Nova A.
Nova A.

Learn How to Write a Hypothesis in Simple Steps

7 min read

Published on: Jan 10, 2018

Last updated on: Mar 16, 2023

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A hypothesis is one of the important parts of the scientific research paper. It is an idea that is based on evidence and must be proved through facts and examples.

In a scientific method, whether it involves research in biology, psychology, or any other area, a hypothesis will show what will come next in the experiment.

Since the hypothesis is the foundation for future research, it is important to draft a strong hypothesis. In this blog, you will learn how to write a good hypothesis statement in simple steps and many examples for your better understanding.

There are many questions regarding a hypothesis. Most people look for their answers.

  • How to write a hypothesis for a research paper?
  • How to write a hypothesis in sociology?
  • How to write hypothesis psychology?
  • How to write a hypothesis in a lab report?
  • How to write a hypothesis in statistics?
  • How to write a hypothesis for a science fair?

If you wonder how to create a hypothesis on any of the above scenarios, keep on reading to understand what a hypothesis is and how to write a perfect one.

What is Hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a prediction that is more than just a simple guess. Usually, the hypothesis starts with a question that is explored through in-depth research.

At this point, you need to develop a strong and testable hypothesis. Your hypothesis should explain what you expect to happen next, except if you are writing an explanatory study.

For example, if exploring the effects of a particular drug, the hypothesis should be what effects this drug might have on the symptoms of a particular disease.

In conducting psychology research, the hypothesis might be how an environment influences a particular response or behavior.

Similarly, a hypothesis does not always have to be accurate. While it predicts what the researchers expect, the research aims to determine whether the guess came out right or wrong.

It also establishes a relationship between two or more variables. A dependable variable is what you observe and measure. An independent variable is what you change or control over time.

Different Types of Hypotheses

Before heading towards the writing steps, understand the common types of hypotheses with examples.

infographic

Refer to the document below to get a detailed description of these different types of hypotheses.

Simple Hypothesis

A simple hypothesis predicts the connection between the dependent and independent variables. Here are some simple hypothesis examples that you can refer to for your better understanding.

  • Intake of sugary drinks leads to weight gain.
  • Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.

Complex Hypothesis

A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship between two or more dependent and two or more independent variables. Follow the below-mentioned complex hypothesis examples and understand how it is formulated.

  • Overweight people who value and seek happiness are more likely to lose weight and enjoy life than those who do not care much.
  • Individuals who eat fewer vegetables and more greasy food are at a greater risk of developing heart diseases.

Empirical Hypothesis

An empirical hypothesis is also known as a ‘Working hypothesis.’ This hypothesis plays a part when the theory is being tested through an experiment and observation. It is no longer just a wild guess.

Here are some examples to quickly understand how to craft an empirical hypothesis.

  • Women who take vitamin E grow their hair faster than those women who take vitamin K.
  • Animals learn faster if the food is given immediately after the response of a command.

Null Hypothesis

A null hypothesis is written when there is insufficient information to state the hypothesis or no obvious relationship between the two variables. Refer to the following null hypothesis examples and learn how to disapprove of something.

  • There is no improvement in my health, no matter how healthy I eat or get plenty of sleep.
  • There is no change in my work habits, whether I get 6 hours or 10 hours of sleep.

Alternative Hypothesis

There is always an alternative hypothesis that disapproves of a null hypothesis. It is denoted by H1. You can learn more about the alternative hypothesis with these examples.

  • My health gets better when I drink green tea daily.
  • My work habits get better when I sleep on time and wake up early in the morning.

Logical Hypothesis

The proposed explanation to process the evidence is a logical hypothesis. Usually, a logical hypothesis is turned into an empirical hypothesis. It aims to put your theories to the test.

Here are some logical hypothesis examples for your better understanding.

  • Cacti experience more successful growth rates than tulips on Mars.
  • The atmospheric pressure on Mars is less than one-hundredth of what we breathe on Earth.

Statistical Hypothesis

A statistical hypothesis is an examination of a sample of a population. This is the type of analysis in which you use statistical information collected from and for a specific area.

Below are some statistical hypothesis examples to understand how to conduct your research using statistical information.

  • About 16% of the American population is 65 years old or over.
  • 21% of the adults in the United States fall into the category of illiteracy.

How to Write a Hypothesis?

Here are the steps that you need to follow for writing a strong hypothesis.

1. Ask a Question

A hypothesis starts with a research question that you need to address. A clear, focused, and researchable question is required that should be within the limitations of the project.

Furthermore, the question needs to be testable, i.e., there should be a hypothesis that can answer the research question.

2. Conduct Some Initial Research

Now you have to collect data and think about the start of your answer. It should be about the information already known about the research paper topics. Take time and review theories and previous studies to formulate better assumptions.

You can create a conceptual framework to identify which variables you will be focusing on. Also, figure out the relationship between those variables.

3. Create Your Hypothesis

With the help of theories and previous studies, you might have an idea of what you expect to find. Make sure you come up with a clear and concise initial answer.

A hypothesis, in research terms, is the portion of a study that can be proven by testing it. In this case, how does your independent variable affect how participants respond to the experiment?

4. Refine Your Hypothesis

Make sure your hypothesis is to the point and testable. Similarly, it can be refined in a variety of ways. All the terms that you use must be defined clearly and contain the following elements.

  • The required variables
  • The group that is being studied
  • The predicted outcome of the analysis

5. Compose Your Hypothesis in Three Different Ways

You can formulate a simple prediction in the form of if...then to identify the variables. The beginning of the sentence should state the independent variable and dependent variable at the end of the sentence.

In academic research, a hypothesis is commonly phrased in terms of defining relations or showing effects. Here you need to state the relationship between variables.

If you are making a comparison, your hypothesis should state what difference you expect.

6. Formulate a Null Hypothesis

If your research methods cover statistical hypothesis testing, you will need to formulate a null hypothesis. It is donated by ‘HO.’ A null hypothesis is the default position that shows no connection between the variables.

Hypothesis Writing Tips

Here are some of the expert tips that you should keep in mind for writing a good hypothesis.

  • Do not choose a random topic. Take time and find something interesting to write on
  • Keep the hypothesis to the point, clear, and concise
  • Make sure to research as it will help you throughout the writing process
  • Clearly define your independent and dependent variables
  • Know your audience to identify the relationship among phenomena observed in different experiments

A hypothesis is basically a statement of what you will do. It determines how you will set up an experiment and how you will analyze the results.

This is why a hypothesis needs to be clearly defined. Once you are done writing your hypothesis, you need to test it and analyze the data to come up with your conclusion.

Are you assigned to write a research paper and worried about drafting a strong hypothesis for it?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three required parts of a hypothesis?

The three required parts of a hypothesis are as follows: 

  1. If (cause) 
  2. Then (effect) 
  3. Because (rationale) 

How do you turn a question into a hypothesis?

A research question can be transformed into a hypothesis by changing it into a statement. 

Which statements contain a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is an if/then statement that gives a possibility and explains what may happen because of it. These statements could include may.

Nova A.

WRITTEN BY

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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