How to Write a Hypothesis? Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

One of the common questions that arises in students' minds is how to write a hypothesis when they start a new study. If you are one of them, then you are at the right place! A strong hypothesis refers to a statement that can be tested by scientific research. If you want to know the connection between two or more variables, then you need to craft a hypothesis before you begin your experiment.

This blog covers what a hypothesis is, its types, and what makes a good hypothesis. Plus, it will explore its features and how to write a hypothesis. No matter whether you are handling your project or digging into academic research, this blog will walk you through creating a clear and meaningful hypothesis. So what are you waiting for? Without any further ado, read this blog to expand your knowledge!

What is a Hypothesis?  

A research hypothesis refers to a short statement about the expected outcome of a project or experiment you have conducted. In other words, it states your prediction about what your research outcome will be. However, for some hypotheses in research, you have noticed diverse aspects of your research questions. It is not only a prediction or guess; it should be based on already written theories and knowledge. Plus, it must be something you can test, which means you can prove it true or false with the help of real research methodology like experiments and observations. 

• Some hypothesis examplesmay involve:

1. If I water plants every day, they will grow more quickly.
2. Adults are better at guessing temperature than children.

Variables in Hypothesis 

A hypothesis suggests a connection between two or more variables. 

• Independent Variable: It is something that researchers can change or control.
• Dependent Variable: It is what they observe or measure to watch how it responds.

Daily exposure to sunlight increases your overall happiness. Sunlight is the independent variable; we believe the amount of sunlight you receive causes a diversification in the amount of happiness you experience. The dependent variable is your level of happiness; this is the variable we will be monitoring. In the upcoming section, we will examine it's type with example. 

Types of Hypothesis with Examples 

Research hypothesis depends on complexity and connection type; there are seven main categories. Remember that these categories are not exclusive, so a single hypothesis might fit into more than one category simultaneously. Dive deeper to know more about the types of hypothesis. 

Simple Hypothesis 

Propose only the connection between two variables: one is independent, and the other is dependent.

Example:

• If you study more, it leads to higher grades.
• When you turn off your mobile phone, it charges quicker. 

Complex Hypothesis 

Propose more than two connections between two independent/dependent variables.

Example:

• Both increased study time and availability of resources can improve grades.
• People who live in rural areas are happier than those who live in urban areas.

Null Hypothesis 

It is abbreviated as H0 and states that there is a relationship between variables.

Example:

• Expert psychics do not win the lottery more than other people.
• There is no connection between caffeine intake and alertness.

Alternative Hypothesis

It is brief, as H1 or HA is used in conjunction with the null hypothesis. The alternative hypothesis statement is the opposite of the null. 

Example: 

• Plants grow better when they are watered with bottled water than tap water.
• Intake of caffeine increases alertness.

Logical Hypothesis

It proposes a connection between variables without evidence and lacks actual data. 

Example:

• Dinosaurs that have sharp and pointed teeth were probably carnivores.
• On Venus, an alien raised would have trouble breathing in Earth's atmosphere.

Empirical Hypothesis

It also refers to a working hypothesis, which is currently being tested and depends on concrete data. 

Example:

• Restaurants' customers will tip the same regardless of whether or not the wait staff's wages have been raised (the employees are paid a higher wage).
• Washing your hands every hour will lower your chance of getting sick.

Statistical Hypothesis

It tests only a sample of the population and then applies statistical evidence to the outcome to draw a summary about the entire population.

Example: 

• The ratio of male-to-female births in humans is approximately 1.05:1.00.
• An estimated 2% of the global population has red hair that is naturally occurring. 

With the help of these types of hypothesis, you can choose a clear and testable statement that will improve your analysis. However, if you still face issues in identifying independent and dependent variables, you can seek assignment writing services. Now, in the next section, we will discover what makes a good hypothesis. Keep scrolling to know more!

What Makes a Good Hypothesis?

A strong hypothesis guides your research with a clear direction. In this section, we will discuss various good hypothesis characteristics. 

Cause and Effect

All hypothesis include an inherent cause-and-effect relationship whereby a change in one variable will result in a related change in another (or remain unchanged due to a null hypothesis). A good way to represent this relationship is through the use of an 'if-then' statement: i.e. if one variable is present, then a change will occur in the corresponding variable.

Testable Prediction 

Hypothesis in research are created to be tested (with the exception of logical hypotheses). Prior to finalising your hypothesis, be sure that you can conduct experiments to support your hypothesis through experimentation. Choose an independent variable on which you have total and complete control.

Candid Language 

Writing can very easily become confusing, which is why it is difficult to maintain an uncomplicated and simple sentence structure. Your audience uses your hypothesis as a basis for understanding your entire written work. Therefore, there should not be any unclear or ambiguous language used within your hypothesis.

Adherence to Ethics

It is not just about what you can test, it is also about what you should test. Do not use a hypothesis that needs questionable experiments to preserve ethics (and therefore, credibility) intact.

These characteristics of hypothesis writing ensure your hypothesis is clear and ethically sound. Also, they improve the quality of your research and enable you to draw reliable summaries that support your study's aim. Now it's time to explore the steps to write a hypothesis.

How to Write a Hypothesis? 

Writing a hypothesis is a vital step in research. Let's discuss some of the steps to write a hypothesis. Keep reading to get better insight.

Ask a Question

Hypothesis writing starts with a research query that you might want to answer. The query must be specific and researchable within the limitations of your project.

Example:

• Do students who take more classes get better grades on exams? 

Do Some Preliminary Research 

When responding to your initial question, you should use the existing knowledge of the subject based on theories and previous studies as a guide to make educated predictions on what your research will ultimately reveal. 

At this point in the process, it is often helpful to create a conceptual framework indicating the variables that you will investigate and the expected nature of their relationship. You may need to operationalise some of your constructs to make them measurable.  

Formulate Your Hypothesis

Now, in this step of how to write a hypothesis, you must have an idea of what you are supposed to identify. Craft your initial answer to the question in a clear and short sentence.

Example:

• Taking more classes leads to better grades and exams.

Refine Your Hypothesis

In order for your testable hypothesis to be relatively specific, you must describe your hypothesis in multiple ways. It is imperative to develop a terminology and to establish a working definition of each of the terms you choose to use. Additionally, the terminology must contain: 

• The appropriate variables
• The population being researched
• The anticipated result of the research or testing

Phrase as an if-then Hypothesis Statement

Presenting a hypothesis as an if-then format (e.g., “If I water my plant every day, it will grow better.”), It is helpful because of its simplicity and effectiveness in testing the cause-and-effect relationship between two variables. However, when multiple variables are involved, the if-then hypothesis format can become complicated. Nevertheless, if you are testing the cause-and-effect relationship between two variables, an if-then format is the most straightforward way to represent your hypothesis statement.

Write a Null Hypothesis 

A null hypothesis is to be used in statistical hypothesis testing as a baseline before beginning any form of data analysis on whether or not there might be an association between two variables or groups studied. The null usually states that there is no relationship or association between the two groups. Thus, it is designated by H0, and the alternative hypothesis is designated by H1 (or Ha). 

Hypothesis Examples:

• H0: The number of lectures attended by first-year students has no impact on their final exam scores.
• H1: The number of lectures attended has a positive influence on the final exam score of that student.

With the help of these steps, you might have a clear understanding of how to write a hypothesis. A well-crafted hypothesis clarifies the study's purpose, strengthens validity, and supports logical conclusions. Still, if you face any issues, you can ask, "Can experts do my assignment and help me with the hypothesis?" Next, it's time to examine some of its features. Read on to get better insight!

What are the Features of an Effective Hypothesis Writing? 

Hypothesis in research need to meet specific criteria and be scientifically rigorous. Here are some of the crucial qualities of hypothesis writing:   

1. Testability: Make sure that your hypothesis enables you to work towards observable and testable outcomes.
2. Falsifiable: A good hypothesis can be shown to be wrong if evidence doesn't support it.
3. Brevity and Objectivity: Display your scientific hypothesisas a concise statement, and do not use redundancy.
4. Clarity and Relevance: Your hypothesis must present a clear view of what you know and what you expect to identify about a phenomenon, and highlight the vital knowledge gap that is appropriate to a field of academics. 

Now you can create a testable hypothesis that will help you collect data and analyse effectively.

Final Thoughts 

A hypothesis is a suggested & testable explanation or prediction for an observation that serves as the starting point for a scientific analysis. Now you do not need to wonder how to write a hypothesis. With the help of this blog, you will have a clear understanding of what a hypothesis is, its types, features, and characteristics. Also, this blog covers it's step with examples. However, if you find it difficult to make your hypothesis specific and testable, feel free to get custom assignment help. Experts at the Assignment Desk will not only help you with your hypothesis but also complete your assignments in no time!