How to Write a Hypothesis

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1 How to Write a Hypothesis
Stronger and Clearer…

2 “A hypothesis is a conjectural statement of the relation between two or more variables” (Kerlinger, 1956). “Hypothesis is a formal statement that presents the expected relationship between an independent and dependent variable” (Creswell, 1994). Basically, a hypothesis is a prediction of what can or can’t happen between different things. What is a Hypothesis?

3 Difference Between… Thesis – what the paper is about
Hypothesis – prediction of the problem talked about in the paper Research Question – a hypothesis in question form

4 What is a Hypothesis? What must a hypothesis be?
It can be tested – verifiable or falsifiable Not moral or ethical (cannot be tested) Not too specific or too general Prediction of consequences Considered valuable even if proven false What is a Hypothesis?

5 How to Write Hypotheses
The basic structure is as follows: "If _____[I do this] _____, then _____[this]_____ will happen.“ Example: If a plant is never watered, it will dry out and die. Essentially, you have an action and a result. TIPS FOR WRITING A THESIS (WKST) How to Write Hypotheses

6 SIMPLE HYPOTHESIS FORMULAS
X and Y are associated (or, there is an association between X and Y). Y is related to X (or, Y is dependent on X). As X increases, Y decreases (or, increases in values of X appear to effect reduction in values of Y). These can be made more advanced as well… give more info!

7 Tips for Writing a Hypothesis
Know what you want to say before you say it Use vocabulary that is important to the study Use simpler structures for sentences (DC, IC is great but there are others!) Avoid expletives and “fluffy language” Your hypothesis (or research questions) should be direct

8 Types of Hypotheses There are two kinds of hypotheses:
Null hypothesis – “there is no difference or no result” There is no difference between the two drugs on average. Alternative hypothesis – “there is a difference or result” The two drugs have different effects on average. The new drug is better than the current drug on average. Types of Hypotheses

9 When there is less oxygen in the water, rainbow trout suffer more lice.
Our universe is surrounded by another, larger universe, with which we can have absolutely no contact. Individuals who are forced to migrate because of natural disasters such as wildfires experience higher levels of depression and anxiety. It is a fact that starting wildfires intentionally or unintentionally is morally repulsive because it hurts people and infrastructure. Examples: Good or Bad?

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12 Writing a Hypothesis Examples
How do natural disasters affect the number of migrants from one country to another? (null) Does rising sea levels change the economic output of developing countries? (alternative) What effect does additional writing assignments have on graduate students? (null) How does better public transportation affect pollution levels in cities? (alternative)

13 Bibliography Creswell, J. W. (1994). Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Kerlinger, F. N. (1956). The attitude structure of the individual: A Q-study of the educational attitudes of professors and laymen. Genetic Psychology Monographs, 53, Mourougan, S., & Sethuraman, K. (2017). Hypothesis Development and Testing. Journal of Business and Management, 19(5), Prasad, S., Rao, A., & Rehani, E. (2001, September). Developing Hypothesis and Research Questions. Retrieved from Arizona State University: Science Buddies. (2010, February 23). A Strong Hypothesis. Retrieved from Science Buddies: