Chapters
- Introduction
- Approaches
- Research Process
- Ethics
- Review of Literature
- Hypothesis and Estimation
- Research instruments
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Statistics for Nurses
- Reporting and Communicating
- Writing Proposals
- Research Terminology
- References
HYPOTHESIS AND ESTIMATION
Hypothesis
- Hypothesis is statement or declaration of the expected outcome of a research study.
- It is based on logical rationale and has empirical possibilities for testing.
- Hypothesis is formulated in experimental research.
- In some non-experimental correlational studies, hypothesis may also be developed.
- Normally, there are four elements in a hypothesis:
- dependent and independent variables,
- type of relationship between independent and dependent variable,
- the direction of the change, and
- it mentions about the subjects, i.e. population being studied.
- It is defined as “A tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences” (Webster, 1968).
Standards in formulating a hypothesis (Ahuja, R. 2001):
- It should be empirically testable, whether it is right or wrong.
- It should be specific and precise.
- The statements in the hypothesis should not be contradictory.
- It should specify variables between which the relationship to be established
- It should describe one issue only.
Characteristics of a Hypothesis (Treece & Treece, 1989)
- It is testable
- It is logical
- It is directly related to the research problem
- It is factually or theoretically based
- It states a relationship between variables
- It is stated in such a form that it can be accepted or rejected
Hypothesis formation
- Directional hypothesis predicts an outcome in a particular direction, and nondirectional hypothesis simply states that there will be difference between the groups.
- There can be two hypotheses:
- research hypothesis and
- null hypothesis.
- The null hypothesis is formed for the statistical purpose of negating it.
- If the research hypothesis states there is positive correlation between smoking and cancer, the null hypothesis states there is no relation between smoking and cancer.
- It is easy to negate a statement than trying to establish it.
Dependent and independent variables
- An independent variable is presumed to cause of the dependent variable-the presumed effect.
- The independent variable is one which explains or accounts for variations in the dependent variable.
- A dependent variable is one which changes in relationship to changes in another variable.
- An independent variable is one whose change results in change in other variable.
- In experiments, the independent variable is the variable manipulated by the experimenter.
- A variable which is dependent in one study may be independent in another.
- Intervening variable is one that comes between the independent and dependent variable.
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