RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Introduction
Hypothesis is assumption which is based on reasoning. Word “Hypothesis” is a combination of two words the first
one is “Hypo” (that means under or less than or tentative) and the second one is “thesis” (that means General opinion or
statement about solution of a problem). Thus we can say that “Hypothesis” means tentative statement about solution of a
problem or Hypothesis means the guesses to solve the research problem.

Definitions
1. “A meaningful statement which may or may not be true.”

2. “Hypothesis is a guess made by the researcher which either solve the problem or guide him in further investigation.”

3. A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further
investigation.

4. A hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables. A hypothesis is a
specific, testable prediction about what you expect to happen in your study.

5. An idea or theory that is not proven but that leads to further study or discussion.

Process for the Formulating and Developing of Hypothesis

There is specific process for the formulating or developing hypothesis. This process consists of four steps as follows:
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1. Observation. It is the first stage of Hypothesis.

2. Reflection. We see number of child marriages and also find uneducated people there. Now we anticipate a relation
which is based on experience we now formulate an answer that child marriages common among uneducated people
and this answer is Hypothesis.

3. Deduction / Induction. In deduction thinking process goes from the general to specific, this process begins with
general Hypothesis and proceeds towards specific Hypothesis. Induction is an approach which goes from specific to
general. It begins with data and observation and proceeds toward Hypothesis.

4. Verification. This is the last stage or even post Hypothesis formulation. In this we actually take our Hypothesis to
solve our difficult problems.

Types of Hypothesis
Hypotheses are classified in several ways on different basis. On the other basis of the degree of generality
hypothesis can be divided into two categories: -

a. Universal Hypothesis. A universal hypothesis is one which states the relationship that holds good for all the
levels or values of variables which are specified for all time at all places.

b. Existential Hypothesis. Existential hypothesis is one which states the relationship which holds good for at
least one place.

Some other classification of Hypothesis

1. Descriptive Hypothesis. A Hypothesis is about the law which is an instance, is called descriptive Hypothesis.

Prepared By: Komal Mehreen

M.Phil (Communication and Media Studies)
2. Explanatory Hypothesis. A Hypothesis may be about cause of phenomenon; this type of Hypothesis is known as
exploratory. This strongly states the existence of cause and effect relationship.

3. Directional Hypothesis: It indicates an expected direction in the relationship or difference between variables.

4. Non-Directional Hypothesis. It shows absence of relationship in the variables.

5. Working Hypothesis. Working Hypothesis establishes a casual relation between various facts which are foremen
on probability. It is set upon the basis of pier observation or on logical grounds.

6. Statistical Hypothesis. It is testable within the framework of probability theory. Statistical hypothesis is of two kinds:
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a. Constructive Hypothesis. Constructive Hypothesis can be positive or negative.

b. Null Hypothesis. Null Hypothesis is a statistical Hypothesis which used in analyzing the data. It assumed
that observed difference is attributable by sampling error and too difference is zero.
Sources of Hypothesis
The sources of hypothesis are almost the same as problem. The major sources of the hypothesis are as follow: -
a. Reading material, published books, journals, magazines etc.
b. Principles and laws of theories.
c. Personal experience.
d. Reports etc.

Characteristics of the Hypothesis

1. It should be verifiable.
2. It should be based on previous research.
3. It should correspond with existing knowledge.
4. It should be based on sound reasoning.
5. It should have clarifying power.
6. It should provide a reasonable explanation for the predicted outcome.

Prepared By: Komal Mehreen

M.Phil (Communication and Media Studies)