AIZAWL THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

Durtlang Leitan, Aizawl

Topic : Concept, Theory, and Hypothesis

Course Title : Research Methods
Course Facilitator : Rev. Prof. Laltluangliana
Presenter : Rex Lalruatdika Fanai, M.Th-1
Date of Presentation : 15th July, 2024

Introduction
Research methods are essential tools that help scholars and scientists to systematically
investigate and understand phenomena. Central to research methods are the concepts of Concept,
Theory, and Hypothesis, which form the foundational building blocks of any scientific inquiry.
This paper aims to elucidate these core elements, highlighting their definitions, roles, and
interrelationships within the context of research methods.

1. Concept in Research
A concept is a word or set of words that express a general idea concerning the nature of
something or the relations between things, often providing category for the classification of
phenomena. They are essential in the process of generalizing. In other words, a concept is a
generalized idea or abstraction derived from specific instances. It represents phenomena in the
simplest terms and is used to build theories and develop hypotheses. Concepts are crucial in
research because they provide a common language for scientists and researchers to communicate
complex ideas clearly and efficiently.1 Concepts may also be defined as the most elementary
symbolic constructions by means of which people classify or categorize reality. Concepts are,
therefore, the primary instruments by means of which humans come to grips with reality.2

According to Saravanavel, “Concepts are basic elements of scientific method but by and by
large all concepts are abstractions and represent only certain aspects of reality.” 3 In other words
of Pauline V. Young, “A concept is in reality a definition in shorthand of a class or group of
facts.”4

From the above definitions, it follows that a concept is an idea expressed as a symbol or in
words. We can therefore say that the concepts are the „building blocks of the theory‟, and that it

1
W. Lawrence Neuman, Basics of Social Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, 2nd ed.
(Boston: Pearson Education Inc., 2007), 26.
2
Johan Mouton and H.C. Marais, Basic Concepts in the Methodology of the Social Sciences, (Pretoria:
HSRC Publishers, 1996), 126.
3
P. Saravanavel, Research Methodology, (Allahabad: Kitab Mahal, 1999), 73.
4
Pauline V. Young, Scientific Social Surveys and Research, (New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India Private
Limited, 1975),115.

1|Page
is through the operationalization of the concepts that the theory is transformed into empirical
terms. Thus, the concept bridges the gap between theory and the observable empirical world.5

2. Concept and Variables

Concepts are mental images or perceptions and therefore their meanings vary markedly from
individual to individual, whereas variables are measurably, of course with varying degrees of
accuracy. Measurability is the main difference between a concept and a variable. A concept
cannot be measured whereas a variable can be subjected to a measurement by crude/refined or
subjective/objective unites of measurement. Concepts are subjective impressions – their
understanding may differ from person to person – which, if measured, would cause problems in
comparing responses.6

2.1. Dependent Variable

If one variable depends upon or is a consequence of the other variable, it is termed as a

dependent variable. In other words, dependent variable is the outcome of the change(s) brought
about by introduction of an independent variable. For example, if we say that height depends
upon age, then height is a dependent variable and age is an independent variable.7

2.2. Independent Variable

The variable that is antecedent to the dependent variable is termed as an independent

variable. In other words, independent variable is the cause supposed to be responsible for
bringing about change(s) in a phenomenon or situation. Furthermore, in addition to being
dependent upon age, height also depends upon the individual‟s sex, then height is a dependent
variable and age and sex are independent variables.8

An independent variable is the presumed cause of the dependent variable – the presumed
effect. When we say A causes B, it means A is independent variable and B is dependent variable.
The independent variable thus is one which explains or accounts for variation in the dependent
variable.9

3. Theory in Research

A theory is a systematically organized set of concepts, definitions, and propositions that

explain or predict phenomena. Theories provide a framework for understanding how and why

5
Piergiogio Corbetta, Social Research: Theory, Methods and Techniques (New Delhi: Sage Publication Pvt
Ltd, 2003), 64.
6
Nicholas Walliman, Social Research Methods, 2nd ed. (London: Sage Publications Ltd, 2016), 56.
7
Ranjit Kumar, Research Methodology: A Step by Step Guide for Beginners, 2nd ed., (Noida: Pearson india
Education Services Pvt. Ltd, 2007), 60.
8
CR Kothari and Gaurav Garg, Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques (New Delhi: New Age
International (P) Ltd., 2019), 32.
9
Ram Ahuja, Research Methods (Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 2017), 61.

2|Page
certain events occur, offering explanations that can be tested through research. 10 In simple term,
theory is the abstract statements that make claims about the world and how it works. Research
problems are usually stated at a theoretical level. For example, “Poverty leads to poor health.”11

Saravanavel states that, “Theory is a set of generalisations which are deduced from one
another and are intimately inter-related. Theory is „a set of generalisations that are deductively
related‟”.12 According to Kerlinger, “A theory is a set of interrelated constructs (variables),
definitions and propositions that presents a systematic view of phenomena by specifying
relations among variables, with the purpose of explaining natural phenomena.”13 While Ram
Ahuja defines that, “A theory is a statement held as an explanation of facts or phenomena. It is a
logically interrelated and empirically verifiable set of propositions. Since a theory attempts to
answer the why and how questions, it tries to predict the social phenomena also.”14

3.1. Functions of Theory

(i) Providing explanation and prediction: The inter-relatedness of various
propositions deduced from theory is helpful in explaining many diverse social phenomena.
Theory provides an insight into the problem facilitating logical conclusions as explanation to
social events.
(ii) Raising new problematic issues in new directions: The second important function
of theory is to explore solutions to new problems or sub-problems connected with a major one.
i.e., it helps to build, new frontiers of knowledge. New views of knowledge are thrown open by
the social scientists with the application of theory.
(iii) Organising the fragments of knowledge into a systematic set of propositions: The
function of theory is to systematically represent events/facts in such sequences and series that
relevant relationships could be logically established. Thus, theory organizes knowledge in a
consistently logical and scientific manner.
(iv) Identifying limits to application of theory to social problematic phenomena: A
scientifically constructed theory shows the extent and limits beyond which the application of
„old‟ theory may not be helpful in providing an explanation to a social phenomenon or it may not
be possible to predict social behavior. The range and application of existing, old or previous
theory can be specified or identified.
3.2. Purpose of Theory
The two purpose of theory are understanding and prediction. In most situations prediction
and understanding go hand in hand. To predict phenomena, we must have an explanation of why
variables behave as they do.
10
Jaypee Brothers, “Nursing Theories”, accessed July 9, 2024,
https://www.jaypeedigital.com/eReader/chapter/9788180619632/ch1
11
Walliman, Social Research Methods, 2nd ed., 54.
12
P. Saravanavel, Research Methodology, (Allahabad: Kitab Mahal, 1999), 75.
13
John W. Creswell, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches
(Michigan: Sage Publications, 1994), 120.
14
Ram Ahuja, Research Methods (Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 2017), 359.

3|Page
 Theories provide these explanations.
 The propositions that comprise a theory are regarded as scientific laws if they have been
sufficiently verified to be widely accepted.
 Through the process of deduction, a theory provides specific hypothesis for research, and
through induction, research data provide generalizations to be incorporated into and modify a
theory. The essence of theory is that it attempts to explain a wide variety of empirical
phenomena.15
3.3. Characteristics of a good theory

According to Black and Champion, a theory is “a set of systematically related propositions

specifying causal relationship among variables”. The idea in a theory must conform to the
following criteria:
 They must be logically consistent, i.e., there should be no internal contradictions.
 They must be interrelated.
 The propositions should be mutually exclusive.
 They must be capable of being subjected to empirical scrutiny.16
Theories contain concepts, their definitions, and assumptions. More significantly, theories
specify how concepts relate to one another. Theories tell us whether concepts are related or not.
If they are related, the theory states how they relate to each other. In addition, theories give
reasons for why the relationship does or does not exist.17
3.4. Primary Purpose of Theory
A theory‟s primary purpose is to explain. Many people confuse prediction with explanation.
There are two meanings or uses of the term explanation. Researchers focus on theoretical
explanation, a logical argument that tells why something occurs. It refers to a general rule or
principle – Researcher‟s theoretical arguments or connections among concepts. The second type
of explanation, ordinary explanation, males something clear or describes something in a way
that illustrates it and makes it understandable. For example, a good teacher “explains” in the
ordinary sense. These two types of explanation can blend together. This occurs when a

15
Ahuja, Research Methods , 75.
16
Ahuja, Research Methods,75-76.
17
W. Lawrence Neuman, Basic of Social Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (Boston:
Pearson Education, Inc, 2004), 29.

4|Page
researcher explains (i.e., makes understandable) his or her explanation (i.e., a logical argument
involving theory).
Prediction is a statement that something will occur. It is easier to predict than to explain, and
an explanation has more logical power than prediction because good explanations also predict.
An explanation rarely predicts more than one outcome, but the same outcome may be predicted
by opposing explanations. Although it is less powerful than explanations, many people are
fascinated by the dramatic visibility of a prediction. A good explanation depends on a well-
developed theory and is conformed in research by empirical observation.18
4. Hypothesis in Research
A hypothesis is an assumption about relation between variables. It is a tentative explanation
of the research problem or a guess about the research outcome.19 In other words, a hypothesis is
a specific, testable statement derived from a theory that predicts a relationship between variables.
Hypotheses are crucial in research because they provide a focus for data collection and analysis,
allowing researchers to confirm or refute theoretical predictions.20

The word hypothesis consists of two words, hypo-thesis. „Hypo‟ means tentative or subject to
verification, „thesis‟ means statement about solution of a problem. Thus the literal meaning of
the term hypothesis is a tentative statement about the solution of the problem. A hypothesis is a
conjectural (assumed, speculative) statement of relation between two or more variables. 21
In the words of George A. Lundberg, “A hypothesis is a tentative generalization, the validity
of which remains to be tested. In its most elementary stage the hypothesis may be very hunch,
guess, imaginative data, which becomes the basis for action or investigation.22 While Kerlinger
describes it as “A conjectural statement of the relationship between two or more variables”.
Webster has also defined hypothesis as “A tentative assumption made in order to draw out and
test its logical or empirical consequences”. ‘Test’ here means “either to prove it wrong or
confirm it”.23

18
Neuman, Basic of Social Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, 35.
19
Ahuja, Research Methods, 70.
20
Thomas W. Edgar and David O. Manz, “Hypothetico Deductive Research,” Research Methods for
Cybersecurity, 2017, accessed July 10, 2024, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/good-
hypothesis
21
Sebastian Periannam, Social Research Methodology : An Introduction (Chennai: University of Madras,
2003), 45.
22
Saravanavel, Research Methodology, 75.
23
Ahuja, Research Methods, 70.

5|Page
 4.1. What a hypothesis is:

By hypothesis, it is meant:
 a proposition that implies a relationship between two or more concepts,
 which is located on a lower level of abstraction and generality than the theory,
 and which enables the theory to be transformed into terms that can be tested empirically.
A good hypothesis is one that provides an interesting and plausible explanation of certain
facts. A good hypothesis may be derived from either well-established theory or previous
research, or it may develop out of first-hand observation and data collection in the social world.
In the final analysis, a good research hypothesis must be empirically testable.24
4.2. What a hypothesis is not:
Since statements in hypothesis have to be put to empirical investigation, the definition of
hypothesis excludes all statements which are merely opinions, value judgments, or normative
(Normative statement is a statement of what ought to be, not a factual statement that can be
shown through investigation to be right or wrong). In other words, a hypothesis carries clear
implications for testing the stated relationship, i.e., it contains variables that are measurable and
specifying how they are related. A statement that lacks variables or that does not explain how the
variables are related to each other is no hypothesis in the scientific sense.25
4.3. Formulation of Hypothesis
A good hypothesis is clear, concise, and testable. It usually takes the form of an "if-then"
statement. Hypotheses are tested through empirical research, which involves collecting and
analyzing data to determine whether the predicted relationship holds true.26
In order to formulate a useful researchable hypothesis, a thorough knowledge of the
background to the subject and the nature of the problem or issue that is being addressed is
needed.27
Standards to be met in formulating a hypothesis:
 It should be empirically testable, whether it is right or wrong.
 It should be specific and precise.

24
Johann Mouton, Understanding social research,124.
25
Ahuja, Research Methods,71-72.
26
Kothari and Garg, Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques, 185.
27
Nicholas Walliman, SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS, 2nd ed. (New Delhi: SAGE Publication India Pvt
Ltd,2016),75.

6|Page
  The statements in the hypothesis should not be contradictory.
 It should specify variables between which the relationship is to be established.
 It should describe one issue only.28
4.4. Testing of Hypothesis
For testing a hypothesis, we have to define the concepts (used in the hypothesis) in a measurable
way. When concepts in the hypothesis are abstract, it is difficult to measure them.
4.4.1. Classical approach: This approach consist of three stages: the first is the
conceptual stage, the second is empirical stage, and the third is gathering data and analyzing it.
In other words, the first step is of defining the concepts/ variables and writing a proposition
stating a relationship between them. The second stage includes writing a testable hypothesis that
links the empirical measures of the two concepts. The third stage is of verifying the hypothesis
on the basis of collected data and analyzing it.29
4.4.2. Hypothetico-deductive method: This method involves three steps: the first id
forming a hypothesis, the second is deducing consequences from the hypothesis and the third is
making inferences about the hypothesis on the basis of one‟s observations.30
4.4.3. Other views in testing: According to Black and Champion, what needed for
testing are: (i) real situation that will suffice as a reasonable testing ground for the hypothesis,
e.g., managerial behavior (good organization), getting access to data, and (ii) researcher should
make sure that his hypothesis is testable. Goode and Hatt states that, hypothesis should be
empirically demonstrated. It requires a logical proof.31
4.5. Types of Hypothesis:
Hypotheses are classified as working hypothesis, research hypothesis, null hypothesis,
statistical hypothesis, alternative hypothesis and scientific hypothesis.
4.5.1. Working hypothesis:
It is a preliminary assumption of the researcher about the research topic, particularly
when sufficient information is not available to establish a hypothesis, and as a step towards
formulating the final research hypothesis. Working hypotheses are used to design the final

28
Ram Ahuja, Research Methods,72.
29
Ram Ahuja, Research Methods,84.
30
Ram Ahuja, Research Methods,85.
31
Ram Ahuja, Research Methods,87.

7|Page
research plan, to place the research problem in its right context and to reduce the research topic
to an acceptable size.
4.5.2. Scientific hypothesis:
It is a hypothesis that contains statement based on or derived from sufficient theoretical
and empirical data.32
4.5.3. Null Hypothesis (Ho) and Alternative Hypothesis (H1 or Ha):
In the context of statistical analysis, null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis are often
talked about. If we are to compare method A with method B about its superiority and if we
proceed on the assumption that both methods are equally good, then this assumption is termed as
the null hypothesis. As against this, we may think that the method A is superior or the method B
is inferior, we are then stating what is termed as alternative hypothesis. The null hypothesis is
generally symbolized as Ho and the alternative hypothesis as Ha.33
In other words, the 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.
While the 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.34
Conclusion
Understanding the concepts of Concept, Theory, and Hypothesis is fundamental to
conducting robust and meaningful research. These elements provide a structured approach to
investigating phenomena, ensuring that research is grounded in systematic and testable
propositions. By mastering these foundational aspects, researchers can contribute to the
advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.

32
Ahuja, Research Methods,76.
33
Kothari and Garg, Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques, 185.
34
Saul McLeod, “What is Hypothesis?” accessed July 11, 2024, https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-
is-a-hypotheses.html.

8|Page
Bibliography
Ahuja, Ram. Research Methods. Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 2017.
Corbetta, Piergiogio. Social Research: Theory, Methods and Techniques. New Delhi: Sage
Publication Pvt Ltd, 2003.
Creswell, John W. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches.
Michigan: Sage Publications, 1994.
Kothari, CR, and Gaurav Garg. Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Delhi:
New Age International (P) Ltd., 2019.
Kumar, Ranjit. Research Methodology: A Step by Step Guide for Beginners. 2nd ed. Noida:
Pearson india Education Services Pvt. Ltd, 2007.
Mouton, Johan, and H.C. Marais. Basic Concepts in the Methodology of the Social Sciences.
Pretoria: HSRC Publishers, 1996.
Neuman, W. Lawrence. Basics of Social Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. 2nd
ed. Boston: Pearson Education Inc., 2007.
Periannam, Sebastian. Social Research Methodology : An Introduction. Chennai: University of
Madras, 2003.
Saravanavel, P. Research Methodology. Allahabad: Kitab Mahal, 1999.
Walliman, Nicholas. Social Research Methods. 2nd ed. London: Sage Publications Ltd, 2016.
Young, Pauline V. Scientific Social Surveys and Research. New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India
Private Limited, 1975.
Webliography
Brothers, Jaypee. “Nursing Theories.” Accessed July 9, 2024.
https://www.jaypeedigital.com/eReader/chapter/9788180619632/ch1
Edgar, Thomas W, and David O. Manz. “Hypothetico Deductive Research,.” Research Methods
for Cybersecurity, 2017. Accessed July 10, 2024.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/good-hypothesis
McLeod, Saul. “What is Hypothesis?” Accessed July 11, 2024.
https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-a-hypotheses.html.

9|Page