7/29/2019 00000109

1/2

Research Methods Handout

(Variables and Hypothesis)

Variable

It is a concept. It is a noun that stands for variation within a class of

objects, such as chair, gender, eye color, achievement, motivation, etc.

Even spunk, or lifestyle is a variable. Otherwise, is called aconstant. It means a member is identical with the other member of a

class.

Independent versus Dependent Variables

Independentone that the researcher chooses to study in order to assess

its possible effects on one or more other variable.

Dependentone that the independent variable is presumed TO AFFECT.

For example, in a study that determine the relationship between childhood

success in a subject and adult career choice would likely have the former asindependent variable and subsequent career choice as the dependent variable.

It is possible to investigate more than one independent (and also more than one

dependent) variable in a study.

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a prediction of some sort regarding possible outcomes of a study. Here

are some examples:

Question: Will students who are taught (subject/course) by a teacher of the samegender like the subject more than students taught by a teacher of a different gender?

Hypothesis: Students taught by a teacher of the same gender will like the (subject

more than students taught (subject/course) by a teacher of a different gender.

Advantages of stating the hypothesis

It forces one to think more deeply and specifically about the possible outcomes of

a study

It enables one to make specific predictions based on prior evidence or theoretical

argument It helps one to see if he is or is not investigating a relationship. If not he may

possibly see a need to formulate one.

Disadvantages of hypothesis

Stating a hypothesis may lead to a bias, either conscious or unconscious, on the

part of the researcher. Once there is hypothesis, researcher may be tempted to

arrange the procedures or manipulated the data in such a way as to bring about adesired outcome.

7/29/2019 00000109

2/2

It may sometimes be unnecessary, or even inappropriate, in research projects of

certain types, such as descriptive surveys and ethnographic studies. In many such

studies, it would be unduly presumptuous, as well as futile, to predict what thefindings of the inquiry will be.

It may prevent from noticing other phenomena that might be important to study.

Types of Hypotheses

Null Hypotheses (Ho) and alternative Hypotheses (H1)

Null hypothesis: a non-directional statement of a condition between two variables.

It states that there is no significant difference between two parameters. Example:

There is no significant difference between scores obtained by respondents whoviewed the soundslide set and the scores of the respondents who did not view the

soundslide set

Alternative hypothesis; a unidirectional statement of a relationship betweenvariables. Example: Respondents who view the soundslide set will tend to obtain

higher scores than respondents who will not view the soundslide set.

The alternative hypothesis is also known as research hypothesis or substantive

hypothesis

In brief, the research hypothesis states a relationship between 2 or more variables that

the research predicts will emerge. The null hypothesis states that no relationship

exists between the variables concerned and that any observed relation is only a

function of chance.

Points to Remember about Hypothesis

The purpose of deriving a hypothesis is to deduce the consequences. You do not

test the hypothesis, you test the consequences. Therefore, the condition if this is

so, then that will be. It is very important to be able to recognize the

consequences of a hypothesis.

Hypotheses are not supposed to be proven, they are supposed to be confirmed.

Also hypotheses can no verify; but they make possibility statements.

A hypothesis should be stated simply. Most researchers tend to state hypothesis

with sophistication, but it is important that hypothetical statements are made

simply enough. The simpler the hypothesis is stated, the easier it is to confirm orfalsify.

Reference:

Librero, F.L. 2009. How to Write a Thesis Proposal. Some practical guidelines.UPLB. College, Laguna. Philippines