HYPOTHESIS

Hypothesis
A tentative explanation for an
observation, phenomenon, or scientific
problem that can be tested by further
investigation. A hypothesis describes in
concrete terms, in the form of a
statement, what you expect will happen
in your study.

HYPOTHESIS

It is a tentative prediction or explanation of

two or more variables
The hypothesis is the most important mental
tool the research has.
It is important integral component of modern
scientific research

PURPOSE OF HYPOTHESIS

It provides bridge between theory and reality and in

this sense unifying of two domains
It provides powerful tool, for the advancement of
knowledge since they enable the researcher to
objectively enter new areas of discovery
It provides direction for any research Endeavour by
tentatively identifying the anticipated outcome.
It is guide to the thinking process and the process of
discovery
It serves as a framework for drawing conclusions

Characteristics of Hypothesis

It should be clear and precise

It should be capable of being tested
It should state relationship between variables
It should be limited in scope and must be specific
It should be understandable
It should be consistent with most known facts
It should be test with amenable time
It should be comprises needed explanations

Advantages

Hypothesis builds researches confidence in his

results
Sound hypothesis gives direction to the
inquiry
A good hypothesis enriches theory

PROCESS OF HYPOTHESIS TESTING

Stating the hypothesis

Determining appropriate test statistic
The significance level
Decisional rule
Data collection and calculation performance
Decision on Null hypothesis
Two tailed and one tailed tests

PROCEDURE OF TESTING HYPOTHESIS

Setting up of hypothesis
Selecting level of significance
Determining sampling distribution
Selecting sample and value
Performance computation
Statistical decision

Following aspects should be kept in mind when

formulating a hypothesis:

Hypotheses can only be formulated after the researcher has gained

enough knowledge regarding the nature, extent and intensity of the
problem.

Hypotheses should figure throughout the research process in order

to give structure to the research.

Hypotheses are tentative statements/solutions or explanations of the

formulated problem. Care should be taken not to over-simplify and
generalize the formulation of hypotheses.

The research problem does not have to consist of one hypothesis

only. The type of problem area investigated, the extent which
encircles the research field are the determinating factors on how
many hypotheses will be included in the research proposal.

Criteria for the formulation of a hypothesis

following criteria are of importance in formulating
hypotheses. A hypothesis should:

stand a test;
be expressed in clear language;
be in accordance with the general theme of other
hypotheses statements in the same field of study, and
should be regarded as valid;
be. coordinated with the theory of science;
be a tentative answer to the formulated problem;
be logical and simplistic;
consider available research techniques (to be able to
analyze and interpret the results);
be specific; and

Steps in
Formulating
a Hypothesis

1.Decide what you want to explain: choose a

dependent variable

2. Choose independent variables that also show

variation

3. Think of multiple causes of the dependent

variable

4. Consider alternative measures of both the

dependent and independent variables.

VARIABLES AND ATTRIBUTES

Variable
Any entity that can take on different values. Anything that
can be assigned a value.

Age can change. Nationality can differ.

Variables are not always quantitative or numerical.
Attribute
a specific value on a variable

The variable sex or gender has two attributes: male

and female.
Or,
The variable agreement might be defined as having
five attributes:

1=strongly agree

2=disagree

3=neutral

4=agree

5=strongly agree

TYPES of VARIABLES
Independent Variable
Dependent Variable
Example
Research question How could extended use of the Internet
negatively affect college students academic performance?
Extended use of the Internet negatively affects most college
students academic performance

Independent variable = internet use

attributes: high, moderate, low, none
Dependent variable = Performance
Attributes: Good, average, Bad

Different forms of Hypothesis

A. Non Directional Hypothesis

All examples of associated difference, sometimes called

non directional hypotheses

B. Directional Hypothesis
1. With magnitude
2. Without magnitude

TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS
The prediction is that variables A and B are
related.
The only other possible outcome is that variables A
and B are not related

A.NULL HYPOTHESIS

B. ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS

The Null Hypothesis

In statistics , a null hypothesis set up to be nullified
or refuted
which states that "there is no phenomenon". It is a
hypothesis that is presumed true until statistical
evidence in the form of a hypothesis test indicates
otherwise
H0:1 = 2
where:
H0 = the null hypothesis
1 = the mean of population 1, and
2 = the mean of population 2.

The Alternative Hypothesis

The alternative hypothesis is simply the question

you are asking
Denoted by HA or H1
Just opposite to Null Hypothesis
H1: 1 = 2

TWO TAILED V/s ONE TAILED TEST

EXAMPLE

you are investigating the effects of a new employee training

program and that you believe one of the outcomes will be that
there will be less employee absenteeism. Your two hypotheses
might be stated something like this:
The null hypothesis for this study is:
HO: As a result of the XYZ company employee training
program, there will either be no significant difference in
employee absenteeism or there will be a significant increase.
which is tested against the alternative hypothesis:
HA: As a result of the XYZ company employee training
program, there will be a significant decrease in employee
absenteeism.

ONE TAILED TEST

TWO TAILED TEST

Type I error

A type I error, also known as an error of the

first kind, is the wrong decision that is made
when a test rejects a true null hypothesis( H0)

Type II error

A type II error, also known as an error of the

second kind, is the wrong decision that is
made when a test accepts a false null
hypothesis