Question

1. Discuss how the process of hypothesis, formulation of methods, implementation, and review is presented. How does Snow use hypotheses, formulation of methods, and review? How do Victorian methods differ from current scientific methods?

Answer 1

Let us discuss about hypothesis

Hypothesis consists of two word

Hypo+Thesis =Tentative or subject to verification+statement about solution of problem

So hypothesis meaning is tentative statement about the solution of problem

Formulation of testable hypothesis:

A hypothesis is a tentative assumption drawn from knowledge and theory.

It is used as a guide in the investigation of other facts and theory that are as yet unknown.

Its formulation is one of the most difficult and most crucial step in the entire scientific process.

A poorly chosen or poorly worded hypothesis can prevent the following:

(i) The obtaining of enough pertinent data

(ii) The drawing of conclusions and generalizations

(iii) The application of certain statistical measures in the analysis of result

Hypothesis is the central core of study that directs the selection of the data to be gathered, the experimental design, the statistical analysis and the conclusions drawn from the study.

A study may be devoted to the testing of one major hypothesis, a number of subsidiary hypothesis, or both major and subsidiary hypotheses. When several hypotheses are used,

Each should be stated separately in order to anticipate the type of analysis required and in order to definitely accept or reject each hypothesis on its own merit. Irrespective of number or type used each hypothesis should be testable and based on logical foundation

Fundamentals Basis of hypothesis:

The operational level

Conceptual level

Difficulties in formulation of useful hypothesis:

Moving from the operational to the conceptual level and vice –versa is a critical ingredient of the research to demonstration process.

The following are the difficulties in the formulation of hypothesis:

1. Absence of knowledge of a clear theoretical framework.

2. Lack of ability to make use of the theoretical framework logically.

3. Lack of acquaintance with available research technique resulting in failure to be able to phrase the hypothesis properly