The Research Hypothesis A hypothesis is a tentative prediction or explanation of the relationship between two or more variables. A hypothesis translates the problem statement into a precise, unambiguous prediction of expected outcomes.

Example: the problem statement might ask: “ Does room temperature affect the optimal placement time of rectal temperature measurements in adults? -As a tentative solution to this problem, the research might predict the following: cooler room temp require longer placement times for rectal temp measurements in adults than warmer room temp.

Purposes of hypotheses:- 1.Through hypotheses theoretical propositions is supported, scientific knowledge is gained. Negative findings are sometimes as important as positive ones. 2.Hypotheses guide the research design and dictate the type of statistical analysis to be used with the data.

-Hypotheses provide the reader with an understanding of the researcher’s expectations about the study before data collection. Characteristics of workable hypotheses 1. Statement of anticipated relationships  It must states the predicted relationship between 2 or more variables.  The prediction “ pregnant women who receive prenatal training will have favorable reactions to the labor and delivery experience”

 Is not a scientifically acceptable hypothesis because this statement expresses no anticipated relationship.  If your hypothesis lacks a phrase such as “more than” “less than” greater than” “different from” “related to ” or some thing similar, you may need to reformulate your prediction.

2. Testability:  Example: Small group teaching will be better than individualized teaching for dietary compliance in diabetic pts.  Words such as should, ought, better and bad for are not scientifically testable. 3. Justifiability 4. Contains the population and variables.

5.Contains the population and the variables. 6.Reflects the problem statement: congruency in a must.

Classifications of hypotheses:- 1.Simple vs. complex hypotheses. (univarite) ( multivariate) 2.Directional vs. Non- Directional hypotheses:- - A directional hypothesis is one that specifies the expected direction of the relationship between variables.

That is, the researcher predicts not only the existence of a relationship, but also the nature (type) of the relationship. A non- directional hypothesis: -Predicts that two or more variables are related but makes no projections about the exact nature of the association. -Deductive hypotheses derived from theory will almost always be directional.

3. Research vs. statistical hypotheses (null hypotheses) -Research hypotheses are statements of expected relationships between variables.