hypotheses

• hypothesis

  • a precise, testable statement of what the researchers predict will be the outcome of the study.
  • involves proposing a possible relationship between two variables: the independent variable (what the researcher changes) and the dependent variable (what the research measures).
  • In research, the hypothesis is written in two forms, null hypothesis, and the alternative hypothesis (called the experimental hypothesis when the method of investigation is an experiment). We can only accept one, and must reject the other.
• alternative hypothesis


  • 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.
• null hypothesis


  • 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.
• non-directional hypothesis 


  A two-tailed non-directional hypothesis predicts that the independent variable will have an effect on the dependent variable, but the direction of the effect is not specified. Used when there is no previous research (theories/studies) suggesting that findings will go in a particular direction. E.g., there will be a difference in how many numbers are correctly recalled by children and adult
• directional hypothesis 


  • A one-tailed directional hypothesis predicts the nature of the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable. Used when there is previous research (theories/studies) suggesting that findings will go in a particular direction. E.g., adults will correctly recall more words than children.
• how to write hypothesis 


  1. identify key variables.
  2. operationalise the variables. Refer to how you will define and measure a specific variable as it is used
  3. decide on direction: if there is evidence in literature to support effect on IV and DV write a directional (one-tailed) hypothesis. If there are limited or ambiguous findings in the literature regarding the effect of the IV on the DV, write a non directional (two-tailed)
  4. write you hypothesis.