Research assumption

RESEARCH
ASSUMPTION
MR. JAYESH PATIDAR
www.drjayeshpatidar.blogspot.com

INTRODUCTION
• An assumption is a realistic expectation which is
something that we believe to be true.
• However, no adequate evidence exists to support this
belief.
• In other words, an assumption is an act of faith which
does not have empirical evidenced to support.
• Assumption provide a basis to develop theories &
research instrument & therefore, influence the
development & implement of research process.

DEFINITION
• Assumptions are statements that are taken
for granted or are considered true, even
through they have not been scientifically
tested.
• Assumption are principles those are
accepted as being true based on logic or
reasons, but without proof or verification.

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

USES OF ASSUMPTION 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.
Assumption provide basis to conduct of the
research study.
Tested assumptions through research studies
expand the professionals body of knowledge.

TYPES OF ASSUMPTION
ASSUMPTION
Universal
assumptions

1. Universal assumption:
• Universal assumptions are beliefs that are
assumed to be true by a large part of
society, but testing such assumptions is
not always possible.
• For example, ‘there is a supernatural
power which governs this universe’.

2. 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.
• For example, ‘a study on Roy’s Adaptation
Model will use assumption of this particular
theoretical model.’

3. Assumptions needed to
conduct a research:
• Some of the common-sense assumptions
may be developed to conduct a particular
study.
• For example, ‘prevalence of coronary artery
disease is more common among urban
people as compared to rural people’.

4. Warranted assumption:
• These are stated along with evidence to
support.
• For example, ‘regular prayers bring
success because they boost morale’.

5. Unwarranted assumptions:
• These are stated without any supportive
evidence.
• For example, ‘Almighty God exists
everywhere in this universe’.

EXAMPLES OF ASSUMPTION
Williams (1980) reviewed published nursing
studies & other health care literature, where
following common assumptions were found:
• People are aware of the experiences that most
affect their life choices.
• People in underserved areas feel underserved.
• People want to assume control of their own
health problems.
• Stress should be avoided.
• Health is the priority for most of the people.

Count…
• Most measurable attitudes are held strongly
enough to direct behavior.
• Health professionals view health care in a
different manner than layperson.
• Human biological & chemical factors show less
variation than cultural & social factors.
• The nursing process is the best way to
conceptualizing nursing practices.
• Statistically significant differences relate to the
variables under consideration.

Example…
“Effectiveness of planned teaching on the knowledge
of staff nurses working in psychiatric unit regarding
Physical Restraints for psychiatric patient in
selected hospital of Vidharbha region”.
The study is based on the following assumptions:
1. Every nursing student is taught about Physical
restraint during basic nursing training programme.
2. Awareness of alternative to the use of physical
restraint is inadequate among nursing staff.
3. Physical Restraint is not, the only treatment for
behavioral emergencies.
4. Untrained nurses are responsible for injuries of

LIMITATIONS
• Limitations are restrictions of the study due
to theoretical or methodological reasons,
which may decrease the credibility &
generalizability of the research findings.
• Usually, there are two types of limitations in
research studies which may reduce the
credibility & generalizability of the research
findings they are:
1. Theoretical limitations
2. Methodological limitations

1. Theoretical limitations:
• They restrict the ability of research
findings to generalizes due to the use of
specific theoretical concepts in study, or
limiting the study of variables through
operational definitions.

2. Methodological limitations
• Methodological limitations usually result from
some of the methodological factors such as
unrepresentative sample, weak design,
single setting, limited control over extraneous
variables, poor data collection procedure,
ineffective use of statistical analysis etc.
• Therefore, researchers usually mention
limitations of their study, so that the readers
can have idea about the credibility &
generalizability of the research findings.www.drjayeshpatidar.blogspot.com

Example…
“Effectiveness of planned teaching on the knowledge
of staff nurses working in psychiatric unit
regarding Physical Restraints for psychiatric
patient in selected hospital of Vidharbha region”.
1. The study is delimited only to the nurses working in
units of general and specific hospital of Vidharbh
region.
2. The study is limited to population that speaks
English.
3. The study is limited to registered and licensed
nurses.
4. The study is limited to nurses with GNM and BSc
Nursing education.
5. The study will limited to the experience level of the
researcher. www.drjayeshpatidar.blogspot.com

Research assumption

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