Research Hypotheses PDF

RESEARCH HYPOTHESES Lila Mae A. Miranda, RN, MN “Research consist of formulation of imaginative hypotheses that are open to falsification by experiment.” Max Perutz Hypotheses is derived from the greek word hypotithenai means “to put under” or “to suppose”...

RESEARCH HYPOTHESES Lila Mae A. Miranda, RN, MN “Research consist of formulation of imaginative hypotheses that are open to falsification by experiment.” Max Perutz Hypotheses is derived from the greek word hypotithenai means “to put under” or “to suppose” Hypotheses are theoretical explanations phenomenon.They are statement that translate a problem into precise, unambiguous predictions of expected outcome(polit & Beck,2008) Hypotheses maybe a shrewd guess or inference an intellectual proposition formulated to explain observed facts or conditions in order to guide the investigation further.It must be empirically testable and verifiable,means it is capable of being tested in the real world by observation gathered through the human senses.(Nieswiadomy,2008)  Hypotheses are statements of the researcher’s expectation regarding the relationship between and among the variables under investigation(Treece 2008).It attempts to answer the question posed by the research question.When testing the validity of the theoretical frameworks and assumption, the hypotheses bridges the gap between theory & reality. Hypotheses are speculations of how variables in the study will work out and provide predicted answer to research questions,they embody the variables and the population based on the problem statement.(clifford,2000)  GUIDELINES IN FORMULATING RESEARCH HYPOTHESES 1. The hypotheses, not the stated problems are subjected to empirical testing through data collection and analysis. Research problems that are experimental, causal,comparative,correlational or normative need hypotheses for their in depth solution. Qualitative studies such as historical,literary and philosophical studies and simple surveys do not need hypotheses. Both hypotheses and research problem contribute to the body of knowledge which supports or refutes an existing theory.  A hypothesis differs from a problem. A problem is formulated in the form of a question;it serves as the basis or origin from which a hypothesis is derived. A hypotheses is a suggested solution to a problem.A problem (question) cannot be directly tested,whereas a hypotheses can be tested and verified. 2. The hypotheses follow the theoretical framework of the study and are based on theories, principles and concepts advanced in the study. Hypothesis is formulated after the problem has been stated and the literature study has been concluded. Hypothesis is formulated when the researcher is totally aware of the theoretical and empirical background of the problem. 3.Hypotheses are stated in declarative form, while research problems are generally interrogative in order to focus the inquiry on the analysis of the phenomenon under study. 4. Hypotheses are tentative solutions or answers to queries. E.g.problem- Is there any significant relationship between tactile and auditory stimulations and the heartbeat rate response of premature infants. Hypotheses- There is a significant relationship between tactile and auditory stimulations and the heartbeat rate response of premature infants. 5. Hypotheses should be formulated before the conduct of the study as they give direction to the gathering and interpretation of data and help in the solution of research problems. 6. The theoretical framework provides the concept, theories and principles on which to base the hypotheses. 7. Hypotheses also relate to the problems raised in the study.  PURPOSE OF HYPOTHESES 1. Hypotheses Unify theory and reality-evaluate theory on the basis of observable facts or reality.Hypotheses reconciles theory with facts to provide meaningful basis and explanations of the existence of both facts and theory. Theory of reinforcement-”Behavior or activity which is pleasurable or positively reinforced tends to be repeated.” Hypothesis-” elderly patients who are praised (reinforcment) by nursing staff for self -feeding requires less assistance that elderly patients who are not praised. 2. Hypotheses give direction to research 3.hypotheses enhance knowledge. E.g. nurses who have earned the diploma program in nursing are more likely to experience stress in their first nursing assignment, compared to those who have completed the baccalaureate degree.  TYPES OF HYPOTHESES 1. Simple vs complex hypotheses Simple-tall people(X) eat more(Y) than short people(X) Complex- (2IV vs 1DV)-Tall people(X1) and people with high caloric intake(X2) tend to weigh more (Y1) than short people and people with low calorie intake. (2IV vs 2 DV)-Tall people (X1) tend to eat more(Y1) and weigh more (Y2) than short people. (2IV vs 2 DV)-Tall people(X!) and people with high caloric intake(X2) tend to eat more(Y1) and weigh more (Y2) than short people and people with low calorie intake.  The variables of the study and the types of hypotheses. POPULATION INDEPENDENT DEPENDENT TYPE OF VARIABLE VARIABLE HYPOTHESES(Ho) Infants Level of alcohol Birth weight simple used by the mother Patients in ICU Sleep deprivation anxiety simple adults Type of weight complex diet/exercise Women Method of delivery Depression & complex feeling of inadequacy  DIRECTIONAL VS NON- DIRECTIONAL HYPOTHESIS Directional- specifies clearly the characteristics or qualities of the variables being investigated, the nature and extent of relationship between or among them and the expected outcome of such relationship between variables. “Infants of heroin addicted mothers have lower birth weights than infants of non-heroin addicted mothers.” “Older nurses are less likely to express approval of their expanding role than younger nurses.” Non-directional Hypotheses- merely predicts the type of relationship but does not predict the nature and extent of relationship or the specific qualities or characteristics of the variables being investigated.Hence, the outcome of the study may be challenged by the presence of extraneous variables. “Hospital nurses are less likely to express approval of their expanding role than nurses who serve in the community.” “Infants of addicted mothers have lower birth weight compared to infants of non-addicted mother.”  RESEARCH VS STATISTICAL HYPOTHESES Research hypotheses-research hypothesis is also referred to as substantive or declarative hypothesis or statement of expected relationship between variables, also known alternative hypothesis. “Infants born to heroin addicted mothers have the same birth weight as infants born to non heroin addicted mothers.” OR This may also stated this way -“There is a significant relationship between maternal heroin addiction and birthweight of infants”  STATISTICAL HYPOTHESIS Stated null form that there exist no significant relationship or difference between the independent and dependent variables.This is also known as scientific or null hypothesis. “Infants born to heroin-addicted mothers do not have the same birth weight as infants born to non heroin addicted mothers.” This may also stated this way-” There is no significant relationship between maternal heroin addiction and birth weight of infants.” Advantage of Null Hypothesis-Scientificaly objective, reflects the impartiality of the researcher, minimizes research bias.  RESEARCH NULL HYPOTHESES NON DIRECTIONAL DIRECTIONAL QUESTION HYPOTHESES HYPOTHESES Does the There will be no There will be a Units with bar introduction of bar difference in the difference in the coding will have a coding on a patient medication error medication error lower medication care unit result in rate between units rate between units error rate that units lower medication that do and do not that do and do not without bar coding. error rates when have bar coding. have bar coding. compared to patient care units without bar coding.  Examples of hypotheses according to Research Null Hypothesis Alternative, Alternative, Questions non-directionals Directional hypotheses hypotheses Do mean minutes of There will be no The mean minutes of Cardiac rehabilitation exercise per week difference in mean exercise per week will patients that have differ between cardiac minutes of exercise be different for cardiac exercise equipment at rehabilitation pt. that per week between rehabilitation patients home will exercise have exercise cardiac rehabilitation that have exercise more minutes per equipment at home pt. That have exercise equipment at home week than patients and patients that go to equipment at home and patients who that have to go to the a gym to exercise? and pt who must must travel to the rehabilitation center to travel to the rehabilitation center to exercise. rehabilitation center to exercise. exercise.