What is Importance of Hypothesis in Research?

Research is always incomplete without a hypothesis. It is as important as sugar in tea! But why? Well, this article is going to talk about it. Good research consists of many features that make it efficient and here we are going to see all of them and get to know why they are important. You will get to know the importance of hypothesis in research. A good hypothesis can be really helpful in understanding the overall concept and make the research easy. So, let’s begin and know more about this interesting topic.

1. What is the Importance of Statement of the Problem?

The statement of the problem is important because it identifies the issue that is causing the concern. This statement can focus the issue in a way that makes the study easier and more systematic. The statement of problem defines the problem in direct and simple terms and the ways to research the solution are proposed. It demonstrates and explains why further information is required to make the solution possible.

It provides the background and an overview of all the issues discussed in the paper. The objectives of the research are also defined in the statement of the problem. (See What is Difference between Discovery Science and Hypothesis Driven Science?)

2. What is a Hypothesis in Research?

In simple terms, a hypothesis in research is an assumption based on some evidence but it is not a wild guess. It states the predictions about what the findings of your research will be. Hypothesis gives a tentative answer to your question which has not been tested yet. It is based on some knowledge and existing theories and should have a proper explanation to it. There can or cannot be more than one hypothesis for any given research question. 

3. What makes a Good Hypothesis?

• A good hypothesis should not be a question. It should be stated in a declarative form.
• A hypothesis can be right or wrong but it should be empirically testable.
• A good hypothesis needs to be precise, clear, and specific and it should describe only one issue.
• It should be properly researched and based on past knowledge and theories.
• An expected difference or relationship between two or more variables should be stated in a hypothesis.

4. What are Two Important Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis?

• A hypothesis is considered good when it is testable and falsifiable. The hypothesis should be able to get tested using scientific methods. The idea should be summarized in the statement and it should be supported through observation and experimentation.
• A good hypothesis should be based on existing theories and knowledge. It should be grounded and not just be a random guess. A hypothesis has to be precise and clear.

5. What is Importance of Hypothesis in Research?

Let’s get to know about the importance of hypothesis in research. The hypothesis is used to find the answer to a question. It helps in providing the link to the particular research question and the underlying theory. The validity and reliability of the research are measured by hypothesis as well as the analysis of data is also done through this.

Moreover, the importance of hypothesis in research is that a hypothesis gives a base on how to solve a problem and gives a concrete understanding of the research study. The progress of the research and its shortcomings can be understood through hypothesis. Check out What is the Difference between Qualitative and Quantitative Observations?

6. Do You think a Research Study can proceed without a Hypothesis?

Although the hypothesis is an important part of any research study and has many advantages too, it is not needed in every research. Hypothesis plays a major role in quantitative research but is not needed for qualitative research. Research questions have been successfully used by qualitative researchers without the use of a hypothesis. The studies that are meant to be exploratory do not need a hypothesis. These types of studies are done without a hypothesis to develop a hypothesis. 

7. Which is an Advantage of Stating Hypotheses?

What is the importance of hypothesis in research? The advantage of stating hypotheses is that it can work as a blueprint for the research study to take place and the tools to be used. The goal of the study becomes clear by stating the hypothesis. The researcher is forced to think more deeply and specifically about the possible outcomes. A hypothesis ensures that all the methods used in the study are scientific and valid. Stating hypotheses can sometimes reduce the chances of bias that a researcher may present. (See Which Correlation is the Strongest?)

8. How do You State Hypothesis in Research?

Stating hypotheses is not a very difficult task but there is immense importance of hypothesis in research. With these easy and simple steps, you can state good hypothesis research.

• Ask questions: Asking questions about anything and everything can help you in identifying some potential topics of research. This will enhance your curiosity and will make you research further into the topic.
• Conduct preliminary research: Conducting preliminary research will help you establish a base for your research and topic. This will require you to collect background information on the topic. You can collect everything that is related to your topic to make the study go further.
• Define your variables: After collecting information, you have to identify and define the variables for your study. This will require you to categorize your variables as independent and dependent.
• Phrase it as an if-then statement: Phrasing your hypothesis as an if-then statement will help you express the cause-and-effect relationship better. It is a reliable and precise method to develop your proceedings.
• Collect data to support your hypothesis: Although a hypothesis helps in answering a research question, it is not the final conclusion. So, collecting more data and information on your hypothesis is important to know whether it is correct or not. Only a proper hypothesis and chosen variables will lead to further experimentation and results.
• Record: All the findings need to be recorded. These recordings will make you establish a research paper for others to see. It will require some additional skills in writing and editing.

9. Why is it Important to Conduct an Experiment after Formulating a Hypothesis?

It is important to conduct an experiment after formulating a hypothesis because through experiments only one can find out whether the hypothesis is true or not. Experiments will see whether the predictive statements of the hypothesis are supported or unsupported. It can make your study complete with all the pieces of evidence needed to prove whether the hypothesis is correct or incorrect. (See How is Understanding Abstract Ideas done?)