The document outlines the steps to formulate a hypothesis for research. It defines what a hypothesis is, discusses the types of hypotheses (null and alternative), and lists advantages of developing a hypothesis. The key steps provided are: define the research problem, analyze the problem in-depth, define research objectives, and articulate the hypothesis. Hypotheses can be developed through various means like literature review, observations, and prior studies. The document also provides an example of formulating hypotheses for a study on customer preferences and usage of cashless payments.

1. Steps to formulate
Hypothesis
By
Simran Sakshi
BBM Hons.

2. Contents
Hypothesis
Types of
hypothesis
Formulation
Advantages of
hypothesis
Steps in
formulation
References

3. Hypothesis is a gut feeling, an assumption, a proposition, a
guess which is tentative, provisional & explains the
situation under observation but is yet to be proved or
disproved.
It is a tentative assumption made in order to draw logical
and empirical consequences.
Hypothesis

4. Hypothesis formulation helps in formulating the research problem. A
properly formulated hypothesis helps in drawing proper and reasonable
conclusions.
Formulation of hypothesis gives a definite point to enquiry, helps in
establishing direction in which to proceed and helps to delimit the field of
enquiry by choosing the point on which to concentrate.
However, hypothesis formulation is not necessary. It depends upon the
type of study.
Hypothesis
formulation

5. Define the
problem
In depth
analysis of
the
problem
Define
research
objectives
Articulate
hypothesi
s
Steps to formulate hypothesis

6. Discussions with colleagues and experts by keeping in view the objectives
Common sense, wisdom and practice
Keen observation, disciplined imagination & creative thinking
Literature & some formulated theoretical frameworks
Personal experiences and the way an individual reacts to culture, discipline etc.
Examination of data and records if available
Review of similar studies
Personal investigation in the field by interviews with interested parties and
individuals to secure better insight on the subject of research
A hypothesis can be developed by:

7. Two types of Hypothesis can be formulated to address the research problem.
Null
Hypothesis
The null hypothesis states that a
population parameter is equal to a value.
The null hypothesis is often an initial claim
that researchers specify using previous
research or knowledge.
It is the one which we are trying to reject.
In null hypothesis, we always have the
‘equal to’ sign.
It is represented by H1 or Ho.
Ho: 𝜇 = 100

8. The alternative hypothesis states that
the population parameter is different
than the value of the population
parameter in the null hypothesis.
The alternative hypothesis is what we
wish to prove.
It is opposite of null hypothesis and is
only reached when null hypothesis is
rejected.
It is represented by Ha.
Alternate
Hypothesis
Ha: 𝜇 ≠ 100

9. Hypothesis should have the following characteristics:
Goal oriented Testable
Simple Relevant

11. Through in depth study of the problem, we
identified four variables of study:
Preference Usage
Income
level
Age

12. We define the research objectives with
respect to our study and accordingly frame
the null and alternate hypothesis.

13. To study the customer perception
towards cashless economy
Null Hypothesis
Customers do not prefer
e-payment modes
Alternate Hypothesis
Customers prefer e-
payment modes

14. To study the usage of e- payment modes
in Agra
Null
Hypothesis
•People do not use
digital payment
modes
Alternate
Hypothesis
•People use digital
payment modes

15. Null Hypothesis
•Income level is
independent of
payment mode
Alternate Hypothesis
•Income level is not
independent of
payment mode
To study the dependence of income level
on payment mode

16. To test the dependence of age on payment mode
Null
Hypothesis
• Age is
independent of
payment mode
Alternate
Hypothesis
• Age is not
independent of
payment mode

17. Advantages of
Hypothesis

18. Hypothesis brings a clarity in the way we have to
conduct a research. This also saves time and money.
Clarity
It ensures that the research does not deviate from its
objective. The research becomes organized as
irrelevant factors are dropped.
Focus
It sets a direction of research and prevents blind
search. This direction shows what should be the
objectives, methodology, mode of analysis and research
design.
Direction

19. Every research requires objectivity but without
hypothesis, one may collect data which is irrelevant and
this decreases the objectivity. With the help of
hypothesis, we collect only the required data and so
objectivity and validity of research increases.
Objectivity
A hypothesis adds to the available body of knowledge.
Through literature review, we identify gaps and then
concentrate on what has not been done yet on that topic.
Adds to the
body of
knowledge

20. References
Research Methodology – C.R. Kothari
http://www.public.asu.edu/~kroel/www500/hypothesis.pdf
https://www.etsu.edu/apl/Documents/.../Hypothesis%20Formulation.doc
http://blog.brand24.com/7-steps-to-formulate-a-strong-hypothesis-for-your-next-ab-test/
https://www.boundless.com/sociology/textbooks/boundless-sociology-
textbook/sociological-research-2/the-research-process-26/formulating-the-hypothesis-
167-7473/
http://readingcraze.com/index.php/hypothesis-formulation-research/
http://www.shareyouressays.com/116021/6-advantages-of-hypothesis-in-social-research
http://kiskash.com/hypothesisdefinitionsfunctionstypes/