under or below and thesis means a reasoned theory or rational viewpoint.
Thus, hypothesis would
mean a theory, which is not fully reasoned. Hypotheses are a set of suggested tentative solution of a
research problem, which can be or may not be a real solution. Research hypothesis differs from
research question in that, hypothesis both indicate the question in testable form and predict the nature
of the answer. Hypothesis proposes a relationship between two or more variables. In other words,
hypothesis is a theory entertained in order to study the facts and examine the validity of the theory.
The task of the researcher in this case will be to establish and test such hypothesis. Establishing a
hypothesis should follow rules like: The variables must be clearly specified and measurable by some
techniques we know The relationship between them must be stated precisely. Importance of
Hypothesis A well-grounded hypothesis provides the following advantages Represents specific
objective, which determine the nature of the data needed to test the proposition Offer basis for
selecting the sample, the research procedure, and the statistical analysis needed. Hypotheses should
be clearly and precisely formulated Hypotheses should be formulated in such way that, they can be
tested or verified (should be testable) Hypothesis should state explicitly the expected relationship
between variables Hypotheses should be limited in scope. Hypotheses of global significance are not
usable as they are not specific and simple for testing and drawing conclusions. In other words
hypotheses should be grounded in a well-established facts, theories or laws. Hypotheses should be
stated as much as possible in simple terms. The simple statement helps to gain the following
advantages It becomes easily understandable to others (readers) It become easily testable It
provides a basis for a clear and easily comprehended report at the completion of the study. The
hypotheses selected should be amendable to testing with in a reasonable time. Categorizing of
hypotheses Can be categorized in different ways 1. Based on their formulation Null and alternate
hypotheses Null hypotheses Always predicts that there is no relationship between the variables being
studied. The researcher wishes to disapproval this hypothesis It is denoted by Ho For example:
there is no significant relationship between learning and intelligence Alternate hypothesis always
predicts that there will be a relationship between the variables being studied The researcher wishes to
approval this hypothesis it is denoted by Ha For example: there is significant relationship between
learning and intelligence 2. Based on direction Directional and non-directional Non directional
hypothesis If the hypothesis simply predicts that there will be a difference between the two groups.
Directional hypothesis If the hypothesis uses so called comparison terms such as greater, less, better
or worse It is directional because predict that there will be a difference between the two groups and
specifies how the two groups will differ E.g. a person whose attitude is positive towards studies is
more likely to succeed than one who do not Some examples of Hypothesis, Hypothesis: 1 Political
participation Increases With education Variable one (dependent variable.) relationship Variable two
(independent variable) Hypothesis: 2. Alienation increase with poverty Variable one Relation
Variable two The result of the hypothesis test is the substance of our conclusion and expressed as
generalization. Sources of Research problem There are some important sources of problems, which
are helpful to a researcher for selecting a problem. These include the following Professional
experience: One of the sources of problem for beginner researcher is his own experience as a
professional in a given field. The day-to-day observation of the incidences is the working place and out
of the working environment, which includes the experience of his colleagues, their attitude, home
environment, social-economic status and motivation level provide rich sources of the problem. A
research problem can be derived from a critical look into different theories. In other words application
of some general principles involved in different theories to specific situation makes an important
starting point of research. All such change brings about new problems for research. The following
points may be considered in selecting a research problem. A subject that is overdone should not be
normally chosen, for it will be a difficult task to throw any new light to such a case. The subject
selected for research should be familiar and feasible so that the related research material or source of
research is within ones reach. The importance of the subject, the qualification and the training of
researcher, the cost, the time factor are the few points that must be considered in selecting a problem
