A well-defined and testable hypothesis guides the research process, shapes the selection of variables and methodologies, and provides a framework for interpreting the findings. Researchers can then use the evidence gathered to either support or refute their initial hypotheses, contributing to the advancement of knowledge within their field of study.
Formulating hypotheses requires a thoughtful approach, drawing upon existing theoretical and empirical knowledge, identifying gaps or unanswered questions, and precisely articulating the proposed relationships between the variables of interest.
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a tentative, testable statement that describes a predicted relationship between two or more variables. It is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, which can be supported or refuted through empirical investigation and data collection.
In the scientific method, hypotheses serve as the foundation for experimental research. They guide the design of experiments, data collection, and subsequent analysis, enabling researchers to draw conclusions about the relationships between variables and evaluate the validity of their initial predictions.
Variables in hypotheses
Hypotheses typically involve two types of variables:
- Independent variable: This is the variable that the researcher manipulates or controls in an experiment. It is the presumed cause or factor that influences the dependent variable.
- Dependent variable: This is the variable that the researcher measures or observes to determine the effect or outcome resulting from changes in the independent variable.
Example: Hypothesis
“Increasing the amount of study time (independent variable) will lead to higher test scores (dependent variable) among high school students.”
In this hypothesis, the independent variable (study time) is presumed to influence or cause changes in the dependent variable (test scores).
Developing a hypothesis (with example)
Formulating a strong and testable hypothesis is a crucial step in the research process. Here are the steps to develop a hypothesis, using an example:
Step 1. Ask a question
Begin with a broad research question that addresses a specific problem or phenomenon you want to investigate.
Example: Research Question
“Does the type of music played during study sessions affect students’ academic performance?”
Step 2. Do some preliminary research
Conduct a literature review to familiarize yourself with existing research and theories related to your research question. This preliminary research will help you identify gaps in knowledge and potential variables to explore.
At the initial stage of your research, developing a conceptual framework can help ensure you are investigating a relevant and meaningful topic. This framework allows you to identify the key variables you intend to study and speculate about the potential relationships between them. In some cases, you may need to operationalize more abstract or complex constructs into measurable variables before proceeding with your research.
Review existing literature on the effects of music on cognitive performance, learning, and academic achievement. Identify gaps or conflicting findings related to specific music genres or study contexts.
Step 3. Formulate your hypothesis
Based on your research question and preliminary findings, develop a tentative explanation or prediction about the relationship between the variables you want to study.
Example: Hypothesis
“Listening to classical music during study sessions will improve students’ academic performance compared to studying in silence or with other types of music playing in the background.”
Step 4. Refine your hypothesis
When formulating a hypothesis, it is crucial to ensure it is specific and testable. Regardless of how you phrase the hypothesis, it should clearly define all terms used and contain the following components:
- The relevant variables under investigation
- The specific population or group or being studied
- The predicted relationship or outcome expected from the experiment or analysis
A well-constructed hypothesis with these elements allows for proper testing and assessment of the proposed relationship or effect, enabling meaningful conclusions from the research findings.
Refined Hypothesis
“Among college students, studying with classical music playing in the background will result in higher exam scores compared to studying in silence or with other genres of music.”
Step 5. Phrase your hypothesis in three ways
To ensure clarity and precision, it’s recommended to phrase your hypothesis in three different ways:
- As a research hypothesis (H1):
- As an if-then statement
- As a prediction
- Research hypothesis (H1): “Studying with classical music playing in the background will result in higher exam scores among college students.”
- If-then statement: “If college students study with classical music playing in the background, then they will achieve higher exam scores.”
- Prediction: “College students who study with classical music playing in the background are predicted to achieve higher exam scores compared to those who study in silence or with other genres of music.”
Step 6. Write a null hypothesis
In addition to the research hypothesis (H1), it’s essential to formulate a null hypothesis (H0), which represents the opposite of your prediction or the status quo.
- Null Hypothesis (H0)
“There is no difference in exam scores among college students who study with classical music, other genres of music, or in silence.”
Hypothesis examples
To further illustrate the formulation of hypotheses, here are some examples across different research areas:
| Research Question | Hypothesis | Null Hypothesis |
| Do exercise programs improve mental health? | Regular exercise will reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. | There is no difference in mental health between individuals who exercise regularly and those who do not. |
| Does negative advertising influence voter behavior? | Exposure to negative political advertisements will decrease voters’ support for the targeted candidate. | Negative advertising has no effect on voters’ support for political candidates. |
| Does sleep deprivation affect cognitive performance? | Individuals who experience sleep deprivation will perform worse on cognitive tasks compared to those who are well-rested. | There is no difference in cognitive performance between sleep-deprived individuals and those who are well-rested. |