Hypothesis and research question

A hypothesis is a statement of the predicted relationship between

two or more variables.

Purposes

Allow theoretical propositions to be tested in the real world.

Guide the research design. Dictate the type of statistical analysis

for the data Provide the reader with an

understanding of the researchers expectations about the study before data collecting begins.

The rationale or sources of hypothesis

From the researchers own experiences. From previous research studies. From theoretical propositions. This is the

most important source of a hypothesis. This process of a hypothesis derivation involves deductive reasoning. A propositional statement is isolated from the study frame work and empirically tested.

Note(1) : Nursing research involves both inductive and deductive means of formulating hypothesis.

Note(2): Hypothesis should always be written before the study and should not be changed after the study results are examined.

Classifications of hypothesis

Simple or complex: A Simple hypothesis: concerns the

relationship between one independent and one dependent variable (bivariate study). In experimental studies the independent variable may be considered the cause, and the dependent variable may be considered as the effect.

Example: there is a negative relationship between denial and reports of anxiety among post myocardial infarction patients.

A complex hypothesis: Concerns a relationship where two or more independent variables, two or more dependent variables, or both, are examined in the same study (multivariate).

Example: there is a positive relationship between patient perception of pain control and (a) complaints of pain and (b) requests for pain medication.

Note : remember that hypothesis are not required if only one variable is being examined.

11.Null and research hypothesis Null hypothesis (Ho)= Statistical

hypothesis; predict that no relationship exists between variables.

Research hypothesis(H1)= Alternative hypothesis; state the expected relationship between variables.

The level of significance for rejecting the statistical null hypothesis should always be stated before data are collected. The level of significance usually set at (.05). this means that the researcher is willing to risk being wrong 5% . Generally the aim of the researcher is to reject the null hypothesis because this provides support for the research hypothesis.

111 .Non-directional and directional research hypothesis

Non directional hypothesis: the direction of the relationship is not presented.

Directional : the direction of the relationship is present. It should contain a predictive terms such as more than, greater than, decrease in, or positive correlation. It is the preferred type for nursing research studies. e.g. Anxiety levels are lower for preoperative hysterectomy patients who have practiced relaxation exercises than for preoperative hysterectomy patients who have not practiced relaxation exercises .

Hypothesis Criteria

Is written in a declarative sentences. Is written in the present tense. There

is a positive relationship between the number of times children have been hospitalized and their fear of hospitalization.

Contains the population. Contains the variables. Is empirically testable

Guidelines for critiquing hypothesis and research Questions

Does the study contain a hypothesis or hypotheses? Is each hypothesis clearly worded and concise? Is the hypothesis written in a declarative sentences? Is each hypothesis directly tied to the study

problem? Does each hypothesis contain the population and at

least two variables? Is it apparent that each hypothesis contain only one

prediction? if the study contains research questions, are the

questions precise and specific? Do the research questions further delineate the

problem area of the study?