This document defines and discusses hypotheses. It notes that a hypothesis is a preliminary idea that forms the basis for research. There are two main types of hypotheses: the null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis. Sources of hypotheses include personal experience, observation, previous studies, and scientific theories. For a hypothesis to be valid, it must be clear, empirically testable, specific, related to available techniques and theories. A good hypothesis concerns a research unit, variables, and predicted values. The document provides short sample questions to test understanding of key hypothesis concepts.

1. Hypothesis
UNIT 5
MARKET RESEARCH
PIMR –INDORE

2. Meaning and Definition
 Hypothesis is the pre -thought or primary idea on which any reassert work is
based or to be conducted.
 In general, hypo means below or sub, and thesis is research work. This word
is derived from Latin term hupothesis which gives the meaning of ‘to put
under’ or ‘to suppose’.
 As per Merriam Webster Dictionary a hypothesis is-
 - an assumption or concession made for the sake of argument,
 -an interpretation of a practical situation or condition taken as the ground for
action,
 -a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or
empirical consequences

3. HYPOTHESIS

9. Types
The six most common forms of hypotheses are-
 Null Hypothesis (Denoted by Ho)
 Alternative Hypothesis (Denoted by H1).

14. Sources
Following are the main sources of hypothesis-
 Personal Experience
 Imagination & Thinking
 Observation
 Scientific Theory
 Previous Study / Research

15. Precautions
Goode and Hatt have identified the following characteristics of a Hypothesis
A. Clarity
B. Empiricism
C. Specificity
D. Related to available techniques
E. Related to theories.
Every hypothesis must concern with three elements i.e.- unit of research,
variables and values.

16. Books and Questions
 Very short answer /
Define hypothesis/null hypothesis/variables/theory.
 Short answer /
Explain sources of hypothesis/ dimension or characteristics / need of hypothesis.
 Long answer
Describe various types of hypothesis use in social sciences research.
 Books and further reading has already been mentioned in earlier material.