FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPT OF RESEARCH

Hypothesis

Meaning and Definition

The term hypothesis is derived from the words 'hypo' and 'thesis,' where 'hypo' means under and 'thesis' means reason or rational view. As a result, hypothesis is a poorly reasoned viewpoint. It is an unreasoned point of view. In social research and other types of research, a hypothesis is a statement about a relationship that can be investigated.

According to,

F.N. Kerlinger, “Hypothesis is the most powerful tool man has invented to achieve dependable knowledge”

The researcher develops theory after defining the problem to be solved. The formulation of theories leads to the formulation of hypotheses. Data collection and analysis revolve around the hypothesis; when the hypothesis is proven to be correct, theory emerges. A hypothesis is an educated guess about the solution to a problem. It depicts the relationship between two or more variables that must be investigated to determine the truth. A non-hypothesis is a logically speculative relationship between two or more variables in testable statements. The hypothesis is always presented in the form of a declarative sentence. They can be both general and specific.

According to,

W. Goode and P.K. Hatt: - “A hypothesis is a proposition, which can be put to test to determine its validity. It may seem contrary to, or in accordance with common sense.”

Hypothesis Examples

Population growth can be slowed through family planning. There is no link between working conditions and employee job satisfaction.

Types or research hypothesis

Null Hypothesis:

A null hypothesis is one that indicates that there is no definitive exact relationship between two variables. This hypothesis is so named because it usually reflects a 'no difference' or 'no effect' situation. It means that there is no difference between two populations in terms of some property and that any difference is purely coincidental and insignificant. The null hypothesis is analogous to the principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty. It is a challenge, and the purpose of research is to allow facts to reflect this challenge. For example, there is no difference in productivity between men and women.

In statistical terms: Ho: µ1 =µ2

Where Ho denotes the null hypothesis

µ1 represents male worker productivity.

 µ2 represents female worker productivity.

Alternative hypothesis:

It is the inverse of the null hypothesis. A statement that expresses a relationship between two variables or indicates a difference between groups is an alternative hypothesis. It is the statement of acceptance conditions for each alternative course of action or problem solution. For example, male workers are more productive than female workers.

In statistical terms: H1=µ1 > µ2 Where H1 denotes an alternative hypothesis

µ1= the male worker's productivity

µ2 = female worker productivity Hypothesis formulation

Formulation of hypothesis

The deductive method/approach/logic is one in which the researcher develops hypotheses from theory and designs a research strategy to test them. Theory formulation comes before hypothesis formulation. Prior to data collection, a clear theoretical portion is developed.

Inductive approach/method/logic: The inductive method involves the researcher developing hypotheses based on specific observations. In this case, the researcher collects data first and then develops theory as a result of data analysis. It is based on the principle of developing theory after collecting data.

The two approaches are inextricably linked. Theory and research are inseparable. They are constantly interacting. The deductive approach is more positivist, while the inductive approach is more interpretive. However, such labelling is potentially misleading and useless.

Basis	Deductive method	Inductive method
Precedence	It progresses from theory to data. It derives hypotheses from theories.	It develops a theory or principle based on specific observations. It progresses from data to theory.
Data	It collects quantative  data.	It collects qualitative data.
Flexibility	It is a methodical approach.	It is a more adaptable structured approach that allows for changes in research emphasis as the study progresses.
Generalization	In order to generalize conclusions, sufficient samples must be collected.	It is less concerned with the requirement to generalize.
Others	•It must explain the causal relationship between variables. •It is the application of controls to ensure data validity. •It is the operationalization of concepts to ensure definition clarity.	•It learns about the meanings that humans attach to events. •It is the recognition that the researcher is a participant in the research process. •It is a thorough comprehension of the research context.