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How to Write a Hypothesis – Steps & Tips

Published by Alaxendra Bets at August 14th, 2021 , Revised On October 26, 2023

What is a Research Hypothesis?

You can test a research statement with the help of experimental or theoretical research, known as a hypothesis.

If you want to find out the similarities, differences, and relationships between variables, you must write a testable hypothesis before compiling the data, performing analysis, and generating results to complete.

The data analysis and findings will help you test the hypothesis and see whether it is true or false. Here is all you need to know about how to write a hypothesis for a dissertation .

Research Hypothesis Definition

Not sure what the meaning of the research hypothesis is?

A research hypothesis predicts an answer to the research question based on existing theoretical knowledge or experimental data.

Some studies may have multiple hypothesis statements depending on the research question(s). A research hypothesis must be based on formulas, facts, and theories. It should be testable by data analysis, observations, experiments, or other scientific methodologies that can refute or support the statement.

Variables in Hypothesis

Developing a hypothesis is easy. Most research studies have two or more variables in the hypothesis, particularly studies involving correlational and experimental research. The researcher can control or change the independent variable(s) while measuring and observing the independent variable(s).

“How long a student sleeps affects test scores.”

In the above statement, the dependent variable is the test score, while the independent variable is the length of time spent in sleep. Developing a hypothesis will be easy if you know your research’s dependent and independent variables.

Once you have developed a thesis statement, questions such as how to write a hypothesis for the dissertation and how to test a research hypothesis become pretty straightforward.

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Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write a Hypothesis

Here are the steps involved in how to write a hypothesis for a dissertation.

Step 1: Start with a Research Question

Begin by asking a specific question about a topic of interest.
This question should be clear, concise, and researchable.

Example: Does exposure to sunlight affect plant growth?

Step 2: Do Preliminary Research

Before formulating a hypothesis, conduct background research to understand existing knowledge on the topic.
Familiarise yourself with prior studies, theories, or observations related to the research question.

Step 3: Define Variables

Independent Variable (IV): The factor that you change or manipulate in an experiment.
Dependent Variable (DV): The factor that you measure.

Example: IV: Amount of sunlight exposure (e.g., 2 hours/day, 4 hours/day, 8 hours/day) DV: Plant growth (e.g., height in centimetres)

Step 4: Formulate the Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a statement that predicts the relationship between variables.
It is often written as an “if-then” statement.

Example: If plants receive more sunlight, then they will grow taller.

Step 5: Ensure it is Testable

A good hypothesis is empirically testable. This means you should be able to design an experiment or observation to test its validity.

Example: You can set up an experiment where plants are exposed to varying amounts of sunlight and then measure their growth over a period of time.

Step 6: Consider Potential Confounding Variables

Confounding variables are factors other than the independent variable that might affect the outcome.
It is important to identify these to ensure that they do not skew your results.

Example: Soil quality, water frequency, or type of plant can all affect growth. Consider keeping these constant in your experiment.

Step 7: Write the Null Hypothesis

The null hypothesis is a statement that there is no effect or no relationship between the variables.
It is what you aim to disprove or reject through your research.

Example: There is no difference in plant growth regardless of the amount of sunlight exposure.

Step 8: Test your Hypothesis

Design an experiment or conduct observations to test your hypothesis.

Example: Grow three sets of plants: one set exposed to 2 hours of sunlight daily, another exposed to 4 hours, and a third exposed to 8 hours. Measure and compare their growth after a set period.

Step 9: Analyse the Results

After testing, review your data to determine if it supports your hypothesis.

Step 10: Draw Conclusions

Based on your findings, determine whether you can accept or reject the hypothesis.
Remember, even if you reject your hypothesis, it’s a valuable result. It can guide future research and refine questions.

Three Ways to Phrase a Hypothesis

Try to use “if”… and “then”… to identify the variables. The independent variable should be present in the first part of the hypothesis, while the dependent variable will form the second part of the statement. Consider understanding the below research hypothesis example to create a specific, clear, and concise research hypothesis;

If an obese lady starts attending Zomba fitness classes, her health will improve.

In academic research, you can write the predicted variable relationship directly because most research studies correlate terms.

The number of Zomba fitness classes attended by the obese lady has a positive effect on health.

If your research compares two groups, then you can develop a hypothesis statement on their differences.

An obese lady who attended most Zumba fitness classes will have better health than those who attended a few.

How to Write a Null Hypothesis

If a statistical analysis is involved in your research, then you must create a null hypothesis. If you find any relationship between the variables, then the null hypothesis will be the default position that there is no relationship between them. H0 is the symbol for the null hypothesis, while the hypothesis is represented as H1. The null hypothesis will also answer your question, “How to test the research hypothesis in the dissertation.”

H0: The number of Zumba fitness classes attended by the obese lady does not affect her health.

H1: The number of Zumba fitness classes attended by obese lady positively affects health.

Also see: Your Dissertation in Education

Hypothesis Examples

Research Question: Does the amount of sunlight a plant receives affect its growth? Hypothesis: Plants that receive more sunlight will grow taller than plants that receive less sunlight.

Research Question: Do students who eat breakfast perform better in school exams than those who don’t? Hypothesis: Students who eat a morning breakfast will score higher on school exams compared to students who skip breakfast.

Research Question: Does listening to music while studying impact a student’s ability to retain information? Hypothesis 1 (Directional): Students who listen to music while studying will retain less information than those who study in silence. Hypothesis 2 (Non-directional): There will be a difference in information retention between students who listen to music while studying and those who study in silence.

How can ResearchProspect Help?

If you are unsure about how to rest a research hypothesis in a dissertation or simply unsure about how to develop a hypothesis for your research, then you can take advantage of our dissertation services which cover every tiny aspect of a dissertation project you might need help with including but not limited to setting up a hypothesis and research questions, help with individual chapters , full dissertation writing , statistical analysis , and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 rules for writing a good hypothesis.

Clear Statement: State a clear relationship between variables.
Testable: Ensure it can be investigated and measured.
Specific: Avoid vague terms, be precise in predictions.
Falsifiable: Design to allow potential disproof.
Relevant: Address research question and align with existing knowledge.

What is a hypothesis in simple words?

A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction about something that can be tested. It is a statement that suggests a possible explanation for an event or phenomenon based on prior knowledge or observation. Scientists use hypotheses as a starting point for experiments to discover if they are true or false.

What is the hypothesis and examples?

A hypothesis is a testable prediction or explanation for an observation or phenomenon. For example, if plants are given sunlight, then they will grow. In this case, the hypothesis suggests that sunlight has a positive effect on plant growth. It can be tested by experimenting with plants in varying light conditions.

What is the hypothesis in research definition?

A hypothesis in research is a clear, testable statement predicting the possible outcome of a study based on prior knowledge and observation. It serves as the foundation for conducting experiments or investigations. Researchers test the validity of the hypothesis to draw conclusions and advance knowledge in a particular field.

Why is it called a hypothesis?

The term “hypothesis” originates from the Greek word “hypothesis,” which means “base” or “foundation.” It’s used to describe a foundational statement or proposition that can be tested. In scientific contexts, it denotes a tentative explanation for a phenomenon, serving as a starting point for investigation or experimentation.

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How to Write a Hypothesis: Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

A well-crafted hypothesis is the foundation of any successful research project. Knowing how to write a hypothesis can help you focus your study, set clear objectives, and guide your experiments effectively. A hypothesis isn’t just a guess; it’s an informed prediction that you can test through research.

Whether you’re working on a science project or exploring a question in social sciences, creating a strong hypothesis gives your work direction and purpose. In this guide, we’ll explore the steps to formulating a solid hypothesis that’s both testable and meaningful.

Steps to Writing a Strong Hypothesis

Creating a strong hypothesis involves a few key steps to ensure it’s both clear and testable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you develop an effective hypothesis for your research.

1. Start with a Research Question

Every hypothesis begins with a research question that addresses what you want to explore or understand. This question should be specific and relevant to your area of study.

For example, instead of a broad question like “Why do plants grow?”, a more focused question would be, “How does sunlight affect the growth rate of tomato plants?” Starting with a precise question lays the foundation for a strong hypothesis.

2. Conduct Preliminary Research

Before formulating a hypothesis, gather some background information on your topic. Review existing studies, theories, or findings that relate to your question.

This research helps you make an educated prediction rather than a random guess, giving your hypothesis a solid foundation. For instance, if you’re studying plant growth, research how sunlight influences other types of plants to understand potential outcomes for tomato plants.

3. Formulate Your Hypothesis as a Statement

A hypothesis should be a clear, concise statement that predicts an outcome. Avoid phrasing it as a question. A well-phrased hypothesis for the previous example might be: “If tomato plants are exposed to more sunlight, then they will grow taller.” This statement directly predicts a relationship between sunlight and plant height, making it easier to test.

4. Identify the Variables

Determine the independent and dependent variables in your hypothesis. The independent variable is the factor you will change or manipulate (in this case, sunlight), while the dependent variable is the outcome you’ll measure (the growth of the plants). Clearly defining these variables keeps your hypothesis focused and measurable.

5. Make It Testable and Specific

A strong hypothesis is testable, meaning it can be supported or refuted through experimentation or observation. Ensure that your statement is specific enough to allow for a straightforward test.

Avoid vague language, such as “sunlight might help plants grow,” and instead opt for direct predictions, like “increased sunlight exposure will result in taller tomato plants.”

6. Predict the Expected Relationship

A hypothesis often includes a prediction about the relationship between variables, whether it’s positive, negative, or neutral.

For example, in the hypothesis, “If tomato plants receive six hours of sunlight daily, they will grow faster than plants receiving only three hours,” you are clearly stating that increased sunlight will positively impact growth.

7. Write a Null Hypothesis (Optional)

In many research settings, especially in scientific experiments, you may also write a null hypothesis. The null hypothesis (often abbreviated as H₀) is a statement that there is no relationship between the variables.

For example, the null hypothesis for the plant study would be, “There is no difference in growth rate between tomato plants receiving varying amounts of sunlight.” This provides a baseline comparison for your main hypothesis.

8. Revise and Refine

Finally, review your hypothesis to ensure it is clear, specific, and testable. Adjust any language that may seem vague or overly complex. A concise, well-phrased hypothesis is easier to work with and interpret, allowing your research to flow more smoothly.

For instance, if your original hypothesis was overly complex, simplify it to something like, “Tomato plants exposed to six hours of sunlight daily will grow taller than those receiving three hours.”

Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis

A strong hypothesis is essential for guiding your research and ensuring your findings are meaningful. Below are the key characteristics that make a hypothesis effective, allowing for a structured and insightful investigation.

1. Clarity and Precision

A good hypothesis is clear, direct, and easy to understand. Avoid vague language or overly complex phrasing that might cause confusion.

For example, instead of saying, “Plants might respond differently to light,” a clear hypothesis would be, “Tomato plants exposed to six hours of sunlight will grow taller than those exposed to three hours.” This clarity helps you and others know exactly what you’re testing and makes the research process smoother.

2. Testability

A hypothesis should be testable through experimentation or observation, meaning you should be able to gather evidence to support or refute it.

For instance, a hypothesis like “Higher levels of sunlight will increase tomato plant growth” can be tested by exposing plants to varying levels of sunlight. Testability is crucial, as it allows you to collect data that directly addresses your hypothesis.

3. Specificity

An effective hypothesis is specific, focusing on a single, measurable outcome. This specificity ensures that you’re not testing too many factors at once, which can complicate the analysis.

For example, “Tomato plants exposed to six hours of sunlight will grow faster than those receiving three hours” is specific because it defines both the conditions (sunlight exposure) and the expected outcome (growth rate).

4. Relevance

A strong hypothesis addresses a question or problem that is relevant to the field of study or to the specific research objective. A hypothesis on sunlight exposure and plant growth, for instance, would be relevant to agricultural studies.

Relevance ensures that your research is meaningful and can contribute valuable insights or advancements to existing knowledge.

5. Simplicity

A good hypothesis is simple and straightforward, avoiding unnecessary complexity. Simplicity makes it easier to conduct and analyze the research.

For instance, a hypothesis like, “Increasing the sunlight exposure from three to six hours daily will increase tomato plant height” is simple, with a clear independent variable (sunlight) and dependent variable (plant height). Simplicity is especially important in experiments, where too many variables can make results hard to interpret.

6. Consistency with Existing Knowledge

While a hypothesis can aim to explore new ideas, it should still align with or logically extend from what is already known. Consistency with existing research adds credibility and helps position your hypothesis within a larger scientific framework.

For instance, if previous studies show that light affects plant growth, your hypothesis on sunlight and growth height would logically build on those findings.

7. Statement of Expected Relationship

A strong hypothesis often states the expected relationship between variables, whether positive, negative, or neutral. For example, a hypothesis that states, “Tomato plants exposed to more sunlight will grow taller than those receiving less sunlight” clearly indicates a positive relationship between sunlight and growth. This expectation helps guide the design of your experiment and establishes a basis for analysis.

8. Objectivity

A strong hypothesis is objective, free from personal bias or assumptions that might influence the outcome. An objective hypothesis is based on observable, measurable variables rather than subjective opinions.

For instance, stating, “Increased sunlight will improve plant growth” is more objective than saying, “Sunlight is better for plants,” as it focuses on measurable outcomes rather than personal beliefs.

Examples of Hypotheses in Different Fields

A well-constructed hypothesis can vary widely depending on the field of study, as each discipline explores different variables and outcomes. Here are some examples of hypotheses across various fields to illustrate how they apply to specific types of research.

1. Psychology

In psychology, hypotheses often focus on understanding behavior, mental processes, and the effects of various factors on human or animal psychology. For instance:

Hypothesis: “Individuals who practice mindfulness for 10 minutes daily will experience lower levels of anxiety compared to those who do not.”
Explanation: This hypothesis is testable and specific, predicting a measurable outcome (anxiety levels) based on a specific independent variable (mindfulness practice).

Biological hypotheses frequently address the impact of environmental factors, genetics, or physiology on living organisms. For example:

Hypothesis: “Tomato plants exposed to eight hours of sunlight will grow taller than plants exposed to four hours of sunlight.”
Explanation: This hypothesis is clear, specific, and testable. It sets up a direct comparison of two conditions (different levels of sunlight) to measure the dependent variable (plant height).

3. Sociology

In sociology, hypotheses often aim to understand social behavior, cultural influences, or group dynamics. An example might be:

Hypothesis: “High school students who participate in extracurricular activities will have higher self-esteem than those who do not participate.”
Explanation: This hypothesis predicts a relationship between two variables: participation in extracurricular activities (independent variable) and self-esteem (dependent variable). It’s relevant, testable, and addresses a social phenomenon.

4. Medicine and Health Sciences

Medical research often includes hypotheses that focus on health outcomes, treatments, or risk factors. For example:

Hypothesis: “Patients who receive eight hours of sleep per night will recover faster from surgery than those who receive fewer than six hours of sleep.”
Explanation: This hypothesis examines the impact of sleep duration (independent variable) on recovery speed (dependent variable), which is measurable and relevant to health sciences.

5. Environmental Science

Hypotheses in environmental science commonly address the effects of environmental changes on ecosystems, resources, or species. An example could be:

Hypothesis: “Increasing nitrogen levels in soil will lead to faster growth rates in grass species.”
Explanation: This hypothesis predicts a cause-and-effect relationship between nitrogen levels (independent variable) and grass growth rate (dependent variable), which can be tested through controlled experiments.

6. Education

In educational research, hypotheses may explore how different teaching methods, environments, or resources affect learning outcomes. For instance:

Hypothesis: “Students who use interactive digital learning tools will achieve higher test scores than those who use traditional textbooks.”
Explanation: This hypothesis compares the effect of two teaching tools (digital vs. traditional) on a measurable outcome (test scores), making it testable and relevant to educational studies.

7. Economics

Economics often involves hypotheses about market behavior, consumer choices, or financial impacts. An example might be:

Hypothesis: “Increasing the minimum wage will lead to a decrease in employee turnover rates in the retail industry.”
Explanation: This hypothesis proposes a relationship between two variables—minimum wage levels (independent variable) and turnover rates (dependent variable). It can be tested using data analysis within the retail sector.

In physics, hypotheses commonly test relationships between physical forces, properties, or behaviors under specific conditions. For example:

Hypothesis: “Increasing the mass of an object will increase the gravitational force acting on it.”
Explanation: This hypothesis is grounded in physics principles and is testable by measuring the force in relation to object mass, making it both specific and measurable.

Marcie Edelson is the voice behind Ansca Mobile, a blog where she explores diverse topics and shares personal experiences. With a passion for discovery, Marcie offers insights and stories that inspire curiosity and exploration.

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