Research Hypothesis – Notes 11
Research Hypothesis
- A tentative, testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.
- Often called an educated guess, supported by existing knowledge or theory.
- Purpose: Converts research questions into predictive statements that can be tested
scientifically.
- Key Elements: Independent variable (IV), dependent variable (DV), population, and predicted
relationship.
Main Types of Research Hypotheses
1. Simple Hypothesis
Relationship between one IV and one DV.
Examples:
If the temperature increases, then the rate at which ice melts will increase.
If students study longer hours, then their test scores will improve.
2. Complex Hypothesis
Relationship between two or more IVs and two or more DVs.
Examples:
If students attend review sessions and submit assignments on time, then their exam
scores will increase and their class participation will improve.
If employees receive proper training and have a comfortable work environment, then
their productivity and job satisfaction will increase.
3. Empirical (Working) Hypothesis
Tested through observation or experiment; can change if unsupported.
Examples:
Plants that receive fertilizer will grow taller than plants that do not receive fertilizer.
Students who listen to music while studying will retain less information than those who
study in a quiet room.
4. Logical Hypothesis
Based on reasoning and limited evidence, not yet tested.
Examples:
If there is life on Mars, then it might have adapted to survive in extreme cold.
If online learning continues for several years, then it could eventually replace some
traditional classrooms.
5. Statistical Hypothesis
Analyzed using statistical methods, often using samples.
Examples:
There is a significant difference in the reading comprehension scores of male and
female Grade 7 students.”
“The average weight of apples in Orchard A is higher than the average weight of
apples in Orchard B.
6. Null Hypothesis (H₀)
States there is no relationship or no significant difference.
Examples:
There is no significant effect of daily exercise on stress levels.
There is no difference in academic performance between students who read e-books
and those who read printed books.
7. Alternative Hypothesis (Hₐ)
States that there is a relationship, usually the opposite of the null.
Examples:
Students who review using flashcards have higher test scores than those who review
without flashcards.
Employees who work flexible hours are more productive than those with fixed
schedules.
Types of Research Hypotheses Based on Direction of Prediction
1. Directional Hypothesis (One-tailed test - predicting the specific direction of the effect or
difference (increase/decrease, higher/lower, positive/negative )
Predicts a specific direction of the effect (positive or negative).
Examples:
Students who sleep at least eight hours a night will have higher exam scores than
students who sleep less than five hours.
Employees who receive monthly incentives will show higher productivity than
employees who do not receive incentives.
2. Non-Directional Hypothesis (Two-tailed test - predicting that there is a difference or
relationship, but you are not sure of the direction)
Predicts that a relationship exists but does not specify the direction.
Examples:
There is a significant difference in the stress levels of students who study with music and
those who study in silence.
“There is a significant difference in the performance of employees who work from home
and those who work in the office.
