Lecture 5: Terms Used in the field of Research- Research Hypothesis

 

ü  Research hypothesis

Let’s explore the concept of a research hypothesis. A hypothesis is a concise statement that predicts your research paper’s findings, data, and conclusion based on scientific evidence and logic. Here are the key points about research hypotheses:

1.      Definition:

• A research hypothesis (or scientific hypothesis) is a statement about the expected outcome of a study.
• It is based on known facts but has not yet been tested.
• The hypothesis needs to be specific, clear, and testable.

2.      Purpose:

• A hypothesis serves as a guide for your research.
• It predicts what you expect to find or observe during your study.
• It forms the basis for designing experiments and collecting data.

3.      Components:

• Independent Variable (IV): The cause or factor you manipulate or study.
• Dependent Variable (DV): The effect or outcome that changes in response to the independent variable.
• Example: If you’re studying the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, the independent variable is the type of fertilizer, and the dependent variable is the plant’s growth rate.

4.      Types of Hypotheses:

• Null Hypothesis (H0):
• Proposes no relationship between two variables.
• Denoted as H0.
• Example: “Attending physiotherapy sessions does not affect athletes’ on-field performance.”
• Alternative Hypothesis (Ha):
• The opposite of the null hypothesis.
• Denoted as Ha or H1.
• Example: “Physiotherapy sessions positively impact athletes’ on-field performance.”

5.      Writing a Strong Hypothesis:

• Be specific and clear about the relationship you’re testing.
• Ensure it is testable through empirical research.
• Distinguish it from a prediction (which is speculative).

Remember, a well-crafted research hypothesis sets the stage for meaningful investigation and scientific discovery! 🌟🔍 For more examples and guidance, you can explore resources like Grad Coach and Scribbr.¹²³

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