Hypothesis - Definition, Characteristics, Sources, Types, Examples, Functions, FAQs

What is a Hypothesis?

Hypothesis Definition: Hypothesis is a starting of any investigation. It explains what is going to happen further and how the investigation will go through. It consists of variables, a population, and the relationship between the variables. Hypothesis in research is a theory used to test the relationship between two or more variables.

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This Story also Contains

1. What is a Hypothesis?
2. Characteristics of Hypothesis
3. Sources of Hypothesis
4. Types of Hypothesis
5. Hypothesis examples
6. Functions of hypothesis

Characteristics of Hypothesis

A Hypothesis should have the following characteristics in order to be complete and good.

1. It must come into direct contact with observable objects. It should not be based on fake belief , but rather on observation. Those things and objects that we cannot observe in order to formulate that hypothesis.
2. A Hypothesis should be understandable to everyone including laymen. It should not contain scientific terms or definitions which are complex and difficult to anyone.
3. A Hypothesis has to be specific and to the point. It should not roam around the topic or contain extra irrelevant information.
4. It should also be able to provide new ideas and suggestions to the investigation.

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Sources of Hypothesis

There are several sources of hypothesis but some of the important ones are given as follows :

1. Previous study ? Previous knowledge and information regarding the topic of hypothesis will be extremely helpful to create a concrete hypothesis.
2. Personal experience ? If one has a personal experience regarding the topic of investigation, he/she can use that information in the hypothesis to make it more complete and good quality.
3. Thinking and imagination ? A researcher's creative thinking and imagination can sometimes aid in the formulation of a good hypothesis. A researcher's personal ideas and thinking abilities would result in a greater number of hypothesis formulations as well as control over the problem.
4. Scientific theory ? It would be extremely helpful to use scientific theories in hypothesis because it is capable of explaining all the facts related to the investigation.

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Types of Hypothesis

There are basically several types of Hypothesis but some of the common and important type of formulation of Hypothesis are explained below:

1. Simple hypothesis ? It is also known as a basic hypothesis. It depicts the relationship between two variables, one of which is known as the independent variable or ‘cause' and the other as the dependent variable or ‘effect.'

2. Complex hypothesis ? A complex hypothesis is one that has multiple dependent and independent variables.

3. Null hypothesis ? It contradicts the empirical hypothesis because it asserts that there is no relationship between the dependent and independent variables. It basically says that the data and variables being tested do not exist.

4. Alternative hypothesis ? It is also referred to as a sustained hypothesis or a research hypothesis. To begin, numerous hypothesis are proposed. The most efficient one is then chosen from among them. Alternative hypothesis are further classified into four main types

1. Point alternative hypothesis
2. Non-directional alternative hypothesis
3. One-tailed directional hypothesis
4. Two-tailed directional hypothesis

5. Logical hypothesis ? It is logically verified, as the name implies. The verification process entails the following steps:

• Agreement
• Disagreement
• Different points of view

6. Empirical hypothesis ?It is also known as a 'working hypothesis.' During the formulation phase, it is only an assumption, but once tested, it is no longer just an idea or notion. It is actually changing in relation to those independent variables.

7. Statistical hypothesis ? The statement could be logical or illogical, but if statistical evidence validates it, it becomes a statistical hypothesis.

Hypothesis examples

To understand the concept of hypothesis more clearly and completely, here are the examples of each type of hypothesis :

• Simple hypothesis :

Icebergs melt as a result of global warming.

The cause in this case is global warming, and the effect is melting icebergs.

• Complex hypothesis :

Global warming causes icebergs to melt which leads to significant changes in weather patterns.

The cause in this case is global warming but the effect is melting icebergs along with changing weather.

• Null hypothesis :

Water has no effect on plant growth.

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Logical hypothesis :

An animal cannot survive in the absence of water.

This is correct because all living things require water.

• Empirical hypothesis :

Cotton clothing is preferable to velvet clothing in the summer.

• Statistical hypothesis :

Vitamin C is beneficial to the skin.

To validate this hypothesis, you would need to test it on a group of people. This is a statistical approach to verifying the statement.

Functions of hypothesis

There are several functions of hypothesis. Some of them are given below:

• Hypothesis facilitates observation and experimentation.
• It serves as the investigation’s starting point.
• The hypothesis aids in the verification of the observations.
• It aids in steering inquiries in the right direction.

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