A hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables that is tested through research. It provides direction for a study by guiding the collection of relevant data and classification of information. A hypothesis bridges inductive and deductive reasoning processes and prevents haphazard or fruitless data collection. There are different types of hypotheses defined by their format, such as questions, statements, or answers that can be null/statistical or declarative/research hypotheses and directional or non-directional.

1. By Dr. Sudhir Sahu
Hypothesis in Research

2. Meaning and Concept of
Hypothesis
The word hypothesis is derived form the two Greek words
Hypo + Thesis
“Hypo” means “Less than”
“Thesis” means “Statement”
Hence hypothesis refers to the a precise or tentative
statement about the solution of a problem
Hypothesis is a conjectural statement of relationship between
two or more variable
(Kerlinger, Fried N, Foundations of Behabioural Research ,
3rd edition, New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1986)

3. Definition
Lungberg-
A hypothesis is a tentative generalization, the validity of which
remain to be tested.
Best and Khan-
Hypothesis is a tentative answer to a question. It is an intelligent
guess or hunch, generally based on prior research and/or theory,
to be subjected to the process of verification.

4. Nature of a Hypothesis
 Tentative solution which need to be tested further
 Connect/ Bridge Inductive and Deductive Process in
Research
 Hypothesis provide direction to research and prevent
collection of irrelevant data.
 Enable the researcher to classify the information
 Gives clarity on whole research process
 It spell the difference between
 Precision and Haphazardness
 Fruitful and fruitless
 Hypothesis guides type of descriptive and inferential
statistics to be used in the study
 Hypotheses are means to reach general conclusion

5. Types of Hypothesis
 On the Basis of Writing Format
 A. Question
 B. Statement
 1. Simple Statement (No question No answer)
 2. Answer
 a) Null/ Non-Declarative/ Statistical
 b) Declarative/ Research
 i) Directional (Nature of relationship stated)
 ii) Non- Directional (Nature of relationship Ignored)

6. Question Statement
Simple
Statement
Answer
Type
Non
Declarative
Null/Statistical
Declarative/
Research
Directional
Non-
Directional