Hypothesis and research

question
A hypothesis is a statement of
the predicted relationship between
two or more variables.

Purposes

Allow theoretical propositions to be

tested in the real world.
Guide the research design.
Dictate the type of statistical analysis
for the data
Provide the reader with an
understanding of the researchers
expectations about the study before
data collecting begins.

The rationale or sources of

hypothesis

From the researchers own experiences.

From previous research studies.
From theoretical propositions. This is the
most important source of a hypothesis. This
process of a hypothesis derivation involves
deductive reasoning. A propositional
statement is isolated from the study frame
work and empirically tested.

Note(1) : Nursing research involves

both inductive and deductive means
of formulating hypothesis.
Note(2): Hypothesis should always
be written before the study and
should not be changed after the study
results are examined.

Classifications of hypothesis

Simple or complex:
A Simple hypothesis: concerns the
relationship between one independent and
one dependent variable (bivariate study).
In experimental studies the independent
variable may be considered the cause, and
the dependent variable may be considered
as the effect.
Example: there is a negative relationship
between denial and reports of anxiety
among post myocardial infarction patients.

A complex hypothesis: Concerns a

relationship where two or more
independent variables, two or more
dependent variables, or both, are examined
in the same study (multivariate).
Example: there is a positive relationship
between patient perception of pain control
and (a) complaints of pain and (b) requests
for pain medication.

Note : remember that hypothesis

are not required if only one
variable is being examined.

11.Null and research hypothesis

Null hypothesis (Ho)= Statistical
hypothesis; predict that no
relationship exists between variables.
Research hypothesis(H1)=
Alternative hypothesis; state the
expected relationship between
variables.

The level of significance for rejecting

the statistical null hypothesis should
always be stated before data are
collected. The level of significance
usually set at (.05). this means that
the researcher is willing to risk being
wrong 5% . Generally the aim of the
researcher is to reject the null
hypothesis because this provides
support for the research hypothesis.

Non-directional and directional research. 111

hypothesis

Non directional hypothesis: the direction of the

relationship is not presented.
Directional : the direction of the relationship is
present. It should contain a predictive terms such as
more than, greater than, decrease in, or positive
correlation. It is the preferred type for nursing
research studies. e.g. Anxiety levels are lower for
preoperative hysterectomy patients who have
practiced relaxation exercises than for preoperative
hysterectomy patients who have not practiced
relaxation exercises .

Hypothesis Criteria

Is written in a declarative sentences.

Is written in the present tense. There
is a positive relationship between the
number of times children have been
hospitalized and their fear of
hospitalization.
Contains the population.
Contains the variables.
Is empirically testable

Guidelines for critiquing hypothesis and research

Questions

Does the study contain a hypothesis or hypotheses?

Is each hypothesis clearly worded and concise?
Is the hypothesis written in a declarative sentences?
Is each hypothesis directly tied to the study problem?
Does each hypothesis contain the population and at
least two variables?
Is it apparent that each hypothesis contain only one
prediction?
if the study contains research questions, are the
questions precise and specific?
Do the research questions further delineate the
problem area of the study?