How to Write Hypothesis In Dissertation?
You can write hypotheses in a dissertation by proposing an idea in form of statements so they can receive proper testing. Hypotheses in dissertations provide researchers enough information to test their validity.
A hypothesis is essential in any research that aims to test the relationship between two or multiple variables. You cannot begin data collection or analysis before writing your hypothesis. Writing the hypothesis before starting your data collection process ensures your dissertation stays on track throughout all phases.
A hypothesis states predictions relevant to your potential findings. It provides a tentative answer to research questions asked without testing. Graduate students may need to write multiple research hypotheses to answer specific questions asked in the dissertation.
However, it’s worth noting that hypothesis testing should not be a guesswork. Your hypothesis test should be testable through scientific methods. The most common scientific methods used to test hypotheses are statistical analysis, observations, and experimentation.
Let’s see vital information about how to write hypotheses in dissertation and every other essential detail you need to know.
How to Write Hypothesis in Dissertation
You can write hypotheses in your dissertation by defining its two variables – independent and dependent variables. Every hypothesis must have a dependent and independent variable in its statement.
For example, let’s say we want to write a hypothesis about the potential relationship between government-backed loans to farmers and agricultural output. We will first state the null hypothesis to predict no relationship between both variables (government-backed loans to farmers and agricultural output):
H0: there is no relationship between government-backed loans to farmers and agricultural output
Next, you need to state the alternative hypothesis immediately under your null statement:
H1: there is a relationship between government-backed loans to farmers and agricultural output
Steps to Develop a Hypothesis for Your Dissertation
Step 1: Link research aims, objectives and questions
Your dissertation should be inter-connected across sections for you to make any meaningful findings and conclusions. The process to link your dissertation into a cohesive essay starts from the introduction section.
First, the statement of problems should have a direct link to your aims, objectives, and then your research questions. The hypotheses you state should have a direct upward link from your research questions to stated problems.
Any hypothesis stated in your dissertation aims to solve problems in the end, so it is important to establish this link.
Step 2: Conduct research about assumptions to consider in your hypothesis
Your assumptions should be based on known facts about your dissertation topic. Search for information from previous studies and theories to help build a strong assumption your hypothesis will be based on.
Your hypothesis should focus on measurable assumptions and not state unrealistic predictions.
Step 3: Form your hypothesis
Next, you need to form your hypothesis into a major idea of what you plan to find. This part should be in a clear, direct sentence.
For example, consider the following statement:
Teaching methods contribute to better exam performance among students
You can build a hypothesis statement based on the statement above. There is no ambiguity in your presentation and such statements have the full backing of several existing studies and theories.
Step 4: Include missing points in your hypothesis
You must ensure all valid points to build a strong null hypothesis are present in your initial statement. The points your hypothesis must cover should be:
- Essential variables (at least one independent and dependent variable)
- Information about the group under study
- Expected outcome of your experiment or analysis
When everything checks out with your statement, you can proceed to the next step
Step 5: Properly phrase the hypothesis
Your hypothesis must have the right structure or you risk testing incorrectly. The independent variable (predictor) should come before your dependent (outcome) variable. Take this as an example:
Teaching methods contribute to better exam performance among students
Independent variable Dependent variable
Step 6: Draft a null hypothesis
Next, you need to state your null hypothesis. Your null hypothesis should predict a condition of no relationship or effect between the independent and dependent variables. Let’s see an example:
H0: Teaching methods have no effect on the exam performance of students
Features of Good Hypotheses in a Dissertation
A good hypothesis could define how your dissertation arrives at its findings and conclusion. Well-written hypotheses should possess these features:
- Clarity – the language used must be direct and clear; ambiguity in statements ruin a research hypothesis
- Correct variables – your research hypothesis must have an independent and a dependent variable
- Testability – your hypothesis must be testable using proven scientific or statistical methods
- Connection with your research topic – the hypotheses stated in your dissertation must have a relationship with your dissertation topic
- Relevance – your stated hypotheses must be specific to your research questions and aim to answer them
FAQs
1. What is hypothesis testing?
A hypothesis is a statement of predictions about what your research could find. It offers tentative answers to questions that have not received proper testing. Some theses and dissertations might include several hypothesis designed to test various aspects of your research objectives.
2. What is a null hypothesis in a dissertation?
In a dissertation, a null hypothesis is a statement that always predicts no relationship or effect between variables. It is denoted by the H0 symbol and comes before you state the alternative hypothesis.
Some dissertations might have only null hypotheses stated which the reader can use to deduce alternative statements.
3. What is an alternative hypothesis in a dissertation?
In a dissertation, the alternative hypothesis is a statement that always predicts the presence of relationship or an effect between variables. It is denoted by the H1 symbol and comes immediately after the stated null hypothesis.
Final Word
Hypothesis testing is a very vital procedure employed to investigate different ideas through statistical methods. Scientists make use of these statements to test for the presence or absence of an effect or relationship between variables. A hypothesis isn’t guesswork – it must have a strong basis on existing knowledge and theories.