Formulating Hypothesis and Research Questions

Independent variable

A variable that is observed, introduced, or manipulated to determine the effect it has on another variable.

Simple hypothesis

A hypothesis that states the relationship between two variables

Dependent variable

Also called the criterion or outcome variable, is the variable that is observed for change or reaction after the treatment is applied.

Null hypothesis

Also referred to as a statistical hypothesis, states that no relationship or difference exists between two variables.

Research hypothesis

Also referred to as an alternative, declarative or scientific hypothesis, states that a relationship or difference exists between variables. Can be simple or complex, directional or nondirectional.

Research question

A concise, interrogative statement written in the present tense with one or more variables or concepts.

Variable

A measurable characteristic that varies among the subject being studied.

Deductive reasoning

A process that begins with a general picture and moves to a specific direction or prediction.

Inductive reasoning

A process that begins with the details or specific observations and moves to a more general picture

Hypothesis

A statement that explains or predicts the relationship or differences between two or more variables in terms of expected results or outcomes of a study.

Extraneous variables

Characteristics that are not under investigation but that may, or may not, be relevant to the study. These variables exist in all studies and are primarily of concern in quantitative research. Classified as controlled or uncontrolled and as recognized or unrecognized. Also called "confounding variables"

Correlational analyses

Conducted to determine the existence, type, and the strength of the relationship between the variables being studied.

Components of a hypothesis

Must contain the variables being studied, the population being studied, and the predicted outcomes.

Hypothesis-generating study

Outcome of such studies allows the researcher to bring several pieces of data together so that hypotheses can be formulated for future studies

Nondirectional hypothesis

States a relationship between variables but it has no specific direction. Used when the past research provides conflicting results or with the direction of the relationship is unknown.

Directional hypothesis

States the direction of the relationship between variables. Such hypotheses are usually derived from conceptual models or findings from previous research.

Complex hypothesis

States the relationship between two or more independent variables and two or more dependent variables.