Jared P.
Jared P.

How to Write a Hypothesis for a Research Paper

7 min read

Published on: Feb 11, 2020

Last updated on: Jan 20, 2023

How to Write a Hypothesis

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The hypothesis predicts the goal of the research and determines whether this educated guess is right or wrong. It is a statement that can be tested by scientific research based on available facts and evidence.

A good hypothesis is a short, clear, and simple language. Writing a hypothesis is not a daunting task if you understand its types, structure, and concepts.

Therefore, here is a detailed guide on how to write a hypothesis; use this for your help. Continue reading this blog and get an idea of the perfect hypothesis.

What is Hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a statement that introduces a research question. It starts with a question that is explored through background research. It tells the reader what you planned to do in your research.

The main purpose of the hypothesis is to:

  • Find the relevant answer to a research question.
  • Make it easier for the researcher to write better tests.
  • Use advanced testing techniques.

Moreover, when you test the relationship between two or more variables, you need to write a hypothesis. It also addresses the different aspects of the research question. Also, it demonstrates what you “think” and what will happen during an experiment.

A good hypothesis should be:

  • Testable
  • Measurable
  • Clear and precise
  • Specific and have a scope of conducting tests
  • Include independent and dependent variable

Also, the hypothesis is generally used in qualitative research studies, and it is a testable statement.

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What are the Different Types of Hypotheses?

Here are the different types of hypotheses with examples. Have a look at them to get a better idea.

  • Complex Hypothesis

    A complex hypothesis is used to indicate the relationship between two or more independent and dependent variables. This type of hypothesis is also referred to as a multivariate hypothesis because it involves multi variables.

    Examples:

    • Smoking leads to a chest infection, lung cancer, tension, etc.
    • Eating more fruits leads to glowing skin, weight loss, improves metabolism and controls high blood pressure.
  • Simple Hypothesis

    In a simple hypothesis, the researcher shows the relationship between two dependent and independent variables. This type of hypothesis is also known as the basic hypothesis.

    Examples:

    • Smoking leads to lung cancer.

    In this example, “smoking” is an independent variable, and “leads to lung cancer” is a dependent variable.

  • Null Hypothesis

    The null hypothesis assumes that there is no relationship between dependent and independent variables. It is usually written when there is not enough information to state the hypothesis. Also, it is denoted by the symbol “HO.”

    Examples:

    • Plant growth is not affected by light color.
    • Dogs don’t live longer than cats.
  • Alternative Hypothesis

The alternative hypothesis is complementary to the null hypothesis. It states that there is a relationship between the two variables. It is also known as a research hypothesis or maintained hypothesis.

However, if there is an effect of the independent variable, describe the expected result. Otherwise, claim the expected value of the population parameter.

The alternative hypothesis has the following four types.

1. Point Alternative:

The hypothesis test has no unknown parameters, and the population distribution is fully defined.

2. One-Tailed Directional Hypothesis:

It is also known as a directional test. In this type of alternative hypothesis, the researcher can test for effects in only one direction.

3. Two-Tailed Directional Hypothesis:

It covers the rejection of the sampling distribution. Also, it shows that the independent variable will affect the dependent variable.

4. Non-Directional Alternative Hypothesis:

It predicts that the relationship exists between two dependent and independent variables. But does not show the kind of effects.

  • Logical Hypothesis

The logical hypothesis is a type of hypothesis in which it is verified logically. Its main aim is to put theories to the test. In logical hypothesis, the process of verification includes:

    • Difference of Opinion
    • Agreement
    • Disagreement

Examples:

    • Human beings cannot live without air.
    • All living beings cannot survive without food.
  • Statistical Hypothesis

In this type of hypothesis, the researcher tests the hypothesis based on observed data. In statistical hypothesis, you use statistical information from an area. It is a statistical method of verifying the statement, whether it can be logical or illogical.

Examples:

    • About 55% of the population is 70 years old or over in the world.
    • The average income of all the families in America has increased by 20%.
    • 30% of the US poor population is illiterate.
  • Empirical Hypothesis

    An empirical hypothesis is also known as a working hypothesis. The empirical method is broader in scope than the scientific method.

    In the empirical hypothesis, the statement can be tested using observation and experiment. However, it's no longer just an idea when it is tested. Also, it is going through some trials and changing around those independent variables.

    Example:

    • The cereal boxes sold in America are decorated with photographs.
    • Vitamin K is better for the skin than Vitamin C.

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How to Write a Hypothesis?

Here are some steps that you should follow to write a perfect hypothesis.

1. Define your Research Question

It is the first step of writing a great hypothesis. First, you have to identify a research question that you want to answer. The research question should be specific, clear, and focused.

2. Do Some Preliminary Research

In this step, you have to gather data and find an answer to your research question. Look for theories, facts, past studies, etc., that help you find the answer to a research question.

3. Prepare your Hypothesis

After collecting data, you should have an idea of what you may find throughout the research. Therefore, use this knowledge and write the initial answer to your research question clearly and concisely.

4. Refine your Hypothesis

At this stage, check that your hypothesis is testable and to the point. The hypothesis should contain clear and relevant independent and dependent variables. Also, it identifies the relationship between variables.

5. Phrase Your Hypothesis

To identify the variables, write a guess in if….then form. State the independent variable in the first part of the sentence and the dependent variable in the second part.

When you do academic research, the hypothesis is expressed in terms of correlations. However, if you compare any two groups, the hypothesis states the difference that you find between them.

6. Write Null Hypothesis

Most students wonder about how to write a null hypothesis. When the research includes statistical hypothesis testing, you will have to formulate a null hypothesis. HO denotes the null hypothesis, and it shows that there is no relationship between the variables.

Tips for Writing a Hypothesis

The following are the expert tips that you should follow to write a great hypothesis.

  • Make a list of the questions that you can easily answer.
  • Write a simple answer to the central question.
  • Choose a topic that you find interesting.
  • Gather relevant data for your research question.
  • The testable hypothesis supports or refutes the scientific research method.
  • Keep the variables in mind and include them in the hypotheses.

The guide mentioned above will give you a detailed idea about how to write a good hypothesis. However, if you are stuck and don’t have time to complete the task on time, consult us at FreeEssayWriter.net.

Our essay writer is always ready to help you with your academic assignment. They have experience in writing research papers, term papers, essays, and thesis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is hypothesis testing?

Hypothesis testing is used to see if there is evidence for the hypothesis. A test can show whether or not it is plausible. For example, you can take a population sample and see if it shows evidence for the idea.

What must a hypothesis include?

A hypothesis must meet these two requirements:

  • It must be testable.
  • It must be falsifiable.

How to write a hypothesis in statistics?

Following are the steps to write a hypothesis:

  • To do a hypothesis test, you need to specify the null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis.
  • You also need to set your significance level.
  • You use math to calculate the statistical value and then decide if you want to reject the null hypothesis or not.
  • Draw your conclusion.

Is hypothesis a prediction?

A hypothesis is not a prediction. A prediction is made from a hypothesis. One type of scientific knowledge is a causal hypothesis, and the other is a law, and they are different. You cannot turn your causal hypothesis into a law.

Jared P.

WRITTEN BY

Jared P. (Law, Education)

Jared P. is a renowned author and writing service provider with over fifteen years of experience in the publishing industry. He has a Ph.D. degree in English Literature and has spent his entire career helping students achieve their academic goals by providing expert writing assistance.

Jared P. is a renowned author and writing service provider with over fifteen years of experience in the publishing industry. He has a Ph.D. degree in English Literature and has spent his entire career helping students achieve their academic goals by providing expert writing assistance.

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