hypothesis.
3. The relationship of your variables must

be reflected in your hypothesis. Will your
independent variable affect your
dependent variable?
4. Your hypothesis should be simple and
specific as possible. If your hypothesis is
vague and complicated, it would be
difficult to find the answer to your
question.
5. Your hypothesis should be concise and
comprises clear and simple language.
Make it short and simple for it to be easily
understood and avoid any misconceptions
or misunderstandings.
6. Your hypothesis should be testable
without violating ethical standards. It
means that it could be investigated and
measured through a scientific method
such as statistical analysis and data
interpretation.
7. Your hypothesis must be falsifiable. It
means that your hypothesis can be
proven wrong through experiments or
empirical data. There are no absolute
answers to research questions, but there
is a possibility of validating the
hypotheses to be true beyond a
reasonable doubt.

Hypothesis

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RESEARCH

1. Before writing your specific hypothesis,

3. The relationship of your variables must

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