Question

Why is it important to develop hypotheses for a study? What purpose does a hypothesis serve and how could it be tested?

Answer 1

Developing hypotheses for a study helps in precise judgment or predictions on the basis of earlier studies or researches. It makes a researcher to think about the study outcome and enable to have clear understanding on the research questions and variables used in the study to examine the same. It helps in narrowing down probable interpretations of the outcomes.

The purpose of creating hypothesis is to perform experiment by defining the association among two or more variables and find the answer to the designed research questions. It makes researcher to think about the outcomes which he or she observe in experiment. Thus, it helps in explaining what is expected to happen and should be testable and measurable by having independent and dependent variables.

To test the hypotheses, it is required to clearly state the null and alternative hypothesis. These should be mutually exclusive. Formulating of a analysis plan on how to use the sample data (along with the significance level, test method, etc.). Analysis of the sample data to be done by using statistical methods, followed by the interpretations of the outcomes.