The document discusses the concept of assumptions in research, defining them as beliefs taken for granted without empirical evidence. It categorizes assumptions into universal, theory-based, warranted, and unwarranted assumptions, and highlights their essential role in forming the basis for research and theory development. Additionally, it distinguishes between assumptions and hypotheses, and addresses the limitations that can affect the credibility of research findings.

1. PRESENTATION
ON
ASSUMPTIONS
Submitted By
Latika Kashyap
M.Sc. Nursing

2. INTRODUCTION:
 An assumption is a realistic expectation which is
something that we believe to be true.
 An assumption is an act of faith which does not
have empirical evidence to support it.
 Assumption provides a basis to develop theories
and research instruments and therefore, influence
the development and implementation of research
process.

3. DEFINITION:
 Assumptions are statement that is taken for
granted or are considered true, even though they
have not been scientifically tested.
 Assumptions are principles those are accepted as
being true based on logic or reason, but without
proof or verification.

4. TYPES OF ASSUMPTIONS:
ASSUMPTIONS
UNIVERSAL
BASED ON
THEORIES
NEEDED TO
CONDUCT A
RESEARCH
WARRANTED
UNWARRANTED

5. UNIVERSAL ASSUMPTIONS:
Universal assumptions are beliefs that are assumed to be
true by a large part of society, but testing such
assumptions is not always possible.
Example: there is a supernatural power which governs this
universe.

6. ASSUMPTIONS BASED ON THEORIES:
Assumptions may also be drawn from theories.
If a research study is based on a theory, the
assumption of the particular theory may become
assumption of that particular research study.
Example: a study based on Roy’s Adaptation Model
will use assumption of this particular theoretical
model.

7. ASSUMPTIONS NEEDED TO CONDUCT A
RESEARCH:
Some of the common-sense assumption may be
develop to conduct a particular study.
Example: prevalence of coronary artery disease is
more common among urban people as compared
to rural people.

8. WARRANTED ASSUMPTION:
These are stated along with evidence to support.
Example: regular prayers bring success because they
boost morale.

9. UNWARRANTED ASSUMPTION:
These are stated without any supportive
Example: almighty God exist everywhere in this
universe.

10. USES OF ASSUMPTIONS IN RESEARCH:
 Research is built upon assumptions since a
foundation is needed to move forward. One must
assume something to discover something.
 Assumptions listed in research paper may be good
sources of the research topics.
 Assumptions provide basis to conduct of the
research.
 Tested assumptions through research studies
expand the professional body of knowledge.

11. EXAMPLES OF ASSUMPTIONS:
 People are aware of the experiences that most affect
their life choices.
 People want to assume control of their own health
problems.
 Stress should be avoided.
 Health is the priority for most of the people.
 Increased knowledge about an event lowers anxiety
about the event.
 Receiving health care at home is preferred to
receiving health care in an institute.

12. ASSUMPTIONS
• Assumptions are basically
beliefs & ideas that we hold to
be true.
• Often with little or no evidence
& are not statistically tested in
research.
• Beliefs about the variables.
• Based on the beliefs, the
researchers attempt to
discover the correlation.
HYPOTHESIS
• Hypothesis is a prediction.
• Can be statistically tested &
may be accepted or rejected.
• Predictions about the
relationship of two or more
variables.
• Predict a relation between
variables & statistically tested
to conclude the study.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ASSUMPTIONS AND
HYPOTHESIS

13. DELIMITATIONS:
Limitations are restrictions of the study due to
theoretical or methodological reasons, which may
decrease the credibility and generalizability of the
research findings.

14. TYPES OF LIMITATIONS:
1. THEORETICAL LIMITATIONS:
They restrict the ability of research findings to
generalize due to the use of specific theoretical
concept in study, or limiting the study of variables
through operational definitions.

15. 2. METHODOLOGICAL LIMITATIONS:
These usually result from some of the methodological
factors such as unrepresentative sample, weak
design, single setting, limited control over
extraneous variables, poor implementations of
treatment protocol, research tools with limited
reliability and validity, poor data collection
procedures, ineffective use of statistical analysis
etc.

16. THANK YOU