What is Hypothesis?

A hypothesis is an assumption based on evidence, serving as the starting point for investigations and translating research questions into predictions. It involves variables, populations, and their relationships, especially in testing the connection between multiple variables.

Characteristics of Hypothesis

Key characteristics include clarity, precision, specificity, and simplicity. It should state relationships between variables and allow for further testing.

Sources of Hypothesis

Hypotheses stem from phenomena resemblances, past studies, current experiences, scientific theories, and general patterns influencing people’s thinking.

Types of Hypothesis

Seven types include:

1. Simple Hypothesis: A simple hypothesis predicts a relationship between two variables.
   Example: “Increasing study time improves exam scores.” This hypothesis suggests a direct relationship between the amount of study time (independent variable) and exam scores (dependent variable).
2. Complex Hypothesis: A complex hypothesis predicts relationships involving multiple variables or specifies more than one direction of association.
   Example: “Increasing study time and using active learning techniques both improve exam scores, but the effect of active learning is stronger.” This hypothesis involves multiple independent variables (study time and active learning techniques) and their combined effects on the dependent variable (exam scores).
3. Directional Hypothesis: A directional hypothesis predicts the direction of the relationship or difference between variables.
   Example: “Students who study with a tutor will score higher on the math test than students who study alone.” This hypothesis indicates that the presence of a tutor (independent variable) will result in higher test scores (dependent variable).
4. Non-directional Hypothesis: A non-directional hypothesis predicts that there is a relationship or difference between variables without specifying the direction.
   Example: “There is a relationship between sleep duration and academic performance.” This hypothesis suggests that changes in sleep duration (independent variable) are related to changes in academic performance (dependent variable) but does not specify whether more or less sleep will improve performance.
5. Null Hypothesis: The null hypothesis (H₀) suggests that there is no significant relationship between the variables studied or no difference among groups.
   Example: “There is no difference in exam scores between students who study with a tutor and those who study alone.” This hypothesis assumes that any differences observed in exam scores are due to chance rather than the tutoring intervention.
6. Associative Hypothesis: An associative hypothesis predicts that two variables are related or associated with each other.
   Example: “There is a positive association between physical exercise and mood levels.” This hypothesis suggests that as the amount of physical exercise (independent variable) increases, mood levels (dependent variable) also tend to improve.
7. Causal Hypothesis: A causal hypothesis predicts that changes in one variable directly cause changes in another variable.
   Example: “Implementing a new teaching method will increase student engagement in the classroom.” This hypothesis implies a cause-and-effect relationship where the new teaching method (independent variable) is expected to directly influence student engagement (dependent variable).

Functions of Hypothesis

Functions include facilitating observations, initiating investigations, verifying observations, and guiding inquiries in the right direction.

How does a Hypothesis help in the Scientific Method?

In the scientific method, hypotheses outline experiment procedures, guiding researchers through steps like question formation, background research, hypothesis creation, experiment design, data collection, analysis, summarization, and communication of results.

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