Understanding Hypothesis

This blog explores the concepts of Research Hypothesis and Research Question, highlighting their key distinctions in the context of academic research. It reflects on the insights gained from four video lectures by Prof. Dr. Dilip Barad. The first video introduces the foundational ideas of hypotheses in research, while the second, third, and fourth videos delve into the research article "A Practical Guide to Writing Quantitative and Qualitative Research Questions and Hypotheses in Scholarly Articles" by Edward Barroga and Glafera Janet, offering a detailed analysis of how to effectively frame research questions and hypotheses.

Here are the videos:

What is Hypotheses?

The word hypothesis dates back to the 1590s, originally meaning "a particular statement," and by the 1650s, it came to refer to "a proposition assumed and taken for granted, used as a premise." It derives from the French hypothèse, the Latin hypothesis, and the Greek hypothesis, meaning "base," "groundwork," or "foundation"—literally "a placing under" (hypo- meaning "under" and thesis meaning "placing" or "proposition"). In logic and science, the term evolved to indicate a supposition or assumption serving as the basis for further investigation.

A hypothesis is a provisional idea whose merit is subject to evaluation. It requires testing to either confirm or refute it. It can be described as an educated guess or prediction about the relationship between variables. These variables may include:

• Independent variables – those that are changed in an experiment,

• Dependent variables – those that are observed or measured,

• Controlled variables – those that are kept constant.

A hypothesis can be tested through scientific methods and empirical evidence. In research, it is used to make predictions about expected outcomes under certain conditions. Essentially, it offers a possible explanation for a phenomenon, based on limited evidence, which must be verified through further study.

Understanding a hypothesis also involves recognizing what it is not. It is not a fact or a proven theory, nor is it a research question. Rather, it is a clear, testable proposition. If the results of the research do not support the hypothesis, it must be revised or abandoned.

Scientists like Richard Feynman and Ray Hilborn emphasize that a hypothesis emerges from previous observations that cannot be fully explained by existing theories. It must be framed in a way that allows for testing.

A working hypothesis is a tentative proposition accepted for the purpose of further research. Though it begins as an educated guess, it should not be random—it must arise from thoughtful reflection and prior investigation.

Functions of a Hypothesis

• Brings clarity to the research problem.

• Provides the study with a specific focus.

• Identifies which aspects of the research problem need to be investigated.

• Informs the researcher what data to collect and what to exclude.

• Enhances the objectivity of the research process.

• Enables the researcher to draw clear conclusions—what is true and what is false.

• Ensures the hypothesis is falsifiable, meaning it can be tested and potentially disproven.

Falsifiability is a key criterion for evaluating scientific hypotheses, introduced by Karl Popper in his influential work The Logic of Scientific Discovery. A hypothesis is considered falsifiable if it can be logically contradicted by empirical evidence using current technologies. Whereas, verificationism holds that only statements that are empirically verifiable are cognitively meaningful; otherwise, they are either tautologies (logical truths) or lack scientific relevance.

The later three videos discuss some theoretical framework or we can say rather practical approaches to what is Qualitative and Quantitative research, What sort of hypothesis each one have and how it can be formated.

Types of Research: Qualitative and Quantitative

There are two primary types of research: Qualitative and Quantitative.

In disciplines like Social Sciences and Natural Sciences, quantitative research is often predominant, though it is frequently complemented by qualitative methods. In contrast, Humanities research tends to rely more heavily on qualitative approaches.

• Qualitative research explores concepts, meanings, opinions, and experiences. It seeks to understand the “why” and “how” of phenomena through methods like interviews, observations, and textual analysis.

• Quantitative research, on the other hand, involves numerical data and statistical analysis. It focuses on testing hypotheses and measuring relationships through tools like surveys, experiments, and structured instruments.

Both types of research are grounded in research questions and hypotheses. As emphasized by Edward Barroga and Glafera Janet Matanguihan, these elements are crucial for ensuring ethical, focused, and meaningful inquiry. Research questions and hypotheses are typically derived from existing theories and real-world observations, forming the foundation for designing effective and reliable studies.

However, these fundamental components are often overlooked or poorly constructed. Whether in qualitative or quantitative research, it is essential to develop research questions and hypotheses with careful planning and critical forethought to ensure the success and integrity of the study.

Difference Between Research Question and Hypothesis

A research question defines what the study aims to answer through data analysis and interpretation. It guides the research process by identifying the topic, objective, scope, and variables involved. The answer to the research question is usually discussed in detail in the discussion section of a paper.

In contrast, a research hypothesis is an educated prediction about the expected outcome, based on background research and existing knowledge. It proposes a relationship between variables—typically an independent and a dependent variable—and offers a tentative answer to the research question that can be tested.

Hypotheses are grounded in reasoning and often derived from theories. They must be testable, reproducible, and ethically researchable. A single research question may lead to multiple hypotheses, and poorly framed questions can result in weak hypotheses and flawed research designs.

Characteristics of Good Research Questions and Hypotheses

• Research Questions: It Should be clear, focused, and specific; they guide data collection and interpretation.

• Hypotheses: It Should be

  1. Empirically testable

  2. Based on prior evidence

  3. Grounded in ethical practices

  4. Original and logically reasoned

  5. Predictive and reproducible

  6. Developed using deductive or inductive reasoning

Both well-formed research questions and hypotheses ensure a strong foundation for a meaningful and reliable study.

Research questions and hypotheses are developed according to the type of research. 

In quantitative research, research questions are formulated at the beginning of the study and focus on the relationships among variables. They are precise and relate to the study’s population, independent and dependent variables, and overall design.

Types of Quantitative Research Questions

Type of Research Question	Key Features	Example
Descriptive	- Measures responses of subjects to variables - Identifies variables to measure, analyze, or assess	What is the proportion of resident doctors in the hospital who have mastered ultrasonography as a diagnostic technique in their clinical training?
Comparative	- Clarifies differences between groups with and without outcome variables - Compares effects of variables	Is there a difference in the reduction of lung metastasis in osteosarcoma patients who received vitamin D adjunctive therapy compared to those who did not? How does the vitamin D analogue 22-Oxacalcitriol mimic the antiproliferative activity of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D in osteosarcoma cells?
Relationship	- Defines trends, associations, or interactions between independent and dependent variables	Is there a relationship between the number of medical student suicides and the level of medical student stress in Japan during the first wave of COVID-19?

Types of Quantitative Research Hypotheses

Type of Hypothesis	Key Features	Example
Simple Hypothesis	- Predicts relationship between single dependent variable and single independent variable	If the dose of the new medication is high, blood pressure is lowered.
Complex Hypothesis	- Foretells relationship between two or more independent and dependent variables	The higher the use of anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, and adjunctive agents, the higher the survival rate.
Directional Hypothesis	- Identifies study direction based on theory towards particular outcome	Privately funded research projects will have a larger international scope than publicly funded projects.
Non-directional Hypothesis	- Nature of relationship or study direction not identified; does not involve theory	Women and men are different in terms of helpfulness.
Associative Hypothesis	- Describes variable interdependency; change in one causes change in another	A larger number of people vaccinated will reduce the incidence of COVID-19 infection.
Causal Hypothesis	- Predicts effect on dependent variable from manipulation of independent variable	A high-fiber diet will reduce the patient’s blood sugar level.
Null Hypothesis	- Indicates no relationship or difference between two variables	There is no significant difference in pulmonary metastases between the new drug and the current drug.
Alternative Hypothesis	- Predicts a relationship between two variables following null hypothesis	The new drug is better at reducing pain from pulmonary metastasis than the current drug.
Working Hypothesis	- Initially accepted for further research to develop a theory	Dairy cows fed with different concentrate formulations will produce different amounts of milk.
Statistical Hypothesis	- Assumption about population parameters; tested statistically	The mean recovery rate from COVID-19 is not significantly different between two populations.
Logical Hypothesis	- Proposes explanation with limited or no extensive evidence	If healthcare workers provide more contraception education, adolescent pregnancies will decrease.
Hypothesis-testing (Quantitative Hypothesis-testing Research)	- Uses deductive reasoning; involves hypothesis formation, data collection, analysis, and validation	Involves steps: form hypothesis → collect data → analyze → draw conclusion to confirm or reject hypothesis.

 

Qualitative Research Questions and Hypotheses

Qualitative Research Questions

Type	Description	Example
Contextual research question	Asks the nature of what already exists. Individuals or groups function to further clarify and understand the natural context of real-world problems.	What are the experiences of nurses working night shifts in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Descriptive research question	Aims to describe a phenomenon.	What are the different forms of disrespect and abuse experienced by Tanzanian women when giving birth in healthcare facilities?
Evaluation research question	Examines the effectiveness of existing practice or accepted frameworks.	How effective are decision aids in helping decide whether to give birth at home or in a healthcare facility?
Explanatory research question	Clarifies a previously studied phenomenon and explains why it occurs.	Why is there an increase in teenage pregnancy in Tanzania?
Exploratory research question	Explores areas that have not been fully investigated to have a deeper understanding of the research problem.	What factors affect the mental health of medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Generative research question	Develops an in-depth understanding of people’s behavior by asking ‘how would’ or ‘what if’ to identify problems and find solutions.	How would the extensive research experience of the behavior of new staff impact the success of the novel drug initiative?
Ideological research question	Aims to advance specific ideas or ideologies of a position.	Are Japanese nurses who volunteer in remote African hospitals able to promote humanized care of patients in the areas of safe patient environment, respect of patient privacy, and provision of accurate information related to health and care?
Ethnographic research question	Clarifies peoples’ nature, activities, their interactions, and the outcomes of their actions in specific settings.	What are the demographic characteristics, rehabilitative treatments, community interactions, and disease outcomes of people in China who are suffering from pneumoconiosis?
Phenomenological research question	Knows more about the phenomena that have impacted an individual.	What are the lived experiences of parents who have been living with and caring for children with a diagnosis of autism?
Grounded theory question	Focuses on social processes asking about what happens and how people interact, or uncovering social relationships and behaviors of groups.	What are the problems that pregnant adolescents face in terms of social and cultural norms, and how can these be addressed?
Qualitative case study question	Assesses a phenomenon using different sources of data to answer “why” and “how” questions. Considers how the phenomenon is influenced by its contextual situation.	How does quitting work and assuming the role of a full-time mother change the lives of women in Japan?

Qualitative Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis-generating (Qualitative hypothesis-generating research):

- Qualitative research uses inductive reasoning.

- This involves data collection from study participants or the literature regarding a phenomenon of interest, using the collected data to develop a formal hypothesis, and using the formal hypothesis as a framework for testing the hypothesis.

- Qualitative exploratory studies explore areas deeper, clarifying subjective experience and allowing formulation of a formal hypothesis potentially testable in a future quantitative approach.

the fourth part of the videos, framework for developing research questions and hypotheses, a general flow for constructing them, and algorithms for building research questions and hypotheses for both quantitative and qualitative research are discussed.

To construct effective research questions and hypotheses:

1. Clarify the background and define the research problem within a set timeframe.

2. Review existing literature and conduct preliminary research to gather relevant knowledge.

3. Formulate research questions based on the problem, identifying key variables and defining constructs.

4. Develop hypotheses using deductive or inductive reasoning.

5. State the study’s aim clearly to guide the overall research direction.

It is called the general flow of writing Research Questions and hypothesis...

In qualitative research, research questions are preferred over hypotheses or objectives. They are open-ended, aiming to explore, understand, or describe experiences using “What” or “How” questions. These questions are revised throughout the study. In quantitative research, especially in survey-based studies, research questions are often used instead of hypotheses to compare variables and relationships.

Flow of Qualitative Research Questions and Hypothesis:

Flow of Qualitative Research Questions and Hypothesis:

Understanding the distinction between research questions and hypotheses is vital for any scholar aiming to conduct meaningful and methodologically sound research. While research questions help frame the scope and direction of inquiry, hypotheses offer a predictive lens through which relationships between variables can be tested. The decision to use one or both depends on the research paradigm—qualitative or quantitative—and the nature of the study. In a nutshell, clear, focused, and well-structured questions or hypotheses are essential for conducting ethical and impactful research.

Learning Outcome:

At first glance, the concepts of hypothesis and research question might seem straightforward—often described simply as an educated guess or prediction. However, after watching the videos and thoroughly reading the research article by Barroga and Matanguihan, I realized how much deeper and more complex this process truly is. Crafting effective research questions and hypotheses requires a robust understanding of the subject matter, a thorough review of existing literature, and a visionary outlook that anticipates how the research can contribute new knowledge. It is not merely about posing questions or guesses; it demands careful consideration of the research context, variables, and methodology, whether qualitative or quantitative.

This nuanced understanding became especially clear as I reflected on my own research proposal, which focuses on a digital cartographic study of spatial representation in Amitav Ghosh’s novels. In my proposal, I included both research questions and hypotheses to guide the study methodically, which falls under the Exploratory, Interpretive, Evaluation, Generative, Descriptive, and Comparative types of research questions. Also, organisation and reframing of the research question are needed in terms of Technicality. 

References:

Barroga, Edward, and Glafera Janet Matanguihan. “A Practical Guide to Writing Quantitative and Qualitative Research Questions and Hypotheses in Scholarly Articles.” Journal of Korean Medical Science, vol. 37, no. 16, Apr. 2022, p. e121. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e121.

BAOUGujarat, and Dilip P. Barad. Ph.D. Coursework - Hypothesis 01. 2023. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guv8WVXXnZk&t=1185s.

BAOUGujarat, and Dilip P. Barad. Ph.D. Coursework - Hypothesis 02. 2023. YouTube, https://youtu.be/ISpza-aXRd8?feature=shared.

BAOUGujarat, and Dilip P. Barad. Ph.D. Coursework - Hypothesis framework and formation Part 4. 2023. YouTube, https://youtu.be/MQZwXqwq3H0?feature=shared.

BAOUGujarat, and Dilip P. Barad. Ph.D. Coursework- Hypothesis Part 3. 2023. YouTube, https://youtu.be/aSuEWblkjJc?feature=shared.