Hypothesis

A tentative relationship between two or more variables which

direct the research activity to test it.
Uses of Hypothesis
1. It gives a direction to the research.
2. It specifies the focus of the researcher.
3. It helps in devising research techniques.
4. It prevents from blind research.
5. It ensures accuracy and precision.
6. It saves resources – time, money and energy.
Types of Hypothesis
1. Alternative Hypothesis states that there is a relationship
between the two variables being studied (one variable has an
effect on the other). It states that the results are not due to
chance and that they are significant in terms of supporting the
theory being investigated.
2. Null Hypothesis states that there is no relationship between
the two variables being studied (one variable does not affect
the other). It states results are due to chance and are not
significant in terms of supporting the idea being investigated.
3. Cause and Effect
Cause is called the independent variable; and the effect is called the
dependent variable. Relationships can be of several forms:
linear(directional), or non-linear(non-directional).
a. Nondirectional Hypothesis is a two-tailed non-directional
hypothesis predicts that the independent variable will have
an effect on the dependent variable, but the direction of the
effect is not specified. E.g., there will be a difference in
how many numbers are correctly recalled by children and
adults.
b. Directional Hypothesis is a one-tailed directional
hypothesis predicts the nature of the effect of the
independent variable on the dependent variable. E.g.,
adults will correctly recall more words than children.