Crafting a hypothesis: understanding its types and how to write your own

2024-04-04

A hypothesis serves as a statement that elucidates the predictions and reasoning of your research, akin to an 'educated guess' about the outcomes of your scientific experiments. Within the scientific method, a well-crafted hypothesis holds great significance, even though expressing even the simplest ones in words can be challenging.

Curious about how to construct a hypothesis for your academic paper? Below, we delve into the various types of hypotheses, the essential elements of a good hypothesis, step-by-step guidelines for creating your own, and numerous examples.

What is a Hypothesis?

As one of the ten essential words for university success, a hypothesis plays a foundational role in the scientific method. It essentially represents an educated guess based on observations, predicting the results of your experiment or research.

Examples of Hypotheses:

1. If I water plants daily, they will grow faster.

2. Adults can more accurately guess the temperature than children can.

3. Butterflies prefer white flowers to orange ones.

For instance, if you have noticed that daily watering promotes faster plant growth, your hypothesis might be: "Plants grow better with regular watering." Subsequently, you can perform experiments to test this hypothesis, such as comparing two plants - one watered regularly and the other not - and recording the results to observe differences.

Understanding Variables:

The language of hypotheses invariably revolves around variables, which are the elements being tested. Variables can encompass objects, events, concepts, or anything observable. There are two types of variables: independent and dependent. The independent variable is manipulated in the experiment, while the dependent variable is observed and measured for potential changes. In the earlier example, the frequency of watering represents the independent variable, while the plant's growth is the dependent variable.

The Role of Hypotheses in Research:

Hypotheses play a crucial role in determining the direction and organization of your subsequent research methods, making them integral to writing a research paper. Ultimately, readers are keen to know whether your hypothesis was validated or disproven, underscoring the importance of clearly articulating it in the introduction and/or abstract of your paper.

Seven Examples of Hypotheses:

Depending on the nature of your research and your expected findings, your hypothesis may fall into one or more of the following seven main categories. Keep in mind that a single hypothesis can qualify under several categories:

1. Simple Hypothesis:

This type suggests a relationship between two variables - one independent and one dependent.

Examples:

- If you stay up late, then you feel tired the next day.

- Turning off your phone makes it charge faster.

2. Complex Hypothesis:

A complex hypothesis posits the relationship between more than two variables, such as two independent variables and one dependent variable, or vice versa.

Examples:

- People who both eat a lot of fatty foods and have a family history of health problems are more likely to develop heart diseases.

- Older people who live in rural areas are happier than younger people who live in rural areas.

3. Null Hypothesis:

The null hypothesis (H0) suggests that no relationship exists between variables.

Examples:

- There is no difference in plant growth when using either bottled water or tap water.

- Professional psychics do not win the lottery more than other people.

4. Alternative Hypothesis:

The alternative hypothesis (H1 or HA) is used alongside a null hypothesis and states the opposite, allowing only one of the two to be true.

Examples:

- Plants grow better with bottled water than tap water.

- Professional psychics win the lottery more than other people.

5. Logical Hypothesis:

A logical hypothesis suggests a relationship between variables based on reasoning or deduction, without concrete evidence.

Examples:

- An alien raised on Venus would have trouble breathing in Earth's atmosphere.

- Dinosaurs with sharp, pointed teeth were probably carnivores.

6. Empirical Hypothesis:

Also known as a 'working hypothesis,' an empirical hypothesis is currently being tested and relies on concrete data, unlike logical hypotheses.

Examples:

- Customers at restaurants will tip the same even if the wait staff's base salary is raised.

- Washing your hands every hour can reduce the frequency of illness.

7. Statistical Hypothesis:

Involves testing only a sample of a population and applying statistical evidence to draw conclusions about the entire population.

Examples:

- In humans, the birth-gender ratio of males to females is 1.05 to 1.00.

- Approximately 2% of the world population has natural red hair.

Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis:

Regardless of what you are testing, a good hypothesis adheres to the following five characteristics:

1. Cause and Effect:

Hypotheses always present a cause-and-effect relationship, where one variable influences another to change (or remain unchanged for null hypotheses). It can often be expressed as an if-then statement, such as: If one variable occurs, then another variable changes.

2. Testable Prediction:

Most hypotheses are designed to be tested (with the exception of logical hypotheses). Ensure that your hypothesis can be experimentally tested, and choose an independent variable that you can control completely.

3. Independent and Dependent Variables:

Define the variables in your hypothesis clearly to provide a comprehensive understanding to your readers. Though you need not explicitly state which ones are independent or dependent, it is essential to mention them all.

4. Candid Language:

Keep your hypothesis simple and clear, avoiding convoluted writing. The hypothesis serves as a contextual pillar, unifying your entire paper, so clarity is crucial. If unsure about your phrasing, try explaining your hypothesis to a friend to check for comprehension.

5. Adherence to Ethics:

Consider not only what can be tested but also what should be tested. Avoid hypotheses that require questionable or taboo experiments to maintain ethical standards and credibility.

Steps to Write a Hypothesis:

Follow these six steps to create a well-structured hypothesis:

1. Ask a Question:

Begin by asking questions about the world around you. Seek to understand why things are the way they are and what factors cause certain phenomena. Choose a research topic that genuinely interests you, as curiosity can naturally fuel your inquiry.

2. Conduct Preliminary Research:

Gather background information on your chosen topic. The extent of your preliminary research depends on the scope of your experiment. Collect only the information necessary to test or disprove your hypothesis.

3. Define Your Variables:

Once you have an idea for your hypothesis, identify the independent and dependent variables. Remember that independent variables must be controllable factors within your experiment.

4. Phrase it as an If-Then Statement:

Structure your hypothesis using an if-then format, clearly presenting the cause-and-effect relationship you are testing. For example: "If I water a plant every day, then it will grow better."

5. Collect Data to Support Your Hypothesis:

Conduct your experiments to gather data that either supports or refutes your hypothesis. Remember that a hypothesis serves as a means to an end, with the ultimate focus being on drawing conclusions from your research.

6. Write with Confidence:

Document your findings in a research paper for others to review. Effective writing is essential to presenting your hypothesis and research coherently.

In conclusion, a hypothesis is a fundamental aspect of the scientific method and should be written with precision and care. By following the outlined guidelines, you can construct a well-structured hypothesis that contributes to the success of your academic paper."