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”
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. |