Gautam Buddha University: Bachelors of Social Work
Gautam Buddha University: Bachelors of Social Work
Gautam Buddha University: Bachelors of Social Work
FIELDWORK
(18/UBSW/010)
Introduction
The word hypothesis is made up of two Greek roots which mean that it is some sort of ‘sub-
statements’, for it is the presumptive statement of a proposition, which the investigation seeks to
prove. The word hypothesis consists of two words: Hypo + thesis = Hypothesis. ‘Hypo’ means
tentative or subject to the verification and ‘Thesis’ means statement about solution of a problem.
The world meaning of the term hypothesis is a tentative statement about the solution of the
problem. Hypothesis offers a solution of the problem that is to be verified empirically and based
on some rationale.
Another meaning of the word hypothesis which is composed of two words: ‘Hypo’ means
composition of two or more variables which is to be verified. ‘Thesis’ means position of these
variables in the specific frame of reference. This is the operational meaning of the term
hypothesis. Hypothesis is the composition of some variables which have some specific position
or role of the variables i.e. to be verified empirically.
DEFINITIONS OF HYPOTHESIS
The term hypothesis has been defined in several ways. Some important definitions have been
given in the following paragraphs (in Singh, 2006):
1. Hypothesis is a tentative supposition or provisional guess “It is a tentative supposition or
provisional guess which seems to explain the situation under observation.” – James E. Greighton
3. Hypothesis: Shrewd Guess. According to John W. Best, “It is a shrewd guess or inference that
is formulated and provisionally adopted to explain observed facts or conditions and to guide in
further investigation.”
A hypothesis is a tentative statement of a proposition which the researcher seeks to prove. It’s
basically a concrete generalization. Of course, this generalization requires essential
characteristics that pertain to an entire class of phenomena.
When a theory stated as a testable proposition formally and subject to empirical verification we
can define as a hypothesis. Researchers make a hypothesis on the basis of some earlier theory
and some rationale that generally accepted as true. The hypothesis test finally will decide
whether it is true or rejected.
So, to clarify a hypothesis is a statement about the relationship between two or more variables.
The researcher set out the variables to prove or disprove. Hypothesis essentially includes three
elements. For example-
1. Variables
2. Population
3. Relationship between variables.
Example of Hypothesis
FUNCTIONS OF HYPOTHESIS
2. It offers a basis in establishing the specifics what to study for and may provide possible
solutions to the problem.
5. Each hypothesis provides the investigator with definite statement which may be objectively
tested and accepted or rejected and leads for interpreting results and drawing conclusions that is
related to original purpose.
The functions of a hypothesis may be condensed into three. The following are the
IMPORTANCE OF A HYPOTHESIS
1. Hypothesis as the Investigator’s “Eyes”: Carter V. Good thinks that by guiding the
investigator in further investigation it serves as the investigator’s “Eyes” in seeking answers to
tentatively adopted generalization.
2. It Focuses Research: Without it, research is unfocussed research and remains like a random
empirical wandering. It serves as necessary link between theory and the investigation.
3. It Places Clear and Specific Goals: A well thought out set of hypothesis is that they place clear
and specific goals before the research worker and provide him with a basis for selecting sample
and research procedure to meet these goals.
4. It Links together: “It serves the important function of linking together related facts and
information and organizing them into wholes.” – Good Barr and Scates
5. It Prevents Blind Research: “The use of hypothesis prevents a blind search and indiscriminate
gathering of masses of data which may later prove irrelevant to the problem under study.” – P. V.
Young
1. Define Variables
At first, with a view to formulating a hypothesis, you must define your variables. What do you
want to test? Will you test that rewards increase reading achievement? Or rewards decrease
reading achievement? Whatever your goals are, they need to be clearly defined, quantifiable, and
measurable. This will provide you with a clear idea of what to follow to achieve results.
If we do think that your variables are Rewards & Achievements, then you need to intense study
how rewards increase reading achievements? An in-depth study, rigorous questions, and data of
rewards increase reading achievements will make you able to confirm your hypothesis. Specify
dependent and independent variables.
The population in research we mean the entire group of individuals is going to study. If you want
to test how rewards increase reading achievements in the United Kingdom, you need not study
the whole population of the United Kingdom. Because the total population does not involve in
reading achievements. Therefore, the researcher must identify the study population.
Variables in your hypothesis must be testable. Otherwise, the hypothesis would be worthless.
Because your research study must accept or reject a variable. So, variables you must need to test.
Testable variables can only be accepted or rejected. Moreover, the sole aim of a research
hypothesis is to test variables in the long run.
References:
Ary Donald, et.al. 2010. Introduction to Research in Education, Eighth Edition. Cengage
Learning products, USA; Wadsworth Belmont.
Creswell. 2009. Research design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
Approach, Third Edition. California: SAGE Publications.
Guy. 2006. Educational Research; competencies for analysis and application, 8th edition.
New Jersey; Pearson Education, Inc.
Singh, Kumar. 2006. Fundamental of research methodology and statistics. New delhi;
new age international (p) limited, publishers.
Sugiyono. 2010. Metode Penelitian Pendidikan (Pendekatan Kuantitatif, Kualitatif, dan
R&D), Cetakan ke-10. Bandung; Penerbit Alfabeta.