Hypothesis

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Criteria of a Good Hypothesis

Hypothesis is a statement that introduces a research question and proposes an expected result. It is an integral part of scientific method. Without hypothesis a research would be an aimless wandering. There are basically two types, namely, null and alternative hypothesis. Definition ‘Hypothesis is a tentative prediction explanation of the relationship between two variables; it implies that there is a systematic relationship between independent and dependent variables.’

Importance of Hypothesis

● It helps in data analysis and measure the validity and reliability of the research

● It provides a basis or evidence to prove the validity of research

● Helps to theory building

● Provides objectivity

● Helps to provide clear and specific goals

● It serve as a bridge between theory and reality (Sendil and Sethuraman, 2017). Characteristics & qualities of a good hypothesis.

A good hypothesis possesses the following certain attributes or criteria: -

● 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. Hypothesis is a best guide of research activity due to power of prediction.

● 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. The verification of a hypothesis is based on observable things.

● Simplicity A hypothesis should be so dabble to every layman, W-ocean stated that, “A hypothesis should be as sharp as razor’s blade”. a good hypothesis must be simple and have no complexity.

● Conceptual 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.

● Conceptual clarity A good hypothesis consists of clearly defined and understandable concepts. It is stated in a very clear terms, the meaning and implications of which cannot be doubted.

● Objectivity Hypothesis must be objective

● Empirical referents A research must have an ultimate empirical referent. No usable hypothesis can embody moral judgments. Good hypotheses must have empirical basis from the area of enquiry

● Purposiveness Purposiveness refers to the relevance of hypothesis to the research problem and its objectives.

● The researcher must formulate only purposeful hypothesis.

● 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.

● 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. In addition hypothesis must have relevance with a theory under test in a research process.

● 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.

● 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.

● 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 researchers says that “Hypothesis is the best source of new knowledge it creates new ways of discoveries”.

● 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. A hypothesis should be consistent with an existing body of theories, research findings and other hypothesis.

● Availability of technique The researcher must ensure that scientific methods are available for testing their proposed thesis.

● Verifiability A good hypothesis should be verifiable in practical terms.

● Profundity of effect A good hypothesis should have profound effect upon a variety of research variables.

● Economical The expenditure of resources can be controlled if the hypothesis underlying the research that which is undertaken is good (Brenda, 1998).

References

● Brenda R. Motheral. (1998). Research Methodology: Hypothesis, Measurement, Reliability, and Validity;4thed. Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy.

● Sendril Mourougan and K Senthuraman. (2017). Hypothesis development and testing;IOSR Journal of Business and Management(IOSR-JBM) 9 (5), 34-40.