research methodology

1. Writing A Proper
Hypothesis
Ari Moesriami Barmawi

2. The hypothesis is the foundation of
the research
 The development of a hypothesis is the first
step in designing and conducting research
 The hypothesis should be clear, specific, and
testable (or researchable)
 The hypothesis is the link between the
theory and the research, that leads us to
new discoveries

3. The Hypothesis…
 Is a prediction for the outcome of an
experiment
 Explains facts and guides the
research to possible outcomes
 Is valuable because:
• States the relationship between the all
of your variables to study
 You are ALWAYS testing to find relationships
• Explains why these occur

4. Parts of the Hypothesis
Statement
 Independent Variable:
The condition be studied. It is controlled by the
experimenter.
ex. Water
 Dependent Variable:
The condition affected by the independent
variable. It can’t be controlled by the
experimenter.
ex. Plant Growth
 Control:
The condition that is represented in a normal
situation.

5. Writing A Proper
Hypothesis
Generally speaking

6. A hypothesis must satisfy the following
requirements…
 Be expressed in a declarative
statement
 Postulate a relationship between
variables
 Reflect a theory which will guide the
research
 Be brief and concise
 Be testable and/or provable

7. Hypothesis Checklist
 Does it suggest the relationship between two
variables?
 Does it specify the nature of the relationship?
 Does it imply the research design to be used to
study the relationship?
 Does it indicate the population to be studied?
 Is it free of mention of specific
measures/statistical tests?
 Is it free of unnecessary methodological detail?

8. Writing A Proper
Hypothesis
Using the “If / Then” Method

9. Steps to Writing the “If” section of your
Hypothesis
1. Start your sentence with the word “If”
2. Write down one of the variables
3. Connect statement with one of the
following:
is related to
is affected by
causes
4. Write down the other variable

10. Variables and Controls
 A variable is anything that changes
in a scientific experiment.
 The control is what you use to
compare the results to in the end of
the experiment.

11. Two Types of Variable

12. Writing the “Then” section of your
Hypothesis
 Write the word then (following the “if” section)
 Make a comment on the relationship between those
two variables.
Ex. If section:
If water is related to plant growth,
Ex. Then section:
then the more you water plants, the bigger
they will grow.

13. Final “If / Then” Statement
If water is related to plant growth,
then the more you water plants,
the bigger they will grow.

14. Reference