NURS 12 NURSING RESEARCH I

MODULE 12:
CONCEPTUAL PHASE: RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS AND ASSUMPTIONS

OBJECTIVES

After the completion of this module, the students will learn to:
☐ Define what is a hypothesis and assumption.
☐ Describe the purposes and attributes of hypothesis and assumptions in a research study. ☐
Identify the different types of research hypothesis in research studies.
☐ Understand how to write null and alternative hypothesis in a given Nursing research study. ☐
Determine how to accept and reject hypothesis in a research study.

INSTRUCTIONS TO LEARNERS
☐ You can work on this module within the given time period for the course.
☐ As a student, you are expected to read, study and complete the attached assignments, activities, and things
to do.
☐ All submissions are expected to be submitted through the CVSU e-Learning System or Google Classroom
created for NURS12 in the student’s submissions box / folders. Other submissions aside from these sites
mentioned, will not be honored.
☐ Late submissions will still be accepted, but with corresponding demerits.

PRE -
ACTIVITY

Pre- Activity: Things to do at home before the class for Module 12

1. Gather your old notes in your SHS research class, if you still have them or review topics on
 hypothesis and assumptions on your research books and back read.

2. Review about hypothesis and assumption, their definitions and uses in research by reading
in advance the reference books for the course.

3. Make an advance search and read a nursing journal article by group with hypothesis and
assumptions.

4. Read in advance the reference book by Burns, N., Grove, S. K., 2013, Burns and Grove’s
Understanding Nursing Research Building an Evidence-Based Practice, Adapted
Philippine Edition, Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd. Assumptions pp. 51-52 , and Chapter 5,
Research problems, Purposes and Hypotheses, 177- 187.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES (LESSONS / STUDY SHEETS /SUGGESTED PROJECTS)
After successfully completing this module, you should be able to:

☐ Determine when to use and how to construct appropriate research hypothesis in a given research
study.
☐ Determine when to use assumptions in a given research study .
☐ Appraise when to accept or reject a research hypothesis.

Lesson Overview: Conceptual Phase of the Nursing Research Process

Module 7: Nursing
Research
Problems and its
purposes

Module 8:
Research
Variables

Module 9:
Reviews of
Related Literature

Module 10:
Theoretical
Framework and its
uses

Module 11:
Conceptual
Framework and its
uses

Module 12:
Research
Hypothesis and
Assumptions

Module 12 Lesson Topic: Research Hypothesis and Assumptions

☐ Topic 1: Define what is a hypothesis and assumption.

Hypothesis – is a formal statement of the expected relationship(s) between two or more variables in a
 specified population. The hypothesis translate the research problems and purpose into clear explanation or
prediction of the expressed results or outcomes of selected quantitative and outcome of studies (Burns and
Grove, 2013).

In quantitative or deductive research, a Hypothesis is necessary. It is focused statement which predicts an

answer the research question. It is based on the findings of previous research (gained from the review of
the literature) and perhaps from researcher’s previous experience with the subject. The ultimate objective
of deductive research is to decide whether to accept or reject the hypothesis as stated. In this way, the
hypothesis gives direction and focus to the research.
Assumptions refers to basic proposition that is taken to be true based on logic or reason. Assumptions
are statements that are taken for granted or are considered true, even though they have not been
scientifically tested. Assumptions are often are embedded (unrecognized) in thinking and behavior, and
uncovering these assumptions requires introspection and a strong knowledge base in a research area
(Burns and Grove, 2013).

☐ Topic 2: Describe the uses of hypothesis and assumptions in a research study. A. A

good hypothesis possesses the following certain attributes.

1. Power of Prediction
One of the valuable attribute of a good hypothesis is to predict for future. It not only clears the
present problematic situation but also predict for the future that what would be happened in the
coming time. So, hypothesis is a best guide of research activity due to power of prediction.

2. Closest to observable things

A hypothesis must have close contact with observable things. It does not believe on air
castles but it is based on observation. Those things and objects which we cannot observe, for that
hypothesis cannot be formulated. The verification of a hypothesis is based on observable things.

3. Simplicity
A hypothesis should be so dabble to every layman, P.V young says, “A hypothesis would be
simple, if a researcher has more in sight towards the problem”. W-ocean stated that, “A hypothesis
should be as sharp as razor’s blade”. So, a good hypothesis must be simple and have no complexity.

4. Clarity
A hypothesis must be conceptually clear. It should be clear from ambiguous information’s. The
terminology used in it must be clear and acceptable to everyone.

5. Testability
A good hypothesis should be tested empirically. It should be stated and formulated after
verification and deep observation. Thus testability is the primary feature of a good hypothesis.

6. Relevant to Problem
If a hypothesis is relevant to a particular problem, it would be considered as good one. A
hypothesis is guidance for the identification and solution of the problem, so it must be accordance to
the problem.

7. Specific
It should be formulated for a particular and specific problem. It should not include generalization. If
generalization exists, then a hypothesis cannot reach to the correct conclusions.

8. Relevant to available Techniques

Hypothesis must be relevant to the techniques which is available for testing. A researcher
must know about the workable techniques before formulating a hypothesis.

9. Fruitful for new Discoveries

It should be able to provide new suggestions and ways of knowledge. It must create new
discoveries of knowledge J.S. Mill, one of the eminent researcher says that “Hypothesis is the
best source of new knowledge it creates new ways of discoveries”.
10. Consistency & Harmony
 Internal harmony and consistency is a major characteristic of good hypothesis. It should be out
of contradictions and conflicts. There must be a close relationship between variables which one is
dependent on other.

B. Purposes of the Hypothesis:

1. The hypothesis translate the research problems and purpose into clear explanation or prediction
of the expressed results or outcomes of selected quantitative and outcome of studies.
2. Hypothesis influences the study design, sampling method, data collection and analysis process,
and interpretation of findings.

C. Purposes of Assumption:

1. The assumptions of the study are positive assertions or statements that serve as the starting
point from which the study proceeds.
Example: “All humans are rational beings”.

2. In studies, assumptions are embedded in the philosophical base of the framework, study design,
and interpretation of findings. Two common assumptions in nursing research are: (Williams,
1980, p.48 cited in Burns & Grove, 2013).
Examples: “People want to assume control of their health”
“Health is a priority for most people”

3. Theories and research instruments are developed on the basis of assumptions that may or
may not be recognized by the researcher.

Example: Torres (2018) identified assumptions in his study that are: (1) Traditional
actual face-to-face teaching is an effective means of providing preoperative
health teachings. (2) Video presentation enhance client attention and stimulate
the visual and auditory aspects of the brain. (3) Clients scheduled for operation
especially for the first time have anxious feelings about the surgery to be
performed and its outcome. (4) Information provide by people around the client
such as relative and other patients and nurses affect the client’s knowledge
about the surgical procedure.

☐ Topic 3: Identify the different types of research hypotheses in research studies.

The type of hypothesis developed is based on the purpose of the study. There are types of hypothesis
in research studies, these are can be categorized as (1) associative versus causal, (2) simple versus
complex , (3) non-directional versus directional and (4) null versus research.

1. Simple Hypothesis
Simple hypothesis is that one in which there exists relationship between two variables one is
called independent variable or cause and other is dependent variable or effect. For example 1.
Smoking leads to Cancer
2. The higher ratio of unemployment leads to crimes.

2. Complex Hypothesis
Complex hypothesis is that one in which as relationship among variables exists. In this type
dependent as well as independent variables are more than two. For example 1. Smoking and
other drugs leads to cancer, tension chest infections etc.
2. The higher ration of unemployment poverty, illiteracy leads to crimes like dacoit, Robbery,
Rape, prostitution & killing etc.

3. Associative Hypothesis
Associative hypothesis are those that proposes relationship between variables that occur or exist
together in the real world, so that when one variable changes, the other changes (Reynolds, 2007)
Example formats: (Burns and Grove, 2013)
 Variable X is associated with Variable Y and Z in a specified populations (predict relationship
between variables but does not indicate what type of relationship).

An increase in Variable X is associated with an increase in variable Y in a specified population

(predicts positive relationship).

A decrease in Variable X is associated with a decrease in variable Y in a specified

population (predicts positive relationship).

An increase in Variable X is associated with a decrease in variable Y in a specified population

(predicts negative relationship).

Variable X and Y can be used to predict Variable Z in a study (independent variables used to
predict a dependent variable in a predictive correlational study)

4. Causal Hypothesis
Causal Hypothesis are those that proposes a cause-and-effect interaction between two or more
variables, which are referred to as independent and dependent variables. The independent variable
(Treatment or experimental variable) is manipulated by the researcher to cause an effect on the
dependent variable.

Example: The hypothesis that infants in the experimental group 9on gel pillows) would
demonstrate significantly less head molding over time than those in the
control group (on standard mattresses) by 5 weeks postbirth. (Schultz et.al.,
2008).

5. Null Hypothesis
Null hypothesis is contrary to the positive statement of a working hypothesis. According to null
hypothesis there is no relationship between dependent and independent variable. It is denoted by
“‘Ho”.

Null hypothesis:
(Ho) There is no difference between the two diagnostic procedures on average.

6. Alternative Hypothesis (research Hypothesis)

Firstly many hypotheses are selected then among them select one which is more workable and
most efficient. That hypothesis is introduced latter on due to changes in the old formulated
hypothesis. It is denote by “HI” or “Ha”.

Alternate Hypothesis:
(Ha) The new diagnostic procedure is better than the current diagnostic procedure, on
average.
7. Logical Hypothesis
It is that type in which hypothesis is verified logically. J.S. Mill has given four cannons of these
hypothesis e.g. agreement, disagreement, difference and residue.

8. Statistical Hypothesis
A hypothesis which can be verified statistically called statistical hypothesis. The statement would be
logical or illogical but if statistic verifies it, it will be statistical hypothesis

☐ Topic 4: Understand how to write null and alternative hypothesis in a given Nursing research study.

Example:
In clinical trial of a new drug, the null hypothesis might be that the new drug is no better, on
average than the current drug.

Null Hypothesis:
(Ho): There is no difference between the two drugs on average.
 Alternative Hypothesis:
(Ha): The new drug is better than the current drug on average.

☐ Topic 5: Determine how to accept and reject hypothesis in a research study.

ACCEPTING OR REJECTING THE HYPOTHESIS

If the study hypothesis has been supported by well-presented evidence, the researcher may
proceed by explaining the results right away; if not, the researcher needs to explain the possible
reasons/explanation for such evidence.
Were the errors in analysis? In accepting or rejecting the hypotheses, the researcher needs to think
possible errors, in particular the type I and the type 2 error. In a hypothesis test, a type 1 error is
committed when the researcher rejects the null hypothesis (Ho) when the null hypothesis is actually true
(that is, Ho is wrongly rejected) and accepts an alternative hypothesis (HA). The type I error is considered
more serious and therefore the researcher must avoid this more than type II.

Most common types of ERROR

a. Type I – when a researcher rejects the null hypothesis when the null hypothesis is actually true
( meaning when the null hypothesis is wrongly rejected)

b. Type II- when the researcher accepts the null hypothesis when the null hypothesis is in fact
false (meaning the null hypothesis is wrongly accepted) and rejects the alternative hypothesis) when
in fact the alternative hypothesis is actually true.

Example: Type I Error

In clinical trial of a new drug, the null hypothesis might be that the new drug is no better, on
average than the current drug.
Null Hypothesis:
(Ho): There is no difference between the two drugs on average.
Alternative Hypothesis:
(HA): The new drug is better than the current drug on average.
Type I error: If the researcher concluded that the two drugs produced different effects
when in fact there was no difference between them.
In a clinical trial of a new diagnostic procedure, the null hypothesis might be that the new
procedure is no better, on average, than the current diagnostic procedure.

Example: Type II Error

Null hypothesis:
(Ho) There is no difference between the two diagnostic procedures on average.
Alternate Hypothesis:
(Ha) The new diagnostic procedure is better than the current diagnostic procedure, on
average.

Type II Error: If the researcher concludes, that the two diagnostic procedures produce the
same effect, that is there is no difference between the two diagnostic procedures on
average, when in fact they produced different ones.
Type I Error Type II Error

Rejecting as a true null Accepting the false null hypothesis, and

hypothe sis , and

Accepting a false alternative POST-TEST / POST - ACTIVITY

hypothesis
Post Student Activity:
Rejecting a true alternative hypothesis
☐ Considering the top one priority research questions you / your group have listed as your possible
research problems, write or design your own group’s assumptions and hypothesis/(ses) for your
prospect study. Choose among the different hypotheses mentioned in the lecture which you think is
applicable for your propose studies.

Submit your output as a. Assumption (if applicable) and b. Hypothesis statement and discussion in
narrative format how you develop your hypothesis/ses, minimum of 100 words Arial font 12. ☐ In a nursing
research article your group agreed to search and consider with hypothesis or assumptions, please answer
the following questions:

a. Are the hypotheses clearly identified the relationships of variables in the study? b. Do the
hypotheses clearly define the outcome of the study?
c. What is the type of hypotheses is used in the study article you research?
d. What are the study assumptions written by the author, if there is any.
Submit word / pdf copy of your selected journal article and answers in words Arial font 12.

☐ Submit output on December 9, 2021 at 11:59 AM at Google Classroom NURS 12 BSN 3-3 / Google
Classroom NURS 12 BSN 3-4.
COURSE MATERIALS/ READINGS/ REFERENCES
Books:

Burns, N., Grove , S. K., 2013, Burns and Grove’s Understanding Nursing Research Building an Evidence-Based
Practice., Adapted Philippine Edition, Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

Maltby, J., Williams, G., McGarry, J. Day, L. 2010, Research Methods for Nursing and Healthcare, Pearson Education
Limited, England, ISBN 978-273-71850-5.

Polit, D. F., Beck C. T., 2010, Nursing Research Generating and Assessing Evidence 7th Edition, Copyright © 2010
Wolters Kluwer Health ǀ Lippincott Williams & Wilkin.

Salustiano, Rosalinda P., 2009, Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences, Teaching & Learning Research Made Easy
1st Edition, C & E Publishing, Inc.

Electronic sources:

Characteristics and Qualities of a Good Hypothesis

http://studylecturenotes.com/characteristics-qualities-of-a-good-hypothesis/