Hypothesis, Importance of hypothesis, Sources of hypothesis, and utility of workable hypothesis.

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a tentative generalisation, the validity of which remains to be tested. In its elementary stage, a hypothesis may become the basis for action or investigation.According to Goode and Hatt, “a hypothesis is a proposition which can be put to test for determining the validity.Kerlinger states hypothesis as a conjectural statement of the relationship between two or more variables.A hypothesis is stated in declarative form and they always relate either generally or especially variable.

Different experts define hypothesis in different ways. Some of the definitions are as below.

The hypothesis is the conjectural (suggested) relationship between two variable.

The hypothesis is an elaborated theory .The validity of which remains to be tested. (William H.George)

When any hypothesis is provided that become theory So, a hypothesis is the immature theory.

The hypothesis is any hunch guess or imaginative idea which may be the basis of resonating.

From the above definition, we can conclude that hypothesis is the basis of resonating any fact which provides as a key where we have to move.Not only in case of research, a hypothesis is used in ever walking of life.In our daily life most of the time we are taking decision according to some hypothetic which may or may not true.

Some example includes as below.

Topic-What is the relationship both poverty and Crime?

Hypothesis-Poverty and Crime are independent.

Topic-What is the cause of child labour in Nepal?

Hypothesis-Illiteracy and poverty are two major cause of child labour in Nepal.

Two basic criteria used in the statement of a good hypothesis are.

1. Statement about the relation between variable.
2. Statement carrying clear implication for testing of stated relations.

Hypothesis testing.

The first step in the hypothesis testing is to set up a hypothesis about a population parameter.There are two types of hypothesis

1. Null hypothesis (H0)

2. Alternative hypothesis.(H1)

At first , a null hypothesis is stated. Then against this hypothesis, Alternative hypothesis are also stated. The hypothesis must be so constructed that if one hypothesis is accepted, the other is rejected and as vice verse.

1. Null hypothesis.

It is the statement about unknown valve of the parameter of a variable attribute in a population under investigation or no differences in the values of the same parameter of the same variable in which population or two sample. The parameter is the statical characteristics of the variable under investigation.Most commonly used parameter are mean and standard deviation of the variable such as height, income, effect etc.

Suppose a new brand of sleeping tablet claims its effect as 7 hours sleeps.This claims is a null hypothesis and stated as H0:mu=7 where mu is the mean effect of the tablet.

2. Alternative hypothesis.

It states that there is the significant difference between the two variable.Now suppose the null hypothesis is rejected and then another hypothesis must be accepted which is called as the alternative hypothesis. If the alternative hypothesis is stated without pointing to a definite direction of the differences, it is called two tails.If it points only one direction it is called one tail.

For instance.

Suppose the claim that new brand of sleeping tablet gives Mean 7-hour sleep is rejected and then the conclusion that can be drawn are either the mean effect is great than 7 or less than 7 hours. If both of the cases are included in alternative hypothesis it is called two tail.If the only case is stated then it is called one tail alternative hypothesis.Thus, two tails hypothesis is stated either as H+1=M>7 or as H-1=M<7 and so on. The alternative hypothesis of type M>7 or M<7 are also called composition hypothesis.and the null hypothesis of type M=7 is called simply hypothesis.

The importance of hypothesis.

The importance of the hypothesis is as listed as below points.

1. It determines the method of verification as well as the procedure of enquiry.
2. It adequately explains all the facts connected with the research.
3. It helps in deciding the direction in which to proceed.
4. It suggests experiments and observation.
5. It leads to the discovery of lens.
6. It helps to draw the specific conclusion.

Sources of a hypothesis.

The sources of a hypothesis are as below.

They are

1. General culture.
2. Scientific theory.
3. Personal experiences.

1. General culture.

The culture has a great influence or the thinking process of people and hypothesis may be formed to test one or more of the culture ideas.

2. Scientific theory.

A theory gives a basic idea of what has been found correct.The knowledge of theory leads us to form culture generalisation. These generalisations form a part of a hypothesis.

A hypothesis is formed from analogy .Previously establishing knowledge can be used in a hypothesis. A similarity between the phenomenon is observed at a circumstance of hypothesis then formed the test whether two phenomena are similar in other circumstance as well.

3. Personal experience.

Personal experience is an important source of the hypothesis. We can formulate a hypothesis according to the happening and changes are seen around us. Sometimes the fact are there but only a right individual see it in the right perspective and formulate a hypothesis.

Characteristics of the hypothesis.

The main characteristics of the hypothesis are as below.

1. The most important condition for a valid hypothesis is that it should be empirically verified. A hypothesis ultimately has to confirm or refuge, otherwise, it will remain more supposition I,e it must be capable empirically tested under the condition of available technique.
2. The hypothesis should state the relationship between variable.
3. The hypothesis should state the relationship between variable.
4. The hypothesis should be limited in scope and must be specified.
5. The hypothesis should be limited clear, definite and non-ambiguous.
6. The hypothesis should be stated as far as possible in most simple language so that someone easily understands by all concern.
7. It is desirable that hypothesis is selected must be in continuation with the theory already involved I,e the hypothesis selected should be related to the body of a theory.

Qualities of a workable hypothesis.

In order to be the workable hypothesis, it must have following qualities.

Specific

The hypothesis should not be too vague or general. A grand and general hypothesis may only serve as the indicator of an area of study rather than serving as a hypothesis.

Conceptual clear.

The hypothesis should be properly expressed. Firstly the definition and terms used in the hypothesis should be those which are commonly accepted terms and not researcher’s own creations.

Secondarily if a new term has term have to be used their definitions and meaning in terms of already existing concepts should be made clear.

Related to a body of a theory.

It is described to formulate the hypothesis that helps in furtherance of an already formulating then if a various hypothesis is selected random that cannot be developed as a broader theory.

Related to available technique.

Since in most cases, a hypothesis formulated has to be tested. And verified it has to be stated in such a way that it is easily tested or verified by an available technique.A hypothesis that cannot test by an available technique is a useless hypothesis.

Capable of empirical test.

The hypothesis should be such one that it can be put to empirical test. It should not be the moral judgement Empirical test is necessary to achieve the objectivity.

Simple.

The hypothesis should be simple and to the point.In forming a hypothesis neither more or less onerous causes are to be assumed than are necessary to account for the phenomenon. The insight of the phenomenon is essential for simplicity.

Reference.

Kerlinger, F.N. Foundation of Behavioural Research. New Delhi: Surjeet Publication, 2000.

Kothari, C.R. Research Methodology. India: Vishwa Prakashan, 1990.

Singh, M.L. and J.M Singh. Understanding Research Methodology. 1998.

Singh, Mrigendra Lal. Understanding Research Methodology. Nepal: National Book centre, 2013.