Based on the experience with the study problem, it might be possible to develop explanations for the problem, which can then be tested. If so, hypotheses can be formulated in addition to the study objectives.
A HYPOTHESIS is a prediction of a relationship between one or more factors and the problem under study that can be tested. It is an idea or explanation of something that is based on a few known facts but that has not yet been proved to be true or correct. However, hypothesis is not necessary for descriptive studies while it is compulsory for analytical studies.
There are generally two types of hypotheses:
1. Null Hypothesis: Null the hypothesis that there is no significant difference between specified populations, any observed difference being due to sampling or experimental error. It is denoted by H0
2. Alternate Hypothesis: The alternative hypothesis, denoted by H1 or Ha, is the hypothesis that proposes a relationship between two or more variables. It is also considered as research hypothesis.
Examples:
Before people used to believed that the world was flat. Researcher doubted this statement and performed research based on the shape of the earth, then the hypothesis of this study could be:
o Null hypothesis, H0: The world is flat.
o Alternate hypothesis, H1: The world is round.
If we are doing analytical study on relationship between sun exposure and Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), then the hypothesis will be:
o Ho: Sun exposure does not increase the susceptibility to OSSN
o Ha: Sun exposure increases the susceptibility to OSSN
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