Write Research
Hypothesis and Null
Hypothesis
Reporter: Aina Jovil Esmero
Hypothesis
Hypothesis is a statement of expectation or
prediction that will be tested by research. It
is a tentative answer to a research question
that has not yet been proven.
A hypothesis usually involves proposing a
relationship between two variables: the
independent variable and the dependent
variable. (Example: Daily exposure to the sun leads to
increased levels of happiness)
Steps in Developing a hypothesis




Ask a question and do preliminary research
Formulate your hypothesis
Refine your hypothesis
Phrase your hypothesis
Steps in Developing a hypothesis

Ask a question and do preliminary research
- The question should be focused, specific, and researchable within the constraints of your project.
- Example: Do students who attend more lectures get better exam results?
●
Your initial answer to the question should be based on what is already known about the topic. Look for theories and
previous studies to help you form an educated assumptions about what your research will find.
- Example: Students who attend school regularly can learn more and develop better study habits.
Steps in Developing a hypothesis

Formulate your hypothesis
- Write your initial answer to the question in a clear, concise sentence.
- For Example: Attending more lectures leads to better exam results.
Steps in Developing a hypothesis

●
•
•
•
Refine your hypothesis
- hypothesis is specific and testable. There are various ways of phrasing a hypothesis,
but all the terms you use should have clear definitions, and the hypothesis should contain:
The relevant variables
The specific group being studied
The predicted outcome of the experiment or analysis Predicted Outcome
Example: Grade 12 Students who attend more lectures get better exam results
Relevant Variables
Steps in Developing a hypothesis
Phrase your hypothesis
- To identify the variables, you can write a simple prediction in if…then form. The first
part of the sentence states the independent variable and the second part states the dependent
variable.

If a first-year student starts attending more lectures, then their exam scores will improve.
Independent Variable (cause)
Dependent Variable (effect)
Types of Hypothesis
A null hypothesis is a statement that assumes no relationship between two variables.
- H0: The number of lectures attended by first-year students has no effect on their final
exam scores.

Alternative hypothesis states that there is a relationship between the two variables of the
study and that the results are significant to the research topic.
- H1: The number of lectures attended by first-year students has a positive effect on
their final exam scores.

THANK YOU!