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Hypothesis Formulation
Propositions
Observation Theory
Hypothesis
Types of Hypothesis
Descriptive
Correlational
Explanatory
Directional
Non-directional
Null
Alternative
Descriptive Hypothesis
Descriptive hypothesis states the existence, size,
form, or nature of some variables.
The purpose is to encourage researchers to
crystallize their thinking about the likely
relationships to be found.
There is not much difference between the
proposition and the descriptive hypothesis.
Descriptive Hypothesis
There is only one variable (dependent
variable)
There is no independent variable.
It is only a partial picture.
Relational Hypothesis
Correlational Hypothesis
This hypothesis suggests that the two variables are
connected.
The variables occur together in some specified
manner. They co-vary.
Explanatory (Causal) Hypothesis
This hypothesis states the implications or effects of variable
on the other.
Causal relationships can be:
Unidirectional – Variable A influences variable B, but not vice
versa.
Bidirectional – Each variable influences the other.
An increase in family income leads to an increase in the
percentage of income saved and vice versa.
Directional and Non-directional
Directional (If-Then Statements)
Hence, the current researcher might only be able to hypothesize that there
would be a significant relationship but the direction may not be clear.
Null and Alternative Hypotheses
Null Hypothesis (Statistical or Testing Hypothesis):
The null hypothesis is a neutral position.
The population correlation between two variables is equal to zero
or that the mean difference in the two groups in the population
is equal to zero.
In general, the null hypothesis is expressed as no (significant)
relationship, or no (significant) difference between the variables.
Alternative Hypothesis:
The alternative hypothesis is the opposite of the null.
It is a statement expressing a relationship between two variables
or indicating difference between groups.
What are the Features (Criteria) of
Good Hypotheses?
Hypothesis should be clearly and precisely stated. There
should be no ambiguity in the variables.
Hypothesis should be testable empirically. It is useless if it
cannot be tested empirically.
Hypothesis should state the expected (articulated)
relationship between the variables.
Hypothesis should be limited in scope.
Hypothesis should state the conditions and circumstances
under which it is supposed to apply. The context and study
units must be clear.
Hypothesis should be consistent with most known facts.
Hypothesis should suggest the research design likely to be
most appropriate.