05 - Formulation of Hypothesis

Lecture
Research Methods 05
Formulation of Hypothesis
Dr. Syed Muhammad Sajjad

Department of Cyber-Security and Data Science
Riphah Institute of Systems Engineering (RISE),
Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
HYPOTHESIS
 A hypothesis is an assumption about relations between
variables.
 Hypothesis can be defined as a logically conjectured

relationship between two or more variables expressed in
the form of a testable statement.
Relationships are conjectured on the basis of the

network of associations established in the theoretical
framework formulated for the research study.
VARIABLES
 Anything that can vary can be considered as a variable.
A variable is anything that can take on differing or

varying values.
For example; Age, Production units, Absenteeism,

Motivation, Income, Height, Weight etc.
Note: The values can differ at various times for the

same object or person (or) at the same time for
different objects or persons.
Variable / Attribute
A variable is a characteristic that takes on two or more

values whereas, an attribute is a specific value on a
variable (qualitative).
For example;
 The variable GENDER has 2 attributes - Male and
Female.
 The variable AGREEMENT has 5 attributes –
Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly
Disagree.
Types of Variables
 Explanatory vs Extraneous Variable
The variables selected for analysis are called explanatory
variables and all other variables that are not related to the
purpose of the study but may affect the dependant variable
are extraneous.
 Dependant vs Independent Variable
The variable that changes in relationship to changes in
another variable(s) is called dependant variable.
The variable whose change results in the change in
another variable is called an independent variable.
OR
An independent variable is the one that influences the
dependant variable in either a positive or negative way.
HYPOTHESIS
 Research Hypothesis is a predictive statement that

relates an independent variable to a dependent
variable.
Hypothesis must contain at least one
independent variable and one dependent variable.
HYPOTHESIS
 Hypothesis are tentative, intelligent guesses as to the
solution of the problem.
 Hypothesis is a specific statement of prediction. It
describes in concrete terms what you expect to
happen in the study.
 Hypothesis is an assumption about the population of
the study.
 It delimits the area of research and keeps the
researcher on the right track.
PROBLEM (VS) HYPOTHESIS
 Hypothesis is an assumption, that can be tested

and can be proved to be right or wrong.
 A problem is a broad question which cannot be

directly tested. A problem can be scientifically
investigated after converting it into a form of
hypothesis.
CHARACTERISTICS OF HYPOTHESIS
 Conceptual Clarity - It should be clear and precise.
 Specificity - It should be specific and limited in

scope.
 Consistency - It should be consistent with the

objectives of research.
 Testability - It should be capable of being tested.
 Expectancy - It should state the expected

relationships between variables.
CHARACTERISTICS OF HYPOTHESIS
 Simplicity- It should be stated as far as possible in
simple terms.
 Objectivity - It should not include value judgments,

relative terms or any moral preaching.
 Theoretical Relevance - It should be consistent with a

substantial body of established or known facts or
existing theory.
 Availabilityof Techniques – Statistical methods should

be available for testing the proposed hypothesis.
SOURCES OF HYPOTHESIS
 Discussions with colleagues and experts about the
problem, its origin and objectives in seeking a
solution.
 Examination of data and records for possible trends.
 Review of similar studies.
 Exploratory personal investigation / Observation.
 Logical deduction from the existing theory.
 Continuity of research.
 Intuition and personal experience.
TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS
 Descriptive Hypothesis
These are assumptions that describe the characteristics
(such as size, form or distribution) of a variable. The variable
may be an object, person, organization, situation or event.
Examples:
 “Public enterprises are more amenable for centralized
planning”.
 Relational Hypothesis [Explanatory Hypothesis]
These are assumptions that describe the relationship
between two variables. The relationship suggested may
be positive, negative or causal relationship.
Examples:
 “Families with higher incomes spend more for
recreation”.
Causal Hypothesis state that the existence of or
change in one variable causes or leads to an effect on
another variable. The first variable is called the
independent variable and the latter is the dependent
variable.
 Null Hypothesis
When a hypothesis is stated negatively, it is called

null hypothesis. It is a ‘no difference’, ‘no relationship’
hypothesis. ie., It states that, no difference exists
between the parameter and statistic being compared to
or no relationship exists between the variables being
compared.
It is usually represented as HO or H0 .
Example:
 H0: There is no relationship between a family’s income
and expenditure on recreation.
 Alternate Hypothesis
It is the hypothesis that describes the researcher’s
prediction that, there exist a relationship between two
variables or it is the opposite of null hypothesis. It is
represented as HA or H1.
Example:
HA: There is a definite relationship between family’s
income and expenditure on recreation.
FORMS OF RELATIONSHIPS
NON-DIRECTIONAL Vs DIRECTIONAL
• If X goes up, Y ….
• There is a relationship
• or
between
• As X increases, Y…
• X&Y • X = Independent
• variable
• Y = Dependent variable
• X….linked….Y
DIRECTIONAL HYPOTHESES-
“X” causes “Y” to change
• If X changes
(increases or decreases)
• then
• Y will ______
(increase or decrease)
• a causal link
DIRECTION OF RELATIONSHIP
• If X increases, Y increases
• A POSITIVE relationship
• If X increase, Y decreases
• A NEGATIVE or INVERSE relationship
• As X changes, Y does NOT change...>
• No Change...>NO RELATIONSHIP
CORRELATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
Positive correlation
• When the values of
70
60
• TWO variables 50 Hr
work
40
Earnin
• “go together” 30 gs
20
• or 10
• values on X & Y
• change in SAME
• DIRECTION
Negative Correlation
• When the values of 120
two variables 100
80
Hrs
• CO-VARY 60
work
Earnin
40 gs
• in Opposite direction 20
• (as one goes up,
• the other goes down)

FUNCTIONS OR ROLE OF
HYPOTHESIS
 It gives a definite point to the investigation and
provides direction to the study.
 It determines the data needs.
 It specifies the sources of data.
 It suggests which type of research is likely to be
more appropriate.
 It determines the most appropriate technique of
analysis.
 It contributes to the development of theory.

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Lecture

Dr. Syed Muhammad Sajjad

 Hypothesis can be defined as a logically conjectured

Relationships are conjectured on the basis of the

A variable is anything that can take on differing or

For example; Age, Production units, Absenteeism,

Note: The values can differ at various times for the

A variable is a characteristic that takes on two or more

 Research Hypothesis is a predictive statement that

 Hypothesis is an assumption, that can be tested

 A problem is a broad question which cannot be

 Specificity - It should be specific and limited in

 Consistency - It should be consistent with the

 Testability - It should be capable of being tested.

 Expectancy - It should state the expected

 Objectivity - It should not include value judgments,

 Theoretical Relevance - It should be consistent with a

 Availabilityof Techniques – Statistical methods should

When a hypothesis is stated negatively, it is called

• A NEGATIVE or INVERSE relationship

• As X changes, Y does NOT change...>

• When the values of 120

two variables 100

• (as one goes up,

• the other goes down)

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