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Unit 6 - Constructing Hypotheses
Unit 6 - Constructing Hypotheses
Unit 6 - Constructing Hypotheses
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Outline
1 Definition of a hypothesis
2 Function of hypothesis
3 Types of hypotheses
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Outline
Research Journey
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Definition of a hypothesis
What is Hypothesis?
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Definition of a hypothesis
What is Hypothesis?
Definitions of ahypothesis:
► A proposition, condition, or principle which is assumed, perhaps
without belief, in order to draw out its logical consequences, and
to test its accord with facts which are known or may be deter-
mined.
► A proposition that is stated in a testable form and that predicts a
variables.
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Function of hypothesis
Functions of Hypothesis
In most studies the hypothesis will be based either upon previous stud-
ies or on your own or someone else’s observations. The functions of a
hypothesis are:
1 Brings specificity and clarity to a research problem, but are not
essential.
2 This specificity and clarity used to construct a hypothesis ensures
objectivity in a study.
4 The testing of a hypothesis enables the researcher to specifically
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Function of hypothesis
Characteristics of Hypothesis
A hypothesis should be:
1 Simple, specific and conceptually clear.
2 Should be verifiable (Methods and techniques must be available
for data collection and analysis).
3 Should be related to the existing body of knowledge.
4 Should be measurable(operationalizable).
Examples:
► The average salary of accountants in Dubai is higher than that in
Al Ain.
► There will be no difference in the level of information literacy
► More than 80% of Al Ain residents are satisfied with the provided
Formulating Hypotheses
0 Null hypothesis:
A null hypothesis (denoted by H0) is a claim (or statement) about
the population that is assumed to be true until it is declared false.
The null hypothesis will be rejected only if the sample data provide
substantial contradictory evidence.
In general, the null hypothesis is expressed as no (significant)
difference between groups or no relationship between the variables.
Examples:
► There will be no significant difference in the TOEFL examination
results among students of different programs.
► Customer services training of IT telephone support staff will not
Formulating Hypotheses
@ Alternative (Alternate) hypothesis:
The alternative hypothesis (denoted by Ha or H1), is a claim
about the population that will be true if H0 is false.
In general, the alternative hypothesis is perceived as the Research
Hypothesis that you seek to validate through an inquiry.
The alternative hypothesis, the opposite of the null hypothesis, is
a statement expressing a relationship between two variables or
indicating differences between groups.
Examples:
► There will be significant difference in the TOEFL examination
results among students of different programs.
► Customer services training of IT telephone support staff will lead
Types of Hypotheses
1 Hypothesis of nodifference:
►It is a statement specifying that there is no difference between two
situations, groups, outcomes, or the prevalence of a condition or
phenomenon.
► Examples:
Types of Hypotheses
3 Hypothesis of point-prevalence:
►It is a statement that speculates almost the exact prevalence of the
situation or the outcome of a treatment program.
► Examples:
6 Incorrect conclusions
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Errors in testinghypotheses
Truth
H0 is True H0 is False
Decisio
Types of Errors:
► Type I error: rejection of a null hypothesis when it istrue.
► Type II error: acceptance of a null hypothesis when it is false.
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Errors in testinghypotheses