Hypotheses

Understanding Hypotheses

• Hypotheses are statements made by researchers, predicting an expected outcome or relationship between variables.
• A null hypothesis (H0) predicts no relationship or difference between variables.

Types of Hypotheses

Alternative Hypothesis (H1)

• An alternative hypothesis predicts a relationship or difference between variables.
• It could be directional or non-directional.

Directional Hypotheses

• The prediction is very specific.
• It states the direction of the effect (i.e., ‘greater than’, ‘less than’).

Non-Directional Hypotheses

• It simply states that there is a difference or a relationship but does not predict the direction of this effect.

Formulation of Hypotheses in Research

• Hypotheses are formulated after thorough review of related literature and understanding of the research question.
• The alternative hypothesis is what the researcher really thinks is the case and is trying to prove.
• The null hypothesis is the “default” view - that there is no effect or difference.

Testability of Hypotheses

• A hypothesis must be testable and measurable. It should clearly define the variables and the expected relationship or difference between them.
• Operationalising variables is a key step to make them measurable.

Role of Hypotheses in Psychological Research

• Hypotheses guide the direction of the study, help design experiments, and determine analytical methods.
• They are critical for replicability of the study. Other researchers must be able to test the same hypotheses under the same conditions.
• Hypotheses are provisional. They can be supported or refuted based on the results, leading to further hypotheses and research.