writing a hypothesis for a research proposal

• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Kids Mental Health
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Best Family Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Relationships in 2023
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2023 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

How to Write a Great Hypothesis

Hypothesis Format, Examples, and Tips

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz

• The Scientific Method

Hypothesis Format

Falsifiability of a hypothesis, operational definitions, types of hypotheses, hypotheses examples.

• Collecting Data

Frequently Asked Questions

A hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more  variables. It is a specific, testable prediction about what you expect to happen in a study.

One hypothesis example would be a study designed to look at the relationship between sleep deprivation and test performance might have a hypothesis that states: "This study is designed to assess the hypothesis that sleep-deprived people will perform worse on a test than individuals who are not sleep-deprived."

This article explores how a hypothesis is used in psychology research, how to write a good hypothesis, and the different types of hypotheses you might use.

The Hypothesis in the Scientific Method

In the scientific method , whether it involves research in psychology, biology, or some other area, a hypothesis represents what the researchers think will happen in an experiment. The scientific method involves the following steps:

• Forming a question
• Performing background research
• Creating a hypothesis
• Designing an experiment
• Collecting data
• Analyzing the results
• Drawing conclusions
• Communicating the results

The hypothesis is a prediction, but it involves more than a guess. Most of the time, the hypothesis begins with a question which is then explored through background research. It is only at this point that researchers begin to develop a testable hypothesis. Unless you are creating an exploratory study, your hypothesis should always explain what you  expect  to happen.

In a study exploring the effects of a particular drug, the hypothesis might be that researchers expect the drug to have some type of effect on the symptoms of a specific illness. In psychology, the hypothesis might focus on how a certain aspect of the environment might influence a particular behavior.

Remember, a hypothesis does not have to be correct. While the hypothesis predicts what the researchers expect to see, the goal of the research is to determine whether this guess is right or wrong. When conducting an experiment, researchers might explore a number of factors to determine which ones might contribute to the ultimate outcome.

In many cases, researchers may find that the results of an experiment  do not  support the original hypothesis. When writing up these results, the researchers might suggest other options that should be explored in future studies.

In many cases, researchers might draw a hypothesis from a specific theory or build on previous research. For example, prior research has shown that stress can impact the immune system. So a researcher might hypothesize: "People with high-stress levels will be more likely to contract a common cold after being exposed to the virus than people who have low-stress levels."

In other instances, researchers might look at commonly held beliefs or folk wisdom. "Birds of a feather flock together" is one example of folk wisdom that a psychologist might try to investigate. The researcher might pose a specific hypothesis that "People tend to select romantic partners who are similar to them in interests and educational level."

Elements of a Good Hypothesis

So how do you write a good hypothesis? When trying to come up with a hypothesis for your research or experiments, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is your hypothesis based on your research on a topic?
• Can your hypothesis be tested?
• Does your hypothesis include independent and dependent variables?

Before you come up with a specific hypothesis, spend some time doing background research. Once you have completed a literature review, start thinking about potential questions you still have. Pay attention to the discussion section in the  journal articles you read . Many authors will suggest questions that still need to be explored.

To form a hypothesis, you should take these steps:

• Collect as many observations about a topic or problem as you can.
• Evaluate these observations and look for possible causes of the problem.
• Create a list of possible explanations that you might want to explore.
• After you have developed some possible hypotheses, think of ways that you could confirm or disprove each hypothesis through experimentation. This is known as falsifiability.

In the scientific method ,  falsifiability is an important part of any valid hypothesis.   In order to test a claim scientifically, it must be possible that the claim could be proven false.

Students sometimes confuse the idea of falsifiability with the idea that it means that something is false, which is not the case. What falsifiability means is that  if  something was false, then it is possible to demonstrate that it is false.

One of the hallmarks of pseudoscience is that it makes claims that cannot be refuted or proven false.

A variable is a factor or element that can be changed and manipulated in ways that are observable and measurable. However, the researcher must also define how the variable will be manipulated and measured in the study.

For example, a researcher might operationally define the variable " test anxiety " as the results of a self-report measure of anxiety experienced during an exam. A "study habits" variable might be defined by the amount of studying that actually occurs as measured by time.

These precise descriptions are important because many things can be measured in a number of different ways. One of the basic principles of any type of scientific research is that the results must be replicable.   By clearly detailing the specifics of how the variables were measured and manipulated, other researchers can better understand the results and repeat the study if needed.

Some variables are more difficult than others to define. How would you operationally define a variable such as aggression ? For obvious ethical reasons, researchers cannot create a situation in which a person behaves aggressively toward others.

In order to measure this variable, the researcher must devise a measurement that assesses aggressive behavior without harming other people. In this situation, the researcher might utilize a simulated task to measure aggressiveness.

Hypothesis Checklist

• Does your hypothesis focus on something that you can actually test?
• Does your hypothesis include both an independent and dependent variable?
• Can you manipulate the variables?
• Can your hypothesis be tested without violating ethical standards?

The hypothesis you use will depend on what you are investigating and hoping to find. Some of the main types of hypotheses that you might use include:

• Simple hypothesis : This type of hypothesis suggests that there is a relationship between one independent variable and one dependent variable.
• Complex hypothesis : This type of hypothesis suggests a relationship between three or more variables, such as two independent variables and a dependent variable.
• Null hypothesis : This hypothesis suggests no relationship exists between two or more variables.
• Alternative hypothesis : This hypothesis states the opposite of the null hypothesis.
• Statistical hypothesis : This hypothesis uses statistical analysis to evaluate a representative sample of the population and then generalizes the findings to the larger group.
• Logical hypothesis : This hypothesis assumes a relationship between variables without collecting data or evidence.

A hypothesis often follows a basic format of "If {this happens} then {this will happen}." One way to structure your hypothesis is to describe what will happen to the  dependent variable  if you change the  independent variable .

The basic format might be: "If {these changes are made to a certain independent variable}, then we will observe {a change in a specific dependent variable}."

A few examples of simple hypotheses:

• "Students who eat breakfast will perform better on a math exam than students who do not eat breakfast."
• Complex hypothesis: "Students who experience test anxiety before an English exam will get lower scores than students who do not experience test anxiety."​
• "Motorists who talk on the phone while driving will be more likely to make errors on a driving course than those who do not talk on the phone."

Examples of a complex hypothesis include:

• "People with high-sugar diets and sedentary activity levels are more likely to develop depression."
• "Younger people who are regularly exposed to green, outdoor areas have better subjective well-being than older adults who have limited exposure to green spaces."

Examples of a null hypothesis include:

• "Children who receive a new reading intervention will have scores different than students who do not receive the intervention."
• "There will be no difference in scores on a memory recall task between children and adults."

Examples of an alternative hypothesis:

• "Children who receive a new reading intervention will perform better than students who did not receive the intervention."
• "Adults will perform better on a memory task than children." 

Collecting Data on Your Hypothesis

Once a researcher has formed a testable hypothesis, the next step is to select a research design and start collecting data. The research method depends largely on exactly what they are studying. There are two basic types of research methods: descriptive research and experimental research.

Descriptive Research Methods

Descriptive research such as  case studies ,  naturalistic observations , and surveys are often used when it would be impossible or difficult to  conduct an experiment . These methods are best used to describe different aspects of a behavior or psychological phenomenon.

Once a researcher has collected data using descriptive methods, a correlational study can then be used to look at how the variables are related. This type of research method might be used to investigate a hypothesis that is difficult to test experimentally.

Experimental Research Methods

Experimental methods  are used to demonstrate causal relationships between variables. In an experiment, the researcher systematically manipulates a variable of interest (known as the independent variable) and measures the effect on another variable (known as the dependent variable).

Unlike correlational studies, which can only be used to determine if there is a relationship between two variables, experimental methods can be used to determine the actual nature of the relationship—whether changes in one variable actually  cause  another to change.

A Word From Verywell

The hypothesis is a critical part of any scientific exploration. It represents what researchers expect to find in a study or experiment. In situations where the hypothesis is unsupported by the research, the research still has value. Such research helps us better understand how different aspects of the natural world relate to one another. It also helps us develop new hypotheses that can then be tested in the future.

Some examples of how to write a hypothesis include:

• "Staying up late will lead to worse test performance the next day."
• "People who consume one apple each day will visit the doctor fewer times each year."
• "Breaking study sessions up into three 20-minute sessions will lead to better test results than a single 60-minute study session."

The four parts of a hypothesis are:

• The research question
• The independent variable (IV)
• The dependent variable (DV)
• The proposed relationship between the IV and DV

Castillo M. The scientific method: a need for something better? . AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2013;34(9):1669-71. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A3401

Nevid J. Psychology: Concepts and Applications. Wadworth, 2013.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, automatically generate references for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Methodology
• How to Write a Strong Hypothesis | Guide & Examples

How to Write a Strong Hypothesis | Guide & Examples

Published on 6 May 2022 by Shona McCombes .

A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested by scientific research. If you want to test a relationship between two or more variables, you need to write hypotheses before you start your experiment or data collection.

Table of contents

What is a hypothesis, developing a hypothesis (with example), hypothesis examples, frequently asked questions about writing hypotheses.

A hypothesis states your predictions about what your research will find. It is a tentative answer to your research question that has not yet been tested. For some research projects, you might have to write several hypotheses that address different aspects of your research question.

A hypothesis is not just a guess – it should be based on existing theories and knowledge. It also has to be testable, which means you can support or refute it through scientific research methods (such as experiments, observations, and statistical analysis of data).

Variables in hypotheses

Hypotheses propose a relationship between two or more variables . An independent variable is something the researcher changes or controls. A dependent variable is something the researcher observes and measures.

In this example, the independent variable is exposure to the sun – the assumed cause . The dependent variable is the level of happiness – the assumed effect .

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

Step 1: ask a question.

Writing a hypothesis begins with a research question that you want to answer. The question should be focused, specific, and researchable within the constraints of your project.

Step 2: Do some preliminary research

Your initial answer to the question should be based on what is already known about the topic. Look for theories and previous studies to help you form educated assumptions about what your research will find.

At this stage, you might construct a conceptual framework to identify which variables you will study and what you think the relationships are between them. Sometimes, you’ll have to operationalise more complex constructs.

Step 3: Formulate your hypothesis

Now you should have some idea of what you expect to find. Write your initial answer to the question in a clear, concise sentence.

Step 4: Refine your hypothesis

You need to make sure your hypothesis is specific and testable. There are various ways of phrasing a hypothesis, but all the terms you use should have clear definitions, and the hypothesis should contain:

• The relevant variables
• The specific group being studied
• The predicted outcome of the experiment or analysis

Step 5: Phrase your hypothesis in three ways

To identify the variables, you can write a simple prediction in if … then form. The first part of the sentence states the independent variable and the second part states the dependent variable.

In academic research, hypotheses are more commonly phrased in terms of correlations or effects, where you directly state the predicted relationship between variables.

If you are comparing two groups, the hypothesis can state what difference you expect to find between them.

Step 6. Write a null hypothesis

If your research involves statistical hypothesis testing , you will also have to write a null hypothesis. The null hypothesis is the default position that there is no association between the variables. The null hypothesis is written as H 0 , while the alternative hypothesis is H 1 or H a .

Hypothesis testing is a formal procedure for investigating our ideas about the world using statistics. It is used by scientists to test specific predictions, called hypotheses , by calculating how likely it is that a pattern or relationship between variables could have arisen by chance.

A hypothesis is not just a guess. It should be based on existing theories and knowledge. It also has to be testable, which means you can support or refute it through scientific research methods (such as experiments, observations, and statistical analysis of data).

A research hypothesis is your proposed answer to your research question. The research hypothesis usually includes an explanation (‘ x affects y because …’).

A statistical hypothesis, on the other hand, is a mathematical statement about a population parameter. Statistical hypotheses always come in pairs: the null and alternative hypotheses. In a well-designed study , the statistical hypotheses correspond logically to the research hypothesis.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

McCombes, S. (2022, May 06). How to Write a Strong Hypothesis | Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 8 December 2023, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/research-methods/hypothesis-writing/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, operationalisation | a guide with examples, pros & cons, what is a conceptual framework | tips & examples, a quick guide to experimental design | 5 steps & examples.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Starting the research process
• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved December 8, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to write a problem statement | guide & examples, writing strong research questions | criteria & examples, how to write a literature review | guide, examples, & templates, what is your plagiarism score.

• Manuscript Preparation

What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?

• 4 minute read
• 214.2K views

Table of Contents

One of the most important aspects of conducting research is constructing a strong hypothesis. But what makes a hypothesis in research effective? In this article, we’ll look at the difference between a hypothesis and a research question, as well as the elements of a good hypothesis in research. We’ll also include some examples of effective hypotheses, and what pitfalls to avoid.

What is a Hypothesis in Research?

Simply put, a hypothesis is a research question that also includes the predicted or expected result of the research. Without a hypothesis, there can be no basis for a scientific or research experiment. As such, it is critical that you carefully construct your hypothesis by being deliberate and thorough, even before you set pen to paper. Unless your hypothesis is clearly and carefully constructed, any flaw can have an adverse, and even grave, effect on the quality of your experiment and its subsequent results.

Research Question vs Hypothesis

It’s easy to confuse research questions with hypotheses, and vice versa. While they’re both critical to the Scientific Method, they have very specific differences. Primarily, a research question, just like a hypothesis, is focused and concise. But a hypothesis includes a prediction based on the proposed research, and is designed to forecast the relationship of and between two (or more) variables. Research questions are open-ended, and invite debate and discussion, while hypotheses are closed, e.g. “The relationship between A and B will be C.”

A hypothesis is generally used if your research topic is fairly well established, and you are relatively certain about the relationship between the variables that will be presented in your research. Since a hypothesis is ideally suited for experimental studies, it will, by its very existence, affect the design of your experiment. The research question is typically used for new topics that have not yet been researched extensively. Here, the relationship between different variables is less known. There is no prediction made, but there may be variables explored. The research question can be casual in nature, simply trying to understand if a relationship even exists, descriptive or comparative.

How to Write Hypothesis in Research

Writing an effective hypothesis starts before you even begin to type. Like any task, preparation is key, so you start first by conducting research yourself, and reading all you can about the topic that you plan to research. From there, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to understand where your focus within the topic will lie.

Remember that a hypothesis is a prediction of the relationship that exists between two or more variables. Your job is to write a hypothesis, and design the research, to “prove” whether or not your prediction is correct. A common pitfall is to use judgments that are subjective and inappropriate for the construction of a hypothesis. It’s important to keep the focus and language of your hypothesis objective.

An effective hypothesis in research is clearly and concisely written, and any terms or definitions clarified and defined. Specific language must also be used to avoid any generalities or assumptions.

Use the following points as a checklist to evaluate the effectiveness of your research hypothesis:

• Predicts the relationship and outcome
• Simple and concise – avoid wordiness
• Clear with no ambiguity or assumptions about the readers’ knowledge
• Observable and testable results
• Relevant and specific to the research question or problem

Research Hypothesis Example

Perhaps the best way to evaluate whether or not your hypothesis is effective is to compare it to those of your colleagues in the field. There is no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to writing a powerful research hypothesis. As you’re reading and preparing your hypothesis, you’ll also read other hypotheses. These can help guide you on what works, and what doesn’t, when it comes to writing a strong research hypothesis.

Here are a few generic examples to get you started.

Eating an apple each day, after the age of 60, will result in a reduction of frequency of physician visits.

Budget airlines are more likely to receive more customer complaints. A budget airline is defined as an airline that offers lower fares and fewer amenities than a traditional full-service airline. (Note that the term “budget airline” is included in the hypothesis.

Workplaces that offer flexible working hours report higher levels of employee job satisfaction than workplaces with fixed hours.

Each of the above examples are specific, observable and measurable, and the statement of prediction can be verified or shown to be false by utilizing standard experimental practices. It should be noted, however, that often your hypothesis will change as your research progresses.

Language Editing Plus

Elsevier’s Language Editing Plus service can help ensure that your research hypothesis is well-designed, and articulates your research and conclusions. Our most comprehensive editing package, you can count on a thorough language review by native-English speakers who are PhDs or PhD candidates. We’ll check for effective logic and flow of your manuscript, as well as document formatting for your chosen journal, reference checks, and much more.

Research Paper Conclusion: Know How To Write It

• Publication Recognition

How to Write and Improve your Researcher Profile

You may also like.

How to Write Clear and Crisp Civil Engineering Papers? Here are 5 Key Tips to Consider

The Clear Path to An Impactful Paper: ②

The Essentials of Writing to Communicate Research in Medicine

Changing Lines: Sentence Patterns in Academic Writing

Path to An Impactful Paper: Common Manuscript Writing Patterns and Structure

How to write the results section of a research paper

What are Implications in Research?

Differentiating between the abstract and the introduction of a research paper

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

• Resources Home 🏠
• Try SciSpace Copilot
• Search research papers
• Add Copilot Extension
• Try AI Detector
• Try Paraphraser
• Try Citation Generator
• April Papers
• June Papers
• July Papers

The Craft of Writing a Strong Hypothesis

Table of Contents

Writing a hypothesis is one of the essential elements of a scientific research paper. It needs to be to the point, clearly communicating what your research is trying to accomplish. A blurry, drawn-out, or complexly-structured hypothesis can confuse your readers. Or worse, the editor and peer reviewers.

A captivating hypothesis is not too intricate. This blog will take you through the process so that, by the end of it, you have a better idea of how to convey your research paper's intent in just one sentence.

What is a Hypothesis?

The first step in your scientific endeavor, a hypothesis, is a strong, concise statement that forms the basis of your research. It is not the same as a thesis statement , which is a brief summary of your research paper .

The sole purpose of a hypothesis is to predict your paper's findings, data, and conclusion. It comes from a place of curiosity and intuition . When you write a hypothesis, you're essentially making an educated guess based on scientific prejudices and evidence, which is further proven or disproven through the scientific method.

The reason for undertaking research is to observe a specific phenomenon. A hypothesis, therefore, lays out what the said phenomenon is. And it does so through two variables, an independent and dependent variable.

The independent variable is the cause behind the observation, while the dependent variable is the effect of the cause. A good example of this is “mixing red and blue forms purple.” In this hypothesis, mixing red and blue is the independent variable as you're combining the two colors at your own will. The formation of purple is the dependent variable as, in this case, it is conditional to the independent variable.

Different Types of Hypotheses‌

Types of hypotheses

Some would stand by the notion that there are only two types of hypotheses: a Null hypothesis and an Alternative hypothesis. While that may have some truth to it, it would be better to fully distinguish the most common forms as these terms come up so often, which might leave you out of context.

Apart from Null and Alternative, there are Complex, Simple, Directional, Non-Directional, Statistical, and Associative and casual hypotheses. They don't necessarily have to be exclusive, as one hypothesis can tick many boxes, but knowing the distinctions between them will make it easier for you to construct your own.

1. Null hypothesis

A null hypothesis proposes no relationship between two variables. Denoted by H 0 , it is a negative statement like “Attending physiotherapy sessions does not affect athletes' on-field performance.” Here, the author claims physiotherapy sessions have no effect on on-field performances. Even if there is, it's only a coincidence.

2. Alternative hypothesis

Considered to be the opposite of a null hypothesis, an alternative hypothesis is donated as H1 or Ha. It explicitly states that the dependent variable affects the independent variable. A good  alternative hypothesis example is “Attending physiotherapy sessions improves athletes' on-field performance.” or “Water evaporates at 100 °C. ” The alternative hypothesis further branches into directional and non-directional.

• Directional hypothesis: A hypothesis that states the result would be either positive or negative is called directional hypothesis. It accompanies H1 with either the ‘<' or ‘>' sign.
• Non-directional hypothesis: A non-directional hypothesis only claims an effect on the dependent variable. It does not clarify whether the result would be positive or negative. The sign for a non-directional hypothesis is ‘≠.'

3. Simple hypothesis

A simple hypothesis is a statement made to reflect the relation between exactly two variables. One independent and one dependent. Consider the example, “Smoking is a prominent cause of lung cancer." The dependent variable, lung cancer, is dependent on the independent variable, smoking.

4. Complex hypothesis

In contrast to a simple hypothesis, a complex hypothesis implies the relationship between multiple independent and dependent variables. For instance, “Individuals who eat more fruits tend to have higher immunity, lesser cholesterol, and high metabolism.” The independent variable is eating more fruits, while the dependent variables are higher immunity, lesser cholesterol, and high metabolism.

5. Associative and casual hypothesis

Associative and casual hypotheses don't exhibit how many variables there will be. They define the relationship between the variables. In an associative hypothesis, changing any one variable, dependent or independent, affects others. In a casual hypothesis, the independent variable directly affects the dependent.

6. Empirical hypothesis

Also referred to as the working hypothesis, an empirical hypothesis claims a theory's validation via experiments and observation. This way, the statement appears justifiable and different from a wild guess.

Say, the hypothesis is “Women who take iron tablets face a lesser risk of anemia than those who take vitamin B12.” This is an example of an empirical hypothesis where the researcher  the statement after assessing a group of women who take iron tablets and charting the findings.

7. Statistical hypothesis

The point of a statistical hypothesis is to test an already existing hypothesis by studying a population sample. Hypothesis like “44% of the Indian population belong in the age group of 22-27.” leverage evidence to prove or disprove a particular statement.

Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis

Writing a hypothesis is essential as it can make or break your research for you. That includes your chances of getting published in a journal. So when you're designing one, keep an eye out for these pointers:

• A research hypothesis has to be simple yet clear to look justifiable enough.
• It has to be testable — your research would be rendered pointless if too far-fetched into reality or limited by technology.
• It has to be precise about the results —what you are trying to do and achieve through it should come out in your hypothesis.
• A research hypothesis should be self-explanatory, leaving no doubt in the reader's mind.
• If you are developing a relational hypothesis, you need to include the variables and establish an appropriate relationship among them.
• A hypothesis must keep and reflect the scope for further investigations and experiments.

Separating a Hypothesis from a Prediction

Outside of academia, hypothesis and prediction are often used interchangeably. In research writing, this is not only confusing but also incorrect. And although a hypothesis and prediction are guesses at their core, there are many differences between them.

A hypothesis is an educated guess or even a testable prediction validated through research. It aims to analyze the gathered evidence and facts to define a relationship between variables and put forth a logical explanation behind the nature of events.

Predictions are assumptions or expected outcomes made without any backing evidence. They are more fictionally inclined regardless of where they originate from.

For this reason, a hypothesis holds much more weight than a prediction. It sticks to the scientific method rather than pure guesswork. "Planets revolve around the Sun." is an example of a hypothesis as it is previous knowledge and observed trends. Additionally, we can test it through the scientific method.

Whereas "COVID-19 will be eradicated by 2030." is a prediction. Even though it results from past trends, we can't prove or disprove it. So, the only way this gets validated is to wait and watch if COVID-19 cases end by 2030.

Finally, How to Write a Hypothesis

Quick tips on writing a hypothesis

1.  Be clear about your research question

A hypothesis should instantly address the research question or the problem statement. To do so, you need to ask a question. Understand the constraints of your undertaken research topic and then formulate a simple and topic-centric problem. Only after that can you develop a hypothesis and further test for evidence.

2. Carry out a recce

Once you have your research's foundation laid out, it would be best to conduct preliminary research. Go through previous theories, academic papers, data, and experiments before you start curating your research hypothesis. It will give you an idea of your hypothesis's viability or originality.

Making use of references from relevant research papers helps draft a good research hypothesis. SciSpace Discover offers a repository of over 270 million research papers to browse through and gain a deeper understanding of related studies on a particular topic. Additionally, you can use SciSpace Copilot , your AI research assistant, for reading any lengthy research paper and getting a more summarized context of it. A hypothesis can be formed after evaluating many such summarized research papers. Copilot also offers explanations for theories and equations, explains paper in simplified version, allows you to highlight any text in the paper or clip math equations and tables and provides a deeper, clear understanding of what is being said. This can improve the hypothesis by helping you identify potential research gaps.

3. Create a 3-dimensional hypothesis

Variables are an essential part of any reasonable hypothesis. So, identify your independent and dependent variable(s) and form a correlation between them. The ideal way to do this is to write the hypothetical assumption in the ‘if-then' form. If you use this form, make sure that you state the predefined relationship between the variables.

In another way, you can choose to present your hypothesis as a comparison between two variables. Here, you must specify the difference you expect to observe in the results.

4. Write the first draft

Now that everything is in place, it's time to write your hypothesis. For starters, create the first draft. In this version, write what you expect to find from your research.

Clearly separate your independent and dependent variables and the link between them. Don't fixate on syntax at this stage. The goal is to ensure your hypothesis addresses the issue.

5. Proof your hypothesis

After preparing the first draft of your hypothesis, you need to inspect it thoroughly. It should tick all the boxes, like being concise, straightforward, relevant, and accurate. Your final hypothesis has to be well-structured as well.

Research projects are an exciting and crucial part of being a scholar. And once you have your research question, you need a great hypothesis to begin conducting research. Thus, knowing how to write a hypothesis is very important.

Now that you have a firmer grasp on what a good hypothesis constitutes, the different kinds there are, and what process to follow, you will find it much easier to write your hypothesis, which ultimately helps your research.

Now it's easier than ever to streamline your research workflow with SciSpace Discover . Its integrated, comprehensive end-to-end platform for research allows scholars to easily discover, write and publish their research and fosters collaboration.

It includes everything you need, including a repository of over 270 million research papers across disciplines, SEO-optimized summaries and public profiles to show your expertise and experience.

If you found these tips on writing a research hypothesis useful, head over to our blog on Statistical Hypothesis Testing to learn about the top researchers, papers, and institutions in this domain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. what is the definition of hypothesis.

According to the Oxford dictionary, a hypothesis is defined as “An idea or explanation of something that is based on a few known facts, but that has not yet been proved to be true or correct”.

2. What is an example of hypothesis?

The hypothesis is a statement that proposes a relationship between two or more variables. An example: "If we increase the number of new users who join our platform by 25%, then we will see an increase in revenue."

3. What is an example of null hypothesis?

A null hypothesis is a statement that there is no relationship between two variables. The null hypothesis is written as H0. The null hypothesis states that there is no effect. For example, if you're studying whether or not a particular type of exercise increases strength, your null hypothesis will be "there is no difference in strength between people who exercise and people who don't."

4. What are the types of research?

• Fundamental research

• Applied research

• Qualitative research

• Quantitative research

• Mixed research

• Exploratory research

• Longitudinal research

• Cross-sectional research

• Field research

• Laboratory research

• Fixed research

• Flexible research

• Action research

• Policy research

• Classification research

• Comparative research

• Causal research

• Inductive research

• Deductive research

5. How to write a hypothesis?

• Your hypothesis should be able to predict the relationship and outcome.

• Avoid wordiness by keeping it simple and brief.

• Your hypothesis should contain observable and testable outcomes.

• Your hypothesis should be relevant to the research question.

6. What are the 2 types of hypothesis?

• Null hypotheses are used to test the claim that "there is no difference between two groups of data".

• Alternative hypotheses test the claim that "there is a difference between two data groups".

7. Difference between research question and research hypothesis?

A research question is a broad, open-ended question you will try to answer through your research. A hypothesis is a statement based on prior research or theory that you expect to be true due to your study. Example - Research question: What are the factors that influence the adoption of the new technology? Research hypothesis: There is a positive relationship between age, education and income level with the adoption of the new technology.

8. What is plural for hypothesis?

The plural of hypothesis is hypotheses. Here's an example of how it would be used in a statement, "Numerous well-considered hypotheses are presented in this part, and they are supported by tables and figures that are well-illustrated."

9. What is the red queen hypothesis?

The red queen hypothesis in evolutionary biology states that species must constantly evolve to avoid extinction because if they don't, they will be outcompeted by other species that are evolving. Leigh Van Valen first proposed it in 1973; since then, it has been tested and substantiated many times.

10. Who is known as the father of null hypothesis?

The father of the null hypothesis is Sir Ronald Fisher. He published a paper in 1925 that introduced the concept of null hypothesis testing, and he was also the first to use the term itself.

11. When to reject null hypothesis?

You need to find a significant difference between your two populations to reject the null hypothesis. You can determine that by running statistical tests such as an independent sample t-test or a dependent sample t-test. You should reject the null hypothesis if the p-value is less than 0.05.

You might also like

Literature Review and Theoretical Framework: Understanding the Differences

Types of Essays in Academic Writing

Elevate Your Writing Game With AI Grammar Checker Tools

How to Develop a Good Research Hypothesis

The story of a research study begins by asking a question. Researchers all around the globe are asking curious questions and formulating research hypothesis. However, whether the research study provides an effective conclusion depends on how well one develops a good research hypothesis. Research hypothesis examples could help researchers get an idea as to how to write a good research hypothesis.

This blog will help you understand what is a research hypothesis, its characteristics and, how to formulate a research hypothesis

Table of Contents

What is Hypothesis?

Hypothesis is an assumption or an idea proposed for the sake of argument so that it can be tested. It is a precise, testable statement of what the researchers predict will be outcome of the study.  Hypothesis usually involves proposing a relationship between two variables: the independent variable (what the researchers change) and the dependent variable (what the research measures).

What is a Research Hypothesis?

Research hypothesis is a statement that introduces a research question and proposes an expected result. It is an integral part of the scientific method that forms the basis of scientific experiments. Therefore, you need to be careful and thorough when building your research hypothesis. A minor flaw in the construction of your hypothesis could have an adverse effect on your experiment. In research, there is a convention that the hypothesis is written in two forms, the null hypothesis, and the alternative hypothesis (called the experimental hypothesis when the method of investigation is an experiment).

Essential Characteristics of a Good Research Hypothesis

As the hypothesis is specific, there is a testable prediction about what you expect to happen in a study. You may consider drawing hypothesis from previously published research based on the theory.

A good research hypothesis involves more effort than just a guess. In particular, your hypothesis may begin with a question that could be further explored through background research.

To help you formulate a promising research hypothesis, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the language clear and focused?
• What is the relationship between your hypothesis and your research topic?
• Is your hypothesis testable? If yes, then how?
• What are the possible explanations that you might want to explore?
• Does your hypothesis include both an independent and dependent variable?
• Can you manipulate your variables without hampering the ethical standards?
• Does your research predict the relationship and outcome?
• Is your research simple and concise (avoids wordiness)?
• Is it clear with no ambiguity or assumptions about the readers’ knowledge
• Is your research observable and testable results?
• Is it relevant and specific to the research question or problem?

The questions listed above can be used as a checklist to make sure your hypothesis is based on a solid foundation. Furthermore, it can help you identify weaknesses in your hypothesis and revise it if necessary.

Source: Educational Hub

How to formulate an effective research hypothesis.

A testable hypothesis is not a simple statement. It is rather an intricate statement that needs to offer a clear introduction to a scientific experiment, its intentions, and the possible outcomes. However, there are some important things to consider when building a compelling hypothesis.

1. State the problem that you are trying to solve.

Make sure that the hypothesis clearly defines the topic and the focus of the experiment.

2. Try to write the hypothesis as an if-then statement.

Follow this template: If a specific action is taken, then a certain outcome is expected.

3. Define the variables

Independent variables are the ones that are manipulated, controlled, or changed. Independent variables are isolated from other factors of the study.

Dependent variables , as the name suggests are dependent on other factors of the study. They are influenced by the change in independent variable.

4. Scrutinize the hypothesis

The types of research hypothesis are stated below:

1. Simple Hypothesis

It predicts the relationship between a single dependent variable and a single independent variable.

2. Complex Hypothesis

It predicts the relationship between two or more independent and dependent variables.

3. Directional Hypothesis

It specifies the expected direction to be followed to determine the relationship between variables and is derived from theory. Furthermore, it implies the researcher’s intellectual commitment to a particular outcome.

4. Non-directional Hypothesis

It does not predict the exact direction or nature of the relationship between the two variables. The non-directional hypothesis is used when there is no theory involved or when findings contradict previous research.

5. Associative and Causal Hypothesis

The associative hypothesis defines interdependency between variables. A change in one variable results in the change of the other variable. On the other hand, the causal hypothesis proposes an effect on the dependent due to manipulation of the independent variable.

6. Null Hypothesis

Null hypothesis states a negative statement to support the researcher’s findings that there is no relationship between two variables. There will be no changes in the dependent variable due the manipulation of the independent variable. Furthermore, it states results are due to chance and are not significant in terms of supporting the idea being investigated.

7. Alternative Hypothesis

It states that there is a relationship between the two variables of the study and that the results are significant to the research topic. An experimental hypothesis predicts what changes will take place in the dependent variable when the independent variable is manipulated. Also, it states that the results are not due to chance and that they are significant in terms of supporting the theory being investigated.

Research Hypothesis Examples of Independent and Dependent Variables:

Research Hypothesis Example 1 The greater number of coal plants in a region (independent variable) increases water pollution (dependent variable). If you change the independent variable (building more coal factories), it will change the dependent variable (amount of water pollution).

Research Hypothesis Example 2 What is the effect of diet or regular soda (independent variable) on blood sugar levels (dependent variable)? If you change the independent variable (the type of soda you consume), it will change the dependent variable (blood sugar levels)

You should not ignore the importance of the above steps. The validity of your experiment and its results rely on a robust testable hypothesis. Developing a strong testable hypothesis has few advantages, it compels us to think intensely and specifically about the outcomes of a study. Consequently, it enables us to understand the implication of the question and the different variables involved in the study. Furthermore, it helps us to make precise predictions based on prior research. Hence, forming a hypothesis would be of great value to the research. Here are some good examples of testable hypotheses.

More importantly, you need to build a robust testable research hypothesis for your scientific experiments. A testable hypothesis is a hypothesis that can be proved or disproved as a result of experimentation.

Importance of a Testable Hypothesis

To devise and perform an experiment using scientific method, you need to make sure that your hypothesis is testable. To be considered testable, some essential criteria must be met:

• There must be a possibility to prove that the hypothesis is true.
• There must be a possibility to prove that the hypothesis is false.
• The results of the hypothesis must be reproducible.

Without these criteria, the hypothesis and the results will be vague. As a result, the experiment will not prove or disprove anything significant.

What are your experiences with building hypotheses for scientific experiments? What challenges did you face? How did you overcome these challenges? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

Frequently Asked Questions

The steps to write a research hypothesis are: 1. Stating the problem: Ensure that the hypothesis defines the research problem 2. Writing a hypothesis as an 'if-then' statement: Include the action and the expected outcome of your study by following a ‘if-then’ structure. 3. Defining the variables: Define the variables as Dependent or Independent based on their dependency to other factors. 4. Scrutinizing the hypothesis: Identify the type of your hypothesis

Hypothesis testing is a statistical tool which is used to make inferences about a population data to draw conclusions for a particular hypothesis.

Hypothesis in statistics is a formal statement about the nature of a population within a structured framework of a statistical model. It is used to test an existing hypothesis by studying a population.

Research hypothesis is a statement that introduces a research question and proposes an expected result. It forms the basis of scientific experiments.

The different types of hypothesis in research are: • Null hypothesis: Null hypothesis is a negative statement to support the researcher’s findings that there is no relationship between two variables. • Alternate hypothesis: Alternate hypothesis predicts the relationship between the two variables of the study. • Directional hypothesis: Directional hypothesis specifies the expected direction to be followed to determine the relationship between variables. • Non-directional hypothesis: Non-directional hypothesis does not predict the exact direction or nature of the relationship between the two variables. • Simple hypothesis: Simple hypothesis predicts the relationship between a single dependent variable and a single independent variable. • Complex hypothesis: Complex hypothesis predicts the relationship between two or more independent and dependent variables. • Associative and casual hypothesis: Associative and casual hypothesis predicts the relationship between two or more independent and dependent variables. • Empirical hypothesis: Empirical hypothesis can be tested via experiments and observation. • Statistical hypothesis: A statistical hypothesis utilizes statistical models to draw conclusions about broader populations.

Wow! You really simplified your explanation that even dummies would find it easy to comprehend. Thank you so much.

Thanks a lot for your valuable guidance.

I enjoy reading the post. Hypotheses are actually an intrinsic part in a study. It bridges the research question and the methodology of the study.

Useful piece!

This is awesome.Wow.

It very interesting to read the topic, can you guide me any specific example of hypothesis process establish throw the Demand and supply of the specific product in market

Nicely explained

It is really a useful for me Kindly give some examples of hypothesis

It was a well explained content ,can you please give me an example with the null and alternative hypothesis illustrated

clear and concise. thanks.

So Good so Amazing

Good to learn

Thanks a lot for explaining to my level of understanding

Rate this article Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Enago Academy's Most Popular

• Career Corner

Unlocking the Power of Networking in Academic Conferences

Embarking on your first academic conference experience? Fear not, we got you covered! Academic conferences…

• Reporting Research

Research Recommendations – Guiding policy-makers for evidence-based decision making

Research recommendations play a crucial role in guiding scholars and researchers toward fruitful avenues of…

• Promoting Research

Concept Papers in Research: Deciphering the blueprint of brilliance

Concept papers hold significant importance as a precursor to a full-fledged research proposal in academia…

8 Effective Strategies to Write Argumentative Essays

In a bustling university town, there lived a student named Alex. Popular for creativity and…

• AI in Academia

Disclosing the Use of Generative AI: Best practices for authors in manuscript preparation

The rapid proliferation of generative and other AI-based tools in research writing has ignited an…

How to Design Effective Research Questionnaires for Robust Findings

Preserving Research Integrity: Why author guidelines on generative AI tools matter

Sign-up to read more

Subscribe for free to get unrestricted access to all our resources on research writing and academic publishing including:

• 2000+ blog articles
• 50+ Webinars
• 10+ Expert podcasts
• 50+ Infographics
• 10+ Checklists
• Research Guides

We hate spam too. We promise to protect your privacy and never spam you.

I am looking for Editing/ Proofreading services for my manuscript Tentative date of next journal submission:

According to you, how can one ensure ethical compliance in research and academia?

• How it works

How to Write a Hypothesis – Steps & Tips

Published by Alaxendra Bets at August 14th, 2021 , Revised On October 26, 2023

What is a Research Hypothesis?

You can test a research statement with the help of experimental or theoretical research, known as a hypothesis.

If you want to find out the similarities, differences, and relationships between variables, you must write a testable hypothesis before compiling the data, performing analysis, and generating results to complete.

The data analysis and findings will help you test the hypothesis and see whether it is true or false. Here is all you need to know about how to write a hypothesis for a  dissertation .

Research Hypothesis Definition

Not sure what the meaning of the research hypothesis is?

A research hypothesis predicts an answer to the research question  based on existing theoretical knowledge or experimental data.

Some studies may have multiple hypothesis statements depending on the research question(s).  A research hypothesis must be based on formulas, facts, and theories. It should be testable by data analysis, observations, experiments, or other scientific methodologies that can refute or support the statement.

Variables in Hypothesis

Developing a hypothesis is easy. Most research studies have two or more variables in the hypothesis, particularly studies involving correlational and experimental research. The researcher can control or change the independent variable(s) while measuring and observing the independent variable(s).

“How long a student sleeps affects test scores.”

In the above statement, the dependent variable is the test score, while the independent variable is the length of time spent in sleep. Developing a hypothesis will be easy if you know your research’s dependent and independent variables.

Once you have developed a thesis statement, questions such as how to write a hypothesis for the dissertation and how to test a research hypothesis become pretty straightforward.

Looking for dissertation help?

Research prospect to the rescue then.

We have expert writers on our team who are skilled at helping students with quantitative dissertations across a variety of STEM disciplines. Guaranteeing 100% satisfaction!

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write a Hypothesis

Here are the steps involved in how to write a hypothesis for a dissertation.

Step 1: Start with a Research Question

• Begin by asking a specific question about a topic of interest.
• This question should be clear, concise, and researchable.

Example: Does exposure to sunlight affect plant growth?

Step 2: Do Preliminary Research

• Before formulating a hypothesis, conduct background research to understand existing knowledge on the topic.
• Familiarise yourself with prior studies, theories, or observations related to the research question.

Step 3: Define Variables

• Independent Variable (IV): The factor that you change or manipulate in an experiment.
• Dependent Variable (DV): The factor that you measure.

Example: IV: Amount of sunlight exposure (e.g., 2 hours/day, 4 hours/day, 8 hours/day) DV: Plant growth (e.g., height in centimetres)

Step 4: Formulate the Hypothesis

• A hypothesis is a statement that predicts the relationship between variables.
• It is often written as an “if-then” statement.

Example: If plants receive more sunlight, then they will grow taller.

Step 5: Ensure it is Testable

A good hypothesis is empirically testable. This means you should be able to design an experiment or observation to test its validity.

Example: You can set up an experiment where plants are exposed to varying amounts of sunlight and then measure their growth over a period of time.

Step 6: Consider Potential Confounding Variables

• Confounding variables are factors other than the independent variable that might affect the outcome.
• It is important to identify these to ensure that they do not skew your results.

Example: Soil quality, water frequency, or type of plant can all affect growth. Consider keeping these constant in your experiment.

Step 7: Write the Null Hypothesis

• The null hypothesis is a statement that there is no effect or no relationship between the variables.
• It is what you aim to disprove or reject through your research.

Example: There is no difference in plant growth regardless of the amount of sunlight exposure.

Step 8: Test your Hypothesis

Design an experiment or conduct observations to test your hypothesis.

Example: Grow three sets of plants: one set exposed to 2 hours of sunlight daily, another exposed to 4 hours, and a third exposed to 8 hours. Measure and compare their growth after a set period.

Step 9: Analyse the Results

After testing, review your data to determine if it supports your hypothesis.

Step 10: Draw Conclusions

• Based on your findings, determine whether you can accept or reject the hypothesis.
• Remember, even if you reject your hypothesis, it’s a valuable result. It can guide future research and refine questions.

Three Ways to Phrase a Hypothesis

Try to use “if”… and “then”… to identify the variables. The independent variable should be present in the first part of the hypothesis, while the dependent variable will form the second part of the statement. Consider understanding the below research hypothesis example to create a specific, clear, and concise research hypothesis;

If an obese lady starts attending Zomba fitness classes, her health will improve.

In academic research, you can write the predicted variable relationship directly because most research studies correlate terms.

The number of Zomba fitness classes attended by the obese lady has a positive effect on health.

If your research compares two groups, then you can develop a hypothesis statement on their differences.

An obese lady who attended most Zumba fitness classes will have better health than those who attended a few.

How to Write a Null Hypothesis

If a statistical analysis is involved in your research, then you must create a null hypothesis. If you find any relationship between the variables, then the null hypothesis will be the default position that there is no relationship between them. H0 is the symbol for the null hypothesis, while the hypothesis is represented as H1. The null hypothesis will also answer your question, “How to test the research hypothesis in the dissertation.”

H0: The number of Zumba fitness classes attended by the obese lady does not affect her health.

H1: The number of Zumba fitness classes attended by obese lady positively affects health.

Also see:  Your Dissertation in Education

Hypothesis Examples

Research Question: Does the amount of sunlight a plant receives affect its growth? Hypothesis: Plants that receive more sunlight will grow taller than plants that receive less sunlight.

Research Question: Do students who eat breakfast perform better in school exams than those who don’t? Hypothesis: Students who eat a morning breakfast will score higher on school exams compared to students who skip breakfast.

Research Question: Does listening to music while studying impact a student’s ability to retain information? Hypothesis 1 (Directional): Students who listen to music while studying will retain less information than those who study in silence. Hypothesis 2 (Non-directional): There will be a difference in information retention between students who listen to music while studying and those who study in silence.

How can Research Prospect Help?

If you are unsure about how to rest a research hypothesis in a dissertation or simply unsure about how to develop a hypothesis for your research, then you can take advantage of our dissertation services which cover every tiny aspect of a dissertation project you might need help with including but not limited to setting up a hypothesis and research questions,  help with individual chapters ,  full dissertation writing ,  statistical analysis , and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 rules for writing a good hypothesis.

• Clear Statement: State a clear relationship between variables.
• Testable: Ensure it can be investigated and measured.
• Specific: Avoid vague terms, be precise in predictions.
• Falsifiable: Design to allow potential disproof.
• Relevant: Address research question and align with existing knowledge.

What is a hypothesis in simple words?

A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction about something that can be tested. It is a statement that suggests a possible explanation for an event or phenomenon based on prior knowledge or observation. Scientists use hypotheses as a starting point for experiments to discover if they are true or false.

What is the hypothesis and examples?

A hypothesis is a testable prediction or explanation for an observation or phenomenon. For example, if plants are given sunlight, then they will grow. In this case, the hypothesis suggests that sunlight has a positive effect on plant growth. It can be tested by experimenting with plants in varying light conditions.

What is the hypothesis in research definition?

A hypothesis in research is a clear, testable statement predicting the possible outcome of a study based on prior knowledge and observation. It serves as the foundation for conducting experiments or investigations. Researchers test the validity of the hypothesis to draw conclusions and advance knowledge in a particular field.

Why is it called a hypothesis?

The term “hypothesis” originates from the Greek word “hypothesis,” which means “base” or “foundation.” It’s used to describe a foundational statement or proposition that can be tested. In scientific contexts, it denotes a tentative explanation for a phenomenon, serving as a starting point for investigation or experimentation.

You May Also Like

Repository of ten perfect dissertation research question examples will provide you a better perspective about how to create dissertation research questions.

Struggling to find relevant and up-to-date topics for your dissertation? Here is all you need to know if unsure about how to choose dissertation topic.

Penning your dissertation proposal can be a rather daunting task. Here are comprehensive guidelines on how to write a dissertation proposal.

Ready to place an order?

Useful links, learning resources.

COMPANY DETAILS

Splash Sol LLC

• How It Works

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings
• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Indian J Anaesth
• v.60(9); 2016 Sep

How to write a research proposal?

Department of Anaesthesiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Devika Rani Duggappa

Writing the proposal of a research work in the present era is a challenging task due to the constantly evolving trends in the qualitative research design and the need to incorporate medical advances into the methodology. The proposal is a detailed plan or ‘blueprint’ for the intended study, and once it is completed, the research project should flow smoothly. Even today, many of the proposals at post-graduate evaluation committees and application proposals for funding are substandard. A search was conducted with keywords such as research proposal, writing proposal and qualitative using search engines, namely, PubMed and Google Scholar, and an attempt has been made to provide broad guidelines for writing a scientifically appropriate research proposal.

INTRODUCTION

A clean, well-thought-out proposal forms the backbone for the research itself and hence becomes the most important step in the process of conduct of research.[ 1 ] The objective of preparing a research proposal would be to obtain approvals from various committees including ethics committee [details under ‘Research methodology II’ section [ Table 1 ] in this issue of IJA) and to request for grants. However, there are very few universally accepted guidelines for preparation of a good quality research proposal. A search was performed with keywords such as research proposal, funding, qualitative and writing proposals using search engines, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus.

Five ‘C’s while writing a literature review

BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A proposal needs to show how your work fits into what is already known about the topic and what new paradigm will it add to the literature, while specifying the question that the research will answer, establishing its significance, and the implications of the answer.[ 2 ] The proposal must be capable of convincing the evaluation committee about the credibility, achievability, practicality and reproducibility (repeatability) of the research design.[ 3 ] Four categories of audience with different expectations may be present in the evaluation committees, namely academic colleagues, policy-makers, practitioners and lay audiences who evaluate the research proposal. Tips for preparation of a good research proposal include; ‘be practical, be persuasive, make broader links, aim for crystal clarity and plan before you write’. A researcher must be balanced, with a realistic understanding of what can be achieved. Being persuasive implies that researcher must be able to convince other researchers, research funding agencies, educational institutions and supervisors that the research is worth getting approval. The aim of the researcher should be clearly stated in simple language that describes the research in a way that non-specialists can comprehend, without use of jargons. The proposal must not only demonstrate that it is based on an intelligent understanding of the existing literature but also show that the writer has thought about the time needed to conduct each stage of the research.[ 4 , 5 ]

CONTENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The contents or formats of a research proposal vary depending on the requirements of evaluation committee and are generally provided by the evaluation committee or the institution.

In general, a cover page should contain the (i) title of the proposal, (ii) name and affiliation of the researcher (principal investigator) and co-investigators, (iii) institutional affiliation (degree of the investigator and the name of institution where the study will be performed), details of contact such as phone numbers, E-mail id's and lines for signatures of investigators.

The main contents of the proposal may be presented under the following headings: (i) introduction, (ii) review of literature, (iii) aims and objectives, (iv) research design and methods, (v) ethical considerations, (vi) budget, (vii) appendices and (viii) citations.[ 4 ]

Introduction

It is also sometimes termed as ‘need for study’ or ‘abstract’. Introduction is an initial pitch of an idea; it sets the scene and puts the research in context.[ 6 ] The introduction should be designed to create interest in the reader about the topic and proposal. It should convey to the reader, what you want to do, what necessitates the study and your passion for the topic.[ 7 ] Some questions that can be used to assess the significance of the study are: (i) Who has an interest in the domain of inquiry? (ii) What do we already know about the topic? (iii) What has not been answered adequately in previous research and practice? (iv) How will this research add to knowledge, practice and policy in this area? Some of the evaluation committees, expect the last two questions, elaborated under a separate heading of ‘background and significance’.[ 8 ] Introduction should also contain the hypothesis behind the research design. If hypothesis cannot be constructed, the line of inquiry to be used in the research must be indicated.

Review of literature

It refers to all sources of scientific evidence pertaining to the topic in interest. In the present era of digitalisation and easy accessibility, there is an enormous amount of relevant data available, making it a challenge for the researcher to include all of it in his/her review.[ 9 ] It is crucial to structure this section intelligently so that the reader can grasp the argument related to your study in relation to that of other researchers, while still demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. It is preferable to summarise each article in a paragraph, highlighting the details pertinent to the topic of interest. The progression of review can move from the more general to the more focused studies, or a historical progression can be used to develop the story, without making it exhaustive.[ 1 ] Literature should include supporting data, disagreements and controversies. Five ‘C's may be kept in mind while writing a literature review[ 10 ] [ Table 1 ].

Aims and objectives

The research purpose (or goal or aim) gives a broad indication of what the researcher wishes to achieve in the research. The hypothesis to be tested can be the aim of the study. The objectives related to parameters or tools used to achieve the aim are generally categorised as primary and secondary objectives.

Research design and method

The objective here is to convince the reader that the overall research design and methods of analysis will correctly address the research problem and to impress upon the reader that the methodology/sources chosen are appropriate for the specific topic. It should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

In this section, the methods and sources used to conduct the research must be discussed, including specific references to sites, databases, key texts or authors that will be indispensable to the project. There should be specific mention about the methodological approaches to be undertaken to gather information, about the techniques to be used to analyse it and about the tests of external validity to which researcher is committed.[ 10 , 11 ]

The components of this section include the following:[ 4 ]

Population and sample

Population refers to all the elements (individuals, objects or substances) that meet certain criteria for inclusion in a given universe,[ 12 ] and sample refers to subset of population which meets the inclusion criteria for enrolment into the study. The inclusion and exclusion criteria should be clearly defined. The details pertaining to sample size are discussed in the article “Sample size calculation: Basic priniciples” published in this issue of IJA.

Data collection

The researcher is expected to give a detailed account of the methodology adopted for collection of data, which include the time frame required for the research. The methodology should be tested for its validity and ensure that, in pursuit of achieving the results, the participant's life is not jeopardised. The author should anticipate and acknowledge any potential barrier and pitfall in carrying out the research design and explain plans to address them, thereby avoiding lacunae due to incomplete data collection. If the researcher is planning to acquire data through interviews or questionnaires, copy of the questions used for the same should be attached as an annexure with the proposal.

Rigor (soundness of the research)

This addresses the strength of the research with respect to its neutrality, consistency and applicability. Rigor must be reflected throughout the proposal.

It refers to the robustness of a research method against bias. The author should convey the measures taken to avoid bias, viz. blinding and randomisation, in an elaborate way, thus ensuring that the result obtained from the adopted method is purely as chance and not influenced by other confounding variables.

Consistency

Consistency considers whether the findings will be consistent if the inquiry was replicated with the same participants and in a similar context. This can be achieved by adopting standard and universally accepted methods and scales.

Applicability

Applicability refers to the degree to which the findings can be applied to different contexts and groups.[ 13 ]

Data analysis

This section deals with the reduction and reconstruction of data and its analysis including sample size calculation. The researcher is expected to explain the steps adopted for coding and sorting the data obtained. Various tests to be used to analyse the data for its robustness, significance should be clearly stated. Author should also mention the names of statistician and suitable software which will be used in due course of data analysis and their contribution to data analysis and sample calculation.[ 9 ]

Ethical considerations

Medical research introduces special moral and ethical problems that are not usually encountered by other researchers during data collection, and hence, the researcher should take special care in ensuring that ethical standards are met. Ethical considerations refer to the protection of the participants' rights (right to self-determination, right to privacy, right to autonomy and confidentiality, right to fair treatment and right to protection from discomfort and harm), obtaining informed consent and the institutional review process (ethical approval). The researcher needs to provide adequate information on each of these aspects.

Informed consent needs to be obtained from the participants (details discussed in further chapters), as well as the research site and the relevant authorities.

When the researcher prepares a research budget, he/she should predict and cost all aspects of the research and then add an additional allowance for unpredictable disasters, delays and rising costs. All items in the budget should be justified.

Appendices are documents that support the proposal and application. The appendices will be specific for each proposal but documents that are usually required include informed consent form, supporting documents, questionnaires, measurement tools and patient information of the study in layman's language.

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used in composing your proposal. Although the words ‘references and bibliography’ are different, they are used interchangeably. It refers to all references cited in the research proposal.

Successful, qualitative research proposals should communicate the researcher's knowledge of the field and method and convey the emergent nature of the qualitative design. The proposal should follow a discernible logic from the introduction to presentation of the appendices.

Financial support and sponsorship

Conflicts of interest.

There are no conflicts of interest.

Science & Quantitative Reasoning Education

Yale undergraduate research, how to write a proposal.

The abstract should summarize your proposal. Include one sentence to introduce the problem you are investigating, why this problem is significant, the hypothesis to be tested, a brief summary of experiments that you wish to conduct and a single concluding sentence. (500 word limit)

Introduction

The introduction discusses the background and significance of the problem you are investigating. Lead the reader from the general to the specific. For example, if you want to write about the role that Brca1 mutations play in breast cancer pathogenesis, talk first about the significance of breast cancer as a disease in the US/world population, then about familial breast cancer as a small subset of breast cancers in general, then about discovery of Brca1 mutations in familial breast cancer, then Brca1’s normal functions in DNA repair, then about how Brca1 mutations result in damaged DNA and onset of familial breast cancer, etc. Definitely include figures with properly labeled text boxes (designated as Figure 1, Figure 2, etc) here to better illustrate your points and help your reader wade through unfamiliar science.

Formulate a hypothesis that will be tested in your grant proposal. Remember, you are doing hypothesis-driven research so there should be a hypothesis to be tested! The hypothesis should be focused, concise and flow logically from the introduction. For example, your hypothesis could be “I hypothesize that overexpressing wild type Brca1 in Brca1 null tumor cells will prevent metastatic spread in a mouse xenograph model.” Based on your hypothesis, your Specific Aims section should be geared to support it. The hypothesis is stated in one sentence in the proposal.

Specific Aims (listed as Specific Aim 1, Specific Aim 2)

This is where you will want to work with your mentor to craft the experimental portion of your proposal. Propose two original specific aims to test your hypothesis. Don’t propose more than two aims-you will NOT have enough time to do more. In the example presented, Specific Aim 1 might be “To determine the oncogenic potential of Brca1 null cell lines expressing wild type Brca1 cDNA”. Specific aim 2 might be “To determine the metastatic potential of Brca1 null cells that express WT Brca1”. You do not have to go into extensive technical details, just enough for the reader to understand what you propose to do. The best aims yield mechanistic insights-that is, experiments proposed address some mechanisms of biology. A less desirable aim proposes correlative experiments that does not address mechanistically how BRCA1 mutations generate cancer. It is also very important that the two aims are related but NOT interdependent. What this means is that if Aim 1 doesn’t work, Aim 2 is not automatically dead. For example, say you propose in Aim 1 to generate a BRCA1 knockout mouse model, and in Aim 2 you will take tissues from this mouse to do experiments. If knocking out BRCA1 results in early embryonic death, you will never get a mouse that yields tissues for Aim 2. You can include some of your mentor’s data here as “Preliminary data”. Remember to carefully cite all your sources.

Potential pitfalls and alternative strategies

This is a very important part of any proposal. This is where you want to discuss the experiments you propose in Aims 1 and 2. Remember, no experiment is perfect. Are there any reasons why experiments you proposed might not work? Why? What will you do to resolve this? What are other possible strategies you might use if your experiments don’t work? If a reviewer spots these deficiencies and you don’t propose methods to correct them, your proposal will not get funded. You will want to work with your mentor to write this section.

Cite all references, including unpublished data from your mentor. Last, First, (year), Title, Journal, volume, pages.

*8 page proposal limit (not including References), 1.5 spacing, 12pt Times New Roman font

• View an example of a research proposal submitted for the Yale College First-Year Summer Research Fellowship (PDF).  
• View an example of a research proposal submitted for the Yale College Dean’s Research Fellowship and the Rosenfeld Science Scholars Program (PDF) .

What Is A Research (Scientific) Hypothesis? A plain-language explainer + examples

By:  Derek Jansen (MBA)  | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2020

If you’re new to the world of research, or it’s your first time writing a dissertation or thesis, you’re probably noticing that the words “research hypothesis” and “scientific hypothesis” are used quite a bit, and you’re wondering what they mean in a research context .

“Hypothesis” is one of those words that people use loosely, thinking they understand what it means. However, it has a very specific meaning within academic research. So, it’s important to understand the exact meaning before you start hypothesizing. 

Research Hypothesis 101

• What is a hypothesis ?
• What is a research hypothesis (scientific hypothesis)?
• Requirements for a research hypothesis
• Definition of a research hypothesis
• The null hypothesis

What is a hypothesis?

Let’s start with the general definition of a hypothesis (not a research hypothesis or scientific hypothesis), according to the Cambridge Dictionary:

Hypothesis: an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved.

In other words, it’s a statement that provides an explanation for why or how something works, based on facts (or some reasonable assumptions), but that has not yet been specifically tested . For example, a hypothesis might look something like this:

Hypothesis: sleep impacts academic performance.

This statement predicts that academic performance will be influenced by the amount and/or quality of sleep a student engages in – sounds reasonable, right? It’s based on reasonable assumptions , underpinned by what we currently know about sleep and health (from the existing literature). So, loosely speaking, we could call it a hypothesis, at least by the dictionary definition.

But that’s not good enough…

Unfortunately, that’s not quite sophisticated enough to describe a research hypothesis (also sometimes called a scientific hypothesis), and it wouldn’t be acceptable in a dissertation, thesis or research paper. In the world of academic research, a statement needs a few more criteria to constitute a true research hypothesis . 

What is a research hypothesis?

A research hypothesis (also called a scientific hypothesis) is a statement about the expected outcome of a study (for example, a dissertation or thesis). To constitute a quality hypothesis, the statement needs to have three attributes – specificity , clarity and testability .

Let’s take a look at these more closely.

Need a helping hand?

Hypothesis Essential #1: Specificity & Clarity

A good research hypothesis needs to be extremely clear and articulate about both what’ s being assessed (who or what variables are involved ) and the expected outcome (for example, a difference between groups, a relationship between variables, etc.).

Let’s stick with our sleepy students example and look at how this statement could be more specific and clear.

Hypothesis: Students who sleep at least 8 hours per night will, on average, achieve higher grades in standardised tests than students who sleep less than 8 hours a night.

As you can see, the statement is very specific as it identifies the variables involved (sleep hours and test grades), the parties involved (two groups of students), as well as the predicted relationship type (a positive relationship). There’s no ambiguity or uncertainty about who or what is involved in the statement, and the expected outcome is clear.

Contrast that to the original hypothesis we looked at – “Sleep impacts academic performance” – and you can see the difference. “Sleep” and “academic performance” are both comparatively vague , and there’s no indication of what the expected relationship direction is (more sleep or less sleep). As you can see, specificity and clarity are key.

Hypothesis Essential #2: Testability (Provability)

A statement must be testable to qualify as a research hypothesis. In other words, there needs to be a way to prove (or disprove) the statement. If it’s not testable, it’s not a hypothesis – simple as that.

For example, consider the hypothesis we mentioned earlier:

Hypothesis: Students who sleep at least 8 hours per night will, on average, achieve higher grades in standardised tests than students who sleep less than 8 hours a night.  

We could test this statement by undertaking a quantitative study involving two groups of students, one that gets 8 or more hours of sleep per night for a fixed period, and one that gets less. We could then compare the standardised test results for both groups to see if there’s a statistically significant difference. 

Again, if you compare this to the original hypothesis we looked at – “Sleep impacts academic performance” – you can see that it would be quite difficult to test that statement, primarily because it isn’t specific enough. How much sleep? By who? What type of academic performance?

So, remember the mantra – if you can’t test it, it’s not a hypothesis 🙂

Defining A Research Hypothesis

You’re still with us? Great! Let’s recap and pin down a clear definition of a hypothesis.

A research hypothesis (or scientific hypothesis) is a statement about an expected relationship between variables, or explanation of an occurrence, that is clear, specific and testable.

So, when you write up hypotheses for your dissertation or thesis, make sure that they meet all these criteria. If you do, you’ll not only have rock-solid hypotheses but you’ll also ensure a clear focus for your entire research project.

What about the null hypothesis?

You may have also heard the terms null hypothesis , alternative hypothesis, or H-zero thrown around. At a simple level, the null hypothesis is the counter-proposal to the original hypothesis.

For example, if the hypothesis predicts that there is a relationship between two variables (for example, sleep and academic performance), the null hypothesis would predict that there is no relationship between those variables.

At a more technical level, the null hypothesis proposes that no statistical significance exists in a set of given observations and that any differences are due to chance alone.

And there you have it – hypotheses in a nutshell. 

If you have any questions, be sure to leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to help you. If you need hands-on help developing and testing your hypotheses, consider our private coaching service , where we hold your hand through the research journey.

Psst… there’s more (for free)

This post is part of our dissertation mini-course, which covers everything you need to get started with your dissertation, thesis or research project. 

You Might Also Like:

12 Comments

Very useful information. I benefit more from getting more information in this regard.

Very great insight,educative and informative. Please give meet deep critics on many research data of public international Law like human rights, environment, natural resources, law of the sea etc

In a book I read a distinction is made between null, research, and alternative hypothesis. As far as I understand, alternative and research hypotheses are the same. Can you please elaborate? Best Afshin

This is a self explanatory, easy going site. I will recommend this to my friends and colleagues.

Very good definition. How can I cite your definition in my thesis? Thank you. Is nul hypothesis compulsory in a research?

Please what is the difference between alternate hypothesis and research hypothesis?

It is a very good explanation. However, it limits hypotheses to statistically tasteable ideas. What about for qualitative researches or other researches that involve quantitative data that don’t need statistical tests?

In qualitative research, one typically uses propositions, not hypotheses.

could you please elaborate it more

I’ve benefited greatly from these notes, thank you.

This is very helpful

well articulated ideas are presented here, thank you for being reliable sources of information

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

• What Is Research Methodology? Simple Definition (With Examples) - Grad Coach - […] Contrasted to this, a quantitative methodology is typically used when the research aims and objectives are confirmatory in nature. For example,…

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Print Friendly

Research Paper Guide

How To Write A Hypothesis

How to Write a Hypothesis In 7 simple Steps: Examples and Tips!

Published on: Jan 10, 2018

Last updated on: Oct 26, 2023

People also read

Research Paper Writing - A Step by Step Guide

Research Paper Examples - Free Sample Papers for Different Formats!

Guide to Creating Effective Research Paper Outline

Interesting Research Paper Topics for 2023

Research Proposal Writing - A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Start a Research Paper - 7 Easy Steps

How to Write an Abstract - A Step by Step Guide

Learn How To Write A Literature Review In Simple Steps

Qualitative Research - Methods, Types, and Examples

8 Types of Qualitative Research - Overview & Examples

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research - Learning the Basics

Psychology Research Topics - 220+ Ideas

20+ Types of Research With Examples - A Detailed Guide

Understanding Quantitative Research - Types & Data Collection Techniques

230+ Sociology Research Topics & Ideas for Students

How to Cite a Research Paper - A Complete Guide

Excellent History Research Paper Topics- 300+ Ideas

How to Write a Research Methodology for a Research Paper

Share this article

Writing a hypothesis might seem like a straightforward task, but for many, it becomes a stumbling block in the research process. Crafting a clear and effective hypothesis is crucial for the success of any scientific inquiry.

In this guide, we'll take you through the steps to create a solid hypothesis for thorough research and a compelling study foundation.

Say goodbye to the confusion and frustration that often accompany hypothesis writing. Our expert tips will enable you to craft precise and purpose-driven research hypotheses.

So, let’s dive in!

On This Page On This Page -->

What is a Hypothesis?

In research papers , a hypothesis is a clear and testable statement that proposes an expected outcome or relationship between variables based on existing knowledge and theories. 

It's a fundamental element that provides structure to the research process. 

Purpose of Writing a Hypothesis

The primary purpose of formulating a hypothesis in academic research is to:

• Provide Direction: A hypothesis sets a clear research direction. It outlines what you're studying and what you expect to find. This keeps you on track with your study's main goals.
• Testable Prediction: It provides a prediction that can be tested through experiments or data analysis. This prediction is a crucial benchmark for assessing the validity of your research.
• Enhance Objectivity: Hypotheses help maintain objectivity in research. They prevent personal beliefs or biases from unconsciously influencing findings by providing a predefined framework for investigation.
• Advance Knowledge: Through formulating and testing hypotheses, researchers help advance knowledge in their field. Whether your hypothesis is proven right or wrong, the results provide valuable insights that add to the collective knowledge in your area of study.

So, a hypothesis is like the first step in research, providing a structured approach while helping the researcher stay objective in their study.

What are the Variables in the Hypothesis?

In a hypothesis, you'll encounter two primary types of variables: dependent and independent variables. These variables play distinct roles in your research and hypothesis testing. 

Here’s how to write a hypothesis with independent and dependent variables:

Independent Variable

The independent variable is the factor that you can change in an experiment. It's the "cause" or the variable you believe has an effect on the dependent variable.

Example: Let's say you're studying the impact of different amounts of sunlight (independent variable) on plant growth (dependent variable). You expose one group of plants to more sunlight and another to less. Then, measure their growth to see how the independent variable affects the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The dependent variable is the outcome or response that you measure in your experiment. It's the "effect" or the variable you believe is influenced by changes in the independent variable.

Example: In the plant growth experiment, the dependent variable is the actual growth of the plants. It's what you're observing and measuring to determine if changes in sunlight (the independent variable) have an impact.

Types of Hypothesis

There are several types of hypotheses commonly used in academic research. Each type serves a specific purpose in guiding investigations. 

Here are some key types of hypotheses:

Simple Hypothesis

A simple hypothesis posits a direct and specific relationship between two variables. It predicts the outcome of an experiment or study without complexities. This is commonly used in qualitative research .

Example: Increased study time leads to improved test scores.

Complex Hypothesis

A complex hypothesis involves multiple variables and predicts complex relationships between them. It's often used in more intricate research designs.

Example: The interaction between a student's study time, sleep quality, and dietary habits affects their test scores.

Null Hypothesis (H0)

The null hypothesis states that there is no significant relationship or effect between variables. It serves as the default position to be tested against an alternative hypothesis.

Example: There is no significant difference in test scores between students who study for 1 hour and those who study for 2 hours.

Alternative Hypothesis (Ha or H1)

The alternative hypothesis contradicts the null hypothesis and suggests that there is a significant relationship or effect between variables.

Example: Students who study for 2 hours will achieve significantly higher test scores than those who study for 1 hour.

Logical Hypothesis

A logical hypothesis is based on existing knowledge, theories, or logical reasoning. It proposes an expected outcome rooted in rational thinking.

Example: If water temperature increases, the rate of ice melting will also increase.

Empirical Hypothesis

An empirical hypothesis is formulated based on observations or empirical data. It's grounded in real-world evidence.

Example: Based on observed weather patterns, we hypothesize that a warm front will lead to increased rainfall.

Statistical Hypothesis

A statistical hypothesis is designed for quantitative research analysis. It specifies the nature of the relationship between variables and includes statistical measures.

Example: There is a significant negative correlation (r < 0) between the number of hours spent studying and the number of errors made on a test.

Understanding these types can help you select the most suitable one for your research questions and methods.

How to Write a Hypothesis Statement?

The format of a hypothesis statement typically follows this structure:

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

Step 1: Choose Your Research Topic

Start by picking a topic or a specific research question that piques your interest. It's crucial that your hypothesis directly relates to this topic. Ask yourself, "What do I want to study?"

Step 2: Dive into Existing Knowledge

Now, take some time to dive into existing research and literature on your chosen topic. Read up on what's already known and form a literature review . This will give you a solid understanding of the subject and help you formulate a well-informed hypothesis.

Step 3: Identify the Key Variables

Next, figure out what factors or variables you want to study and measure in your research. These are the things that you believe might be connected or have an impact on each other.

Step 4: Specify the Relationship

Decide how these variables are related.

Do you think one variable causes changes in the other? Or do you believe there's a correlation between them, meaning they change together? Maybe you're comparing different groups to see in what ways they differ from each other.

Step 5: Craft a Clear Hypothesis Statement

Now, it's time to put your thoughts into a clear and testable statement. Write a concise hypothesis that predicts the outcome or relationship between your chosen variables. 

Make it as specific and focused as possible. It's like stating your educated guess.

Step 6: Make It Testable

Ensure that your hypothesis can be put to the test. Plan data collection through experiments, observations, or analysis to confirm or challenge your hypothesis. Your hypothesis should be something you can actually investigate.

Step 7: Use Simple Language

Lastly, express your hypothesis in straightforward and understandable terms. Avoid using complicated jargon or overly complex language. Your goal is to make it easy for others to grasp your hypothesis without any confusion.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to formulating a hypothesis that's not only clear and testable but also directly aligned with your research topic. 

Hypothesis Statement Examples

Crafting a hypothesis is essential for any research endeavor, and the type of hypothesis you write depends on your field and research goals. 

Let's explore some examples that illustrate this:

How to Write a Hypothesis in Psychology

In the realm of psychology, we might hypothesize that individuals exposed to mindfulness meditation experience reduced anxiety levels. 

How to Write a Hypothesis in a Research Paper

In the context of a research paper on adolescent health, we could predict a correlation between sugary beverage consumption and obesity. 

How to Write a Hypothesis for an Experiment

When conducting experiments, we hypothesize how variables interact. 

How to Write a Hypothesis for a Lab

Hypotheses guide our understanding of chemical reactions. If you’re wondering how to write a hypothesis in a lab report, here’s an example:

How to Write a Hypothesis for Moderation

Hypotheses can also account for complex interactions. In a moderation hypothesis, our statement might look like this: 

These examples show how hypotheses can be used in different research areas.

H2 - Tips on Writing a Good Hypothesis

Crafting an effective hypothesis is a critical step in the research process. Here are some valuable tips to help you write a strong and well-defined hypothesis:

• Testability and Measurability: Your hypothesis should be testable through empirical methods. You should be able to design experiments or collect data that can either support or refute it.
• Independent and Dependent Variables: Clearly identify both the independent variable and the dependent variable in your hypothesis.
• Avoid Bias and Assumptions: Maintain objectivity when formulating your hypothesis. It should not be influenced by personal biases or unfounded assumptions.
• Use Cause-and-Effect Language: If your hypothesis predicts a cause-and-effect relationship, express it in such terms.

So, you know now that hypothesis is not just a technical detail; it shapes the whole research process.

Still struggling with forming a clear hypothesis for your research? If you need help with writing essays or forming hypotheses, our team of expert writers is ready with our essay writing service . Our professional writers can help you with any part of your research paper.

So, place your order with our research paper writing service now and get the help you need!

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.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

We value your privacy

We use cookies to improve your experience and give you personalized content. Do you agree to our cookie policy?

Website Data Collection

We use data collected by cookies and JavaScript libraries.

Are you sure you want to cancel?

Your preferences have not been saved.

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

Formulating a Strong Hypothesis for Scientific Research

Table of Contents

A clear and focused hypothesis is one of the critical elements of a scientific research paper.

A hypothesis is a statement that outlines what the researcher intends to prove or disprove through their investigation.  Hypothesis writing in research proposal  is essential as it provides a framework for the research project and guides the entire study.

This guide will discuss the elements of a good hypothesis and the steps for writing an adequate hypothesis for your research proposal .

What Is a Research Hypothesis?

A hypothesis is an informed prediction or explanation of a phenomenon based on prior knowledge or observation. It is a tentative statement that can be tested through research and analysis. The primary purpose of a hypothesis is to guide the research process by providing a clear direction and focus for the study.

A hypothesis should be clear, concise, and specific. It should clearly state what the researcher intends to investigate and what they expect to find.

Additionally, a hypothesis should be testable and falsifiable. This means that the researcher must be able to test the hypothesis through empirical research. And that the hypothesis must be capable of being proven false if the evidence does not support it.

If the evidence does not support a hypothesis, it can still contribute to the research process. Negative results can refine and improve future research by highlighting flaws in the original hypothesis or methodology.

Some research projects may require several hypotheses that address different aspects of the research question. The number of hypotheses included in a research proposal will depend on the scope and complexity of the research project.

Focusing on one or two key hypotheses central to the research question is recommended. Including too many hypotheses can lead to a lack of focus and clarity in the research proposal.

Variables in Hypotheses

Research hypotheses propose a relationship between two or more variables.

• An independent variable: Something the researcher controls or changes.
• A dependent variable: Something the researcher observes and measures.

Example:  Regular exercise improves mental health.

The independent variable in this example is “regular exercise” – the assumed cause. The dependent variable is the degree of mental alertness – the assumed effect.

Characteristics of a Good Research Hypothesis

Hypothesis writing in research proposal requires more work than a simple guess. Your hypothesis may start with a question that might be further investigated through background research.

Ask yourself the following questions to assist you in formulating a solid study hypothesis:

• Is the wording of the hypothesis focused and clear?
• What connection exists between your hypothesis and the subject of your study?
• Is the hypothesis testable? If yes, how?
• Is there a dependent variable and an independent variable in your hypothesis?
• Does your research predict the relationship and outcome?

Hypothesis Writing in Research Proposal: 6 Steps

Writing a hypothesis for a research proposal  can be challenging, but a few key steps can help ensure it is clear, concise, and effective.

Step 1: Identify the Research Question

The first step in  writing a hypothesis in a research proposal  is to identify the research question. The research question should be clear and specific and focused on a particular area of inquiry. It should be a question that can be answered through research and analysis.

Suppose the research question is, “What is the effect of social media on mental health?”. The hypothesis might be “Increased social media use leads to higher levels of anxiety and depression.”

Step 2: Conduct Research

Your initial response to the research question should be based on the body of existing knowledge. Collect data from theories, previous studies, academic journals, experiments, and observations to make informed assumptions regarding the results of your research.

You may create a conceptual framework to ensure you’re starting with a relevant subject. This can also help you decide which variables you will research and what relationships exist between them.

Remember that you might stumble upon conflicting research as you gather background information. Don’t let this deter you or your hypothesis. Instead, frame your study and guide your hypothesis using the conflicting points.

Step 3: Formulate the Hypothesis

Once the research question has been identified, the next step is formulating the hypothesis. The hypothesis should be a statement that answers the research question and outlines what the researcher intends to prove or disprove through their investigation.

Research question : “What is the effect of social media on mental health?”

Hypothesis : “Increased social media use leads to higher levels of anxiety and depression.”

Step 4: Refine Your Hypothesis

Ensure that your hypothesis is specific and testable. Your hypothesis should have clearly defined terms and contain the following:

• Relevant variables.
• The predicted outcome of the analysis or experiment.

Step 5: Write the Hypothesis

You’ll need to write a null and alternative hypothesis if your research involves statistical hypothesis testing.

The null hypothesis proposes that there is no relationship between the variables. It is denoted by H0 and is usually a negative statement like  “Regular exercise does not improve mental health and well-being .”

The alternative hypothesis is the opposite of a null hypothesis. It proposes a relationship between the dependent and independent variables. It is written as H1 or Ha and is usually a positive statement like  “Regular exercise improves mental health and well-being.”

Step 6: Test the Hypothesis

The final step is to test your hypothesis through research and analysis. Collect data and analyze the null and alternative hypothesis to determine whether it is supported. If the evidence supports the hypothesis, it can be considered a valid explanation of the phenomenon being investigated.

Examples of Good Hypotheses

Here are a few examples of well-formulated hypotheses:

Research Question:  What is the relationship between exercise and mental health?

H1:  Regular exercise improves mental health.

H0 : Regular exercise does not improve mental health.

Research Question:  What is the effect of caffeine on cognitive performance?

H1:  Consumption of caffeine improves cognitive performance and mental alertness.

H0 : Consumption of caffeine does not improve cognitive performance and mental alertness.

Research Question:  What are the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function?

H1:  Sleep deprivation leads to impaired cognitive function, reduced attention span, memory, and decision-making ability.

H0 : Sleep deprivation does not affect cognitive function, attention span, memory, and decision-making ability.

A strong hypothesis is an essential element of a research proposal. A clear and concise hypothesis provides a framework for the research project and guides the entire study . 

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can craft a strong hypothesis that will guide your research. And contribute to the body of knowledge in your field.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Proposal Generator Articles

Creative terms and conditions agreement in business proposal.

In business, proposals are essential for securing contracts and agreements with clients. However, a proposal is only complete with terms…

• Proposal Generator

Free guide to a statement of proposal sample

A statement of proposal is a document that outlines a proposed project or initiative in detail. It is typically used…

Free Proposal Letter for Training and Development for a Head Start

Training and development are essential to improve employees’ skills, knowledge, and productivity. A well-crafted training proposal can help an organization…

Detailed Guide to Free HR Consulting Proposal

HR consulting is an essential service for businesses of all sizes. HR consultants provide expert guidance to organizations on various…

Key Guide to Better Remote Work Proposal

The rise of remote work has been a significant trend in the business world over the last few years. With…

Guide to Free E-Commerce Proposal Template

E-commerce has become one of the most popular ways of doing business recently. With the increasing number of people using…

• Harvard Library
• Research Guides
• Harvard Graduate School of Design - Frances Loeb Library

Write and Cite

• Grants and Fellowships
• Academic Integrity
• Citing Sources
• Fair Use, Permissions, and Copyright
• Writing Resources

Quick Start Workflow

Notes on style, writing a proposal, writing a budget, writing a timeline, research methodologies for designers, funding opportunities.

Define your project + Identify your needs.

• Develop a key research question. What is your methodology? What outcomes do you expect to see? 
• Establish realistic goals. What is your timeline? What other responsibilities do you have? What can you truly accomplish in the amount of time you have? 
• Assess your needs. Are you undertaking preliminary research and in search of seed funding? Or, do you have an ongoing project which has developed into a full-blown research agenda? Scale is important in writing a research agenda: large-scale, long-term projects are often only funded if you can demonstrate seed funding or matched funds.  
• Why is your research/project important? What is its significance? Will you be undertaking experimental research? Contextualize project relevance.
• Sketch a project budget and timeline.
• Define deliverables clearly.  

Identify potential funding sources.

• Determine your category: dissertation, archival, experimental, fieldwork, or manuscript? Funders will usually list these categories in the CFP. 
• Try to align your project goals with those of your funder’s. Make sure you’re “speaking the same language."
• Most importantly, apply early and often.    

Develop a proposal and budget  

• Follow the application guidelines exactly. 
•  Adjust your project to fit the CFP guidelines. Check that your methodology aligns to your project budget and timeline.  
• Be clear and concise. Use images, diagrams, drawings, and maps where applicable.   
• Use active, persuasive language. When describing outcomes, don’t use conditional/hedging words like might / may / maybe / would / could.  
• Seek feedback and write many drafts.  

Submit the proposal before the deadline.  

Carry out the project.  

File reports / send deliverables.

Writing for proposals is not the same as for academic work. It needs to be highly accessible with limited use of industry-specific terminology. Do not assume that the reviewer of your application has expertise in your field.

• Use short, clear sentences
• Employ an active voice (I or we)
• Remain future-focused
• Commit to strong, persuasive phrasing
• Convey enthusiasm and confidence

A grant proposal must always complete two tasks: 

• Clearly articulate the hypothesis of your research in its broadest strokes.  
• Demonstrate that your goals in the research endeavor and the goals of the funding institution are symbiotic.  

Introduction/Abstract 

As early in the proposal as possible, identify and explicitly state the question your research will answer. Avoid empty verbs like “shaped,” “influenced,” “sheds light,” “nuances,” and “complicates” that allude to the existence of an argument but do not state what that argument is. You might consider writing the abstract last even though it will be the first thing readers see in your proposal.

Though all grant CFPs (calls for proposals) vary, most call for a “grant narrative.” If they don’t ask for a separate abstract, incorporate the abstract into the first paragraph of your narrative. A successful abstract will accurately reflect the proposal and should quickly address your key question, research methodology, and relevance to the funding institution. Reviewers will have to sort through dozens or even hundreds of applications so state the who, what, why, where, when, how, how much, to what end(s) clearly and early. You can elaborate in the body of the grant narrative.   

In a grant, it is more important to demonstrate the urgency of your research and relevance to the funding institution than to frame the “gaps” in the literature (as you would in a research paper). Frame research in schools of thought without much detail about individual scholars. Offer avenues for reviewers from other fields (historians, ecologists, sociologists, etc) to enter your intellectual world by relating your research questions to broader issues. 

In the body, establish your general topic before you introduce your own argument about that topic. This framing will make your intervention’s relevance to the field evident. You can expand upon the historical or theoretical background to the project and explain how some of the research you’ve already done has led you to your key questions.

Research/Methodology

Be sure to give the fellowship committee some sense of your research process. You don’t need to re-invent the wheel when formulating a research strategy. In Writing Services, students often come to us with successful grant proposals, save for when they discuss methodologies. Research methodologies (aka research process) is either left out entirely, or students spend a good chunk of their word count trying to describe how they are going to conduct research. When writing a grant application, draw on extant methodologies to communicate to your reviewers how (and within what intellectual tradition) you’ll be conducting research. For a comprehensive list of methodologies in the design fields, see below.  

Institutional Goals

A successful project will address the goals of the funding institution. Sometimes these goals are clear (example: the grant is for dissertation research, and you need funding to travel to an archive to finish your dissertation). However, you will usually need to construct an argument relating your project to the aims of the CFP. Find the mission statement for the institution that offers the grant. Use this statement to identify how your research will advance the institution’s goals. Figure out the reason the funding exists and devote serious thought to how your project relates to that reason. Even if the relevance seems obvious to you, clearly state it; the grant review committee goes through a mountain of applications, so don’t trust that they will make these connections on their own. Also, articulate the specific reasons why you need this money. What will it allow you to do that you couldn’t do otherwise? And why are you the best person to do this project?

A grant budget is usually comprised of two things: a spreadsheet of how the grant will be used on expenses and a budget narrative (justification). A budget narrative is a paragraph which should explain the expenses. Even when proposal guidelines do not specifically mention a narrative, be sure to include one. This budget narrative can exist at the bottom of the table and should provide a brief overview of the budget. 

• Spell out project costs via a spreadsheet or table with the budget detailed as line items and include a budget narrative to explain and justify the table. 
• Make sure that all budget items meet the funding agency’s requirements.
• Factor in the estimated taxes applicable for your case. 

Certain grants will ask for a timeline in your budget proposal. This timeline should list all the activities you will need to carry out to meet each of your objectives. 

Your timeline may be written as a narrative, but it can also be put into a table. A visual representation of your timeline may be easier for reviewers to understand.

Divide your timeline by quarters or months, depending on how long the funding period is. Place each activity into a quarter or month as opposed to specifying specific dates. These activities might include preliminary research, fieldwork, visits to archives, installation, model-making, publication design, etc. Include all activities from the day funding is awarded to the last day of funding.

Include when deliverables will be finished (or when you will fulfill reporting deadlines) and when/how you will assess the project’s progress and address any inadequacies.  

If collaborating with other designers and researchers, be sure to address who is responsible for completing each task. 

Keep the timeline realistic.  

• Research Methods for Architecture by Rumiko Handa (Hollis online access)
• Architectural Research Methods by Linda Groat (Loeb Library stacks)
• Research Methods for the Architectura Profession by Ajla Aksamija (Loeb Library stacks)
• Research in Landscape Architecture: Methods and Methodology by Oxon Abingdon (Loeb Library stacks)
• The Little Book of Research Writing by Varanya Chaubey (Kennedy School Library)
• Operative Design: a Catalogue of Spatial Verbs by Anthoni Di Mari (Loeb Library stacks)
• Landscape Architectural Research: Inquiry, Strategy, Design by Elen Deming (HOLLIS online access)
• CARAT database of grants and fellowships
• Spin database of sponsored funding opportunities
• Graham Foundation
• << Previous: Writing Resources
• Last Updated: Dec 5, 2023 3:19 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.harvard.edu/gsd/write

Harvard University Digital Accessibility Policy

• Utility Menu

de5f0c5840276572324fc6e2ece1a882

• Write Your Specific Aims Page

The specific aims page, especially the aims themselves, are the crux of your grant application. Use the following tips to write a strong, clear specific aims page. Use the Specific Aims Page Checklist to assess your writing and to ensure that you have included all of the necessary components.

Create a ‘Funnel Shape’ Conceptually

Create a focused lead paragraph that has a "funnel shape" conceptually. Lead the reader from the general to the specific, so that by the time your specific aims appear, it's clear what gap in the literature you're addressing and how this new knowledge will fit into the field. This introduction should also indicate how this proposal builds upon your previous data.

Example: "The mechanism by which cirrhosis of the liver occurs in a subset of patients with Cystic Fibrosis is unknown. Our data over the past 3 years has demonstrated that gene X is a candidate modifier gene by crossing Cystic Fibrosis knockout mice with gene X deficient mice. This proposal will build upon these results and test the hypothesis that Gene X is a modifier gene through its fibrogenic activation properties."

Write a Clear, Testable Hypothesis

Strive to create one clear hypothesis first that will be tested through your specific aims . Know the difference between specific aims and long-term goals .

Note: Depending on the grant you are seeking, this rule may not be possible or desirable. For example, if you are applying for an R01 grant in health services/outcomes research, the typical grant in this area has a data collection project at its core that often addresses more than one goal . Therefore, the nature of the project is often briefly described in the last sentence of the introduction, rather than in the specific aims.

Example: "We will conduct a multi-center, prospective, longitudinal study of 1000 patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation for hematologic malignancies in order to..."

Do: "Three cloves of garlic per day cure colon cancer through activation of the caspase death pathway in tumor cells."

Don't: "There are various chemicals within garlic that have different effects on all cells including tumor cells."

Tips on Writing Specific Aims

• Make Aims Concise and Highly Focused
• Ensure Clear Results
• Write Aims that Test Single Hypothesis
• Indicate Why, What and How
• Avoid Sub-Aims

Your specific aims  is the crux of your proposal so make sure they are concise and highly focused. Get them critiqued, and rewrite until the aims are solid and provide a foundation for the rest of your proposal.

Ensure that your specific aims will provide clear results and that they test your hypothesis . Do: Hypothesis: "Three cloves of garlic per day cure colon cancer through activation of the caspase death pathway in tumor cells." Specific Aims: "1. Test in vitro in T84 colon cancer cells and in vivo in a mouse model of colon cancer that garlic activates the caspase death pathway. 2. Activation of this caspase pathway leads to tumor regression."

Don't: Hypothesis: "There are various chemicals within garlic that have different effects on all cells including tumor cells." Specific aims: "1. We will explore whether incubating different cell types in vitro with garlic affects cell survival. 2. Garlic proteins will be extracted and analyzed by mass spectroscopy."

Write specific aims that test a single, overarching hypothesis , and not individual aims connected to their own hypotheses. Note: Depending on the grant you are seeking, this rule may not be possible or desirable. For example, if you are applying for an R01 grant in health services/outcomes research, the typical grant in this area has a data collection project at its core that often addresses more than one goal . Therefore, the nature of the project is often briefly described in the last sentence of the introduction, rather than in the specific aims.

Example: "We will conduct a multi-center prospective, longitudinal study of 1000 patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation for hematologic malignancies in order to..."  

Convey specific aims that indicate why you want to do the work, what you want to do, and how you will do it.

Include no more than three aims and no sub-aims , if possible. Generally, you should not have four or more aims with sub-aims and/or their own hypotheses .

NIH K GRANT SPECIFIC AIMS PAGE RUBRIC

The rubric below provides recommendations for a Specific Aims page of a NIH K grant application . In addition to overall considerations, this rubric is broken up into four parts that correspond to the four sections of a Specific Aims page: the introduction paragraph, the body paragraph(s), the specific aims themselves, and the closing, or impact paragraph.

Use this rubric after you’ve completed a Specific Aims page draft to ensure that you have included all the necessary components. Review the completed rubric and carefully note any unchecked boxes. Review the resources linked throughout this document and use them to improve your Specific Aims page.

Please Note:  While this rubric is meant to be a comprehensive resource, we acknowledge that there is no singular correct way to write a grant application and in some cases, deviation from this rubric may be warranted.

Download PDF

Apply to our Specific Aims Consultation Service!

• Are You Ready?
• Know Your Audience
• Provide a Cover Letter
• Make an Impact
• Use Style Tips
• Format Your Grant
• Pre-Review Your Grant Application
• Consultations

Hypothesis Maker Online

Looking for a hypothesis maker? This online tool for students will help you formulate a beautiful hypothesis quickly, efficiently, and for free.

Are you looking for an effective hypothesis maker online? Worry no more; try our online tool for students and formulate your hypothesis within no time.

• 🔎 How to Use the Tool?
• ⚗️ What Is a Hypothesis in Science?

👍 What Does a Good Hypothesis Mean?

• 🧭 Steps to Making a Good Hypothesis

🔗 References

📄 hypothesis maker: how to use it.

Our hypothesis maker is a simple and efficient tool you can access online for free.

If you want to create a research hypothesis quickly, you should fill out the research details in the given fields on the hypothesis generator.

Below are the fields you should complete to generate your hypothesis:

• Who or what is your research based on? For instance, the subject can be research group 1.
• What does the subject (research group 1) do?
• What does the subject affect? - This shows the predicted outcome, which is the object.
• Who or what will be compared with research group 1? (research group 2).

Once you fill the in the fields, you can click the ‘Make a hypothesis’ tab and get your results.

⚗️ What Is a Hypothesis in the Scientific Method?

A hypothesis is a statement describing an expectation or prediction of your research through observation.

It is similar to academic speculation and reasoning that discloses the outcome of your scientific test . An effective hypothesis, therefore, should be crafted carefully and with precision.

A good hypothesis should have dependent and independent variables . These variables are the elements you will test in your research method – it can be a concept, an event, or an object as long as it is observable.

You can observe the dependent variables while the independent variables keep changing during the experiment.

In a nutshell, a hypothesis directs and organizes the research methods you will use, forming a large section of research paper writing.

Hypothesis vs. Theory

A hypothesis is a realistic expectation that researchers make before any investigation. It is formulated and tested to prove whether the statement is true. A theory, on the other hand, is a factual principle supported by evidence. Thus, a theory is more fact-backed compared to a hypothesis.

Another difference is that a hypothesis is presented as a single statement , while a theory can be an assortment of things . Hypotheses are based on future possibilities toward a specific projection, but the results are uncertain. Theories are verified with undisputable results because of proper substantiation.

When it comes to data, a hypothesis relies on limited information , while a theory is established on an extensive data set tested on various conditions.

You should observe the stated assumption to prove its accuracy.

Since hypotheses have observable variables, their outcome is usually based on a specific occurrence. Conversely, theories are grounded on a general principle involving multiple experiments and research tests.

This general principle can apply to many specific cases.

The primary purpose of formulating a hypothesis is to present a tentative prediction for researchers to explore further through tests and observations. Theories, in their turn, aim to explain plausible occurrences in the form of a scientific study.

It would help to rely on several criteria to establish a good hypothesis. Below are the parameters you should use to analyze the quality of your hypothesis.

🧭 6 Steps to Making a Good Hypothesis

Writing a hypothesis becomes way simpler if you follow a tried-and-tested algorithm. Let’s explore how you can formulate a good hypothesis in a few steps:

Step #1: Ask Questions

The first step in hypothesis creation is asking real questions about the surrounding reality.

Why do things happen as they do? What are the causes of some occurrences?

Your curiosity will trigger great questions that you can use to formulate a stellar hypothesis. So, ensure you pick a research topic of interest to scrutinize the world’s phenomena, processes, and events.

Step #2: Do Initial Research

Carry out preliminary research and gather essential background information about your topic of choice.

The extent of the information you collect will depend on what you want to prove.

Your initial research can be complete with a few academic books or a simple Internet search for quick answers with relevant statistics.

Still, keep in mind that in this phase, it is too early to prove or disapprove of your hypothesis.

Step #3: Identify Your Variables

Now that you have a basic understanding of the topic, choose the dependent and independent variables.

Take note that independent variables are the ones you can’t control, so understand the limitations of your test before settling on a final hypothesis.

Step #4: Formulate Your Hypothesis

You can write your hypothesis as an ‘if – then’ expression . Presenting any hypothesis in this format is reliable since it describes the cause-and-effect you want to test.

For instance: If I study every day, then I will get good grades.

Step #5: Gather Relevant Data

Once you have identified your variables and formulated the hypothesis, you can start the experiment. Remember, the conclusion you make will be a proof or rebuttal of your initial assumption.

So, gather relevant information, whether for a simple or statistical hypothesis, because you need to back your statement.

Step #6: Record Your Findings

Finally, write down your conclusions in a research paper .

Outline in detail whether the test has proved or disproved your hypothesis.

Edit and proofread your work, using a plagiarism checker to ensure the authenticity of your text.

We hope that the above tips will be useful for you. Note that if you need to conduct business analysis, you can use the free templates we’ve prepared: SWOT , PESTLE , VRIO , SOAR , and Porter’s 5 Forces .

❓ Hypothesis Formulator FAQ

• How to Write a Hypothesis in 6 Steps - Grammarly
• Forming a Good Hypothesis for Scientific Research
• The Hypothesis in Science Writing
• Scientific Method: Step 3: HYPOTHESIS - Subject Guides
• Hypothesis Template & Examples - Video & Lesson Transcript
• Free Essays
• Writing Tools
• Lit. Guides
• Donate a Paper
• Referencing Guides
• Free Textbooks
• Tongue Twisters
• Job Openings
• Expert Application
• Video Contest
• Writing Scholarship
• Discount Codes
• IvyPanda Shop
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Copyright Principles
• DMCA Request
• Service Notice

Use our hypothesis maker whenever you need to formulate a hypothesis for your study. We offer a very simple tool where you just need to provide basic info about your variables, subjects, and predicted outcomes. The rest is on us. Get a perfect hypothesis in no time!

I Help to Study

Useful information for students

Home » Proposal » Hypothesis in a research proposal

• Academic Writing
• Assignments
• Business Plans
• Buy Services
• Custom Writing
• Dissertations
• For Professionals
• Help & Assistance
• Useful Services
• Various Papers

Hypothesis in a research proposal

You will need to decide whether your paper should address your research investigation focus in the form of a research question(s) or through a hypothesis.

Use this Powerpoint to review the characteristics of both forms .

Qualitative approaches to research design generally use questions as their focus. Because qualitative studies start an investigation with a concept, but use inductive methods to reach a final conclusion about the research, most qualitative designs do not start with a hypothesis. Writing a research question is usually the better choice for this kind of study.

Quantitative approaches to research design generally use the test of a hypothesis as the frame for the methodology. Because quantitative studies use deductive reasoning through scientific methods to test a hypothesis, questions may be appropriate to focus a study, but a clear hypotheses should be included in the actual proposal.

Consulting a methodology lecture’s Powerpoint or list of characteristics could help you think about the different characteristics of your study in a structured way. This will then help you to clarify which type of approach you will be taking, and whether you should write research questions or a hypothesis for your research proposal.

In the guide Crafting the Research Proposal: The Introduction, you will find a place to compose your research questions or hypothesis. Use the examples and the writing tips described below, and in the Powerpoints linked to this page, to help you to write your own research question or hypothesis.

Tips for Writing Research Questions

Be as specific as possible. In some cases, you may make two or more research questions to cover a complex topic.

A similar question might be: Does sleep have an effect on reflexes? OR Is maximum reflex efficiency achieved after eight hours of sleep?

Remember: The goal of your research is to find the answer to the research question. Make sure that the question reflects your goals in its words and phrasing.

Use this tutorial if you are writing research questions for a qualitative design.

Tips for Writing Hypotheses

When you state your hypotheses, be sure that the content of the hypothesis matches the experimental procedure. What you write should be the best estimation of the outcome of the lab procedure. Along with the hypothesis, you should write several sentences which explain the scientific reasoning that led you to that hypothesis.

Since beavers are trying to maximize energy, we hypothesized that they will tend to select some species of trees over others on the basis of nutritional value. (Brief explanation of the reasoning behind the hypotheses )

Here is another: In the present study, we hypothesized that a subgroup of patients with HER2/neu-overexpressing breast cancer will also demonstrate an increase in activated Akt in their tumors. These patients will be resistant to chemotherapy and consequently this group of patients will have a shorter DFS and a poor OS. The activation of Akt in breast tumors could be a potential biologic factor that may partially explain the worse outcome in those minority women with breast cancer. Hence, our primary goals are to test whether pAkt over-expression in HER2/neu-overexpressing tumors led to poor outcome compared with HER2/neu-overexpressing tumors but with normal or low levels of pAkt, (b) to compare them to levels of pAkt in HER2/neu-negative tumors, and (c) to focus on African-American and Latina patients at our medical center, where these two populations have similar socioeconomic status and access to care. We postulate that the over-expression of pAkt will lead to poor outcome irrespective of ethnic or racial differences.

Use this tutorial to compose and check to be sure that you wrote an effective hypothesis.

Use this tutorial if you are writing a hypothesis for a qualitative design.

Use this tutorial to help you write different hypotheses for different types of quantitative designs.

Use this tutorial or this one if you are writing a hypothesis for a true experiment.

Complete your planning guide for this section.

Related Articles:

Latest Posts

• Privacy Policy

© 2016 | IHelptoStudy.Com

Please Wait!

• Mini Elisa Kits
• Polyclonal Custom Antibodies
• Balances, Scales and Weighing Equipment
• Centrifuges
• Homogenizers
• Hotplates & Stirrers
• Spectrophotometry
• Vortex Mixers
• Binocular Microscopes
• Digital Microscopes
• Educational Microscopes
• Inverted Microscopes
• Automatic Gel Imaging System
• Fluorescent Quantitiaive PCR system
• Horizontal Electrophoresis Tank
• Vertical Electrophoresis Tank
• Electroporation
• Histology and Cytology
• Benchtop Incubators
• Drying/Oven Incubators
• Lab Glassware
• Liquid Handling
• Microbiology
• Electrophysiology Chambers
• Semi Automated Slice Devices
• Tissue Choppers
• Visual Patching & Imaging Chamber
• Water Quality Testing
• Anesthesia Accessories
• Anesthesia Machines
• Anesthesia Masks
• Animal Ventilation
• Drosophila Anesthesia
• Rodent Cages
• Rodent Restrainers
• Drosophila Accessories
• Drosophila Food
• Imaging Systems
• MRI Systems
• Microinjection
• Cardiovascular Monitoning Systems
• Respiration Monitoring Systems
• Rodent Monitoring Systems
• Temperature Monitoring System
• MCAO Monofilament Sutures
• Fiber Photometry
• Optogenetic Accessories
• Stereotaxic Accessories
• Stereotaxic Impactors
• Stereotaxic Microscopes
• Stereotaxic Systems
• Temperature Controller
• Surgical Tools
• Syringe Pumps
• Tail Injection
• Conductor Software
• Digital Health
• Drones for Science
• Soil Studies
• Water Quality Test
• Face Shields
• Safety Gloves
• Microfluidic Chip
• NMR Systems
• Custom VR Environments
• Content Creation
• Data Analytics
• Data Statistics
• Data Science
• Data Visualization
• Scientific Illustrations
• Project Management
• Procurement Services
• Social Media
• Grants and Funding
• Lab Management
• Purchasing Guides
• Science and Public Policy
• Biomolecules
• Drone Science
• Electrophysiology
• Environmental Science
• Laboratory Techniques
• Molecular Genetics
• Soil Biology
• Grant Writing
• Real World Evidence
• Mobile Health
• Virtual Reality Science
• Clinical Physical Exam
• Clinical Tools & Guides
• Coding & Billing
• Submission Guidelines
• Submit Methods
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Open Science
• Podcast: Conduct Science
• Podcast: Data Analysis
• Podcast: Method Section
• Podcast: Under the Microscope
• Publications
• Our Partners
• Privacy Policy
• Career Opportunities
• Scientific Scholarship
• About Tech Transfer
• Easy Access IP
• Why Tech Transfer
• Track Order
• Book Appointment
• Request a Quote
• Support Ticket

+1 847 983 3672

• Conduct , Grants and Funding

Developing and Writing Hypothesis for Grant Application

Conductscience.

Every day we find brilliant research being presented for grant approval. These researches possess the potential to bring a biomedical breakthrough by answering complex questions. But because tremendous investigation is being undertaken throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world, the research topics overlap resulting in undeniable similarity in the primary research concept. This reduces the diversity of research ideas as well as the odds of success. Each year, the National Institute of Health (NIH) is inundated by thousands of grant proposals, only a few of which make it through the peer-review, i.e., the reason behind rejection is an overwhelming similarity between new and old research. The uniqueness and newness of biomedical exploration are lost somewhere.

An important question that often perturbs young and experienced investigators is how they can make their research unique enough to stand out and the steps they can take to make their application distinguished from the pile of thousands of proposals.

There is a simple solution to it – the secret lies in “Hypothesis.”

A hypothesis is a thought or idea that is central to your research project. It is a hypothesis that makes your proposal distinguishable from others.

Hypothesis is a very critical section of a grant proposal. Most of the peer reviewers just read this section to either accept or decline the proposal. It is important to understand what a hypothesis is and how you can ace it to increase your chances of grant success.

Types of Hypothetical Statements that Evolve from your Research Question

There are two types of hypotheses that can be inferred from your research. Your research question can lead to either or both of them before the planned research is conducted. These are mentioned below:

Null Hypothesis

In this, you proclaim that the variables in your research question are independent of each other. You prove this hypothesis via your research experiments. After your statistical research investigations, you deduce that there is no link between your variables of question or you can say they are not interrelated at all.

Alternative hypothesis

When your null hypothesis gets declined by research experiments, the alternative hypothesis is formed. It is a proclamation that you are predicting a relation between the two variables of your research question. Again, it is decided only after your research data statistics are favoring it.

Research Question: Are the rate of fluoride leak from a compomer and glass-ionomer cement (GIC) the same?

Hypothesis: If the null hypothesis is true, you will write in your derived hypothesis that both the variables, i.e., compomer and GIC, have the same rate of fluoride leak. If false, you will write that both the variables have a different fluoride leaking rate ( Azzam & Salah, 2016 ).

Contribution of Databases in Deriving Hypothesis and Research Question

As you know that you are proposing your research beforehand, the hypothesis mentioned in the grant application should be derived from your question and not your data. Databases are usually used to formulate a research question and hypothesis. You can confirm your hypothesis once you conduct your research after being accepted for a grant award. Steps for deriving your research question and hypothesis from databases are:

• Choose the field of the topic you are interested in
• Search that topic in the databases such as PubMed or Medline
• You will find many analogies of that topic and factors affecting it
• Find gaps in the analytical analogies of your topic and derive a question from them
• Question with two factors affecting each other should be formed
• The hypothesis is inferred while keeping in mind the information provided in the databases
• Note the methodologies and data used in deriving the hypothesis
• Try to derive at least 3 to 4 aims and hypotheses from your research question
• Make sure they are completely novel and unique in their own way

Your research design is directly influenced by the type of hypothesis you proclaim and indirectly dependant on the research question you come up with. Therefore, following the above steps will lead you to the evolution of an excellent hypothesis, and you can then fluently advance toward your research goals.

Esthetical Considerations

Every grant application has its rules set by its respective Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). According to most of them, the set limit of space for providing and interpreting the aims and hypotheses of research is up to one page. Never exceed the said page limit as it will have a negative impact on your scoring.

Paragraphing

The key to better esthetics is multiple paragraphing. But here, you have to write four aims with their four respective hypotheses. Each hypothesis should be mentioned separately under its related aim in a single 4 to 5-lined paragraph. This helps in the rapid extraction of information by the reviewers.

Bullet Points

Mark a bullet point before each objective you write. This will enhance the aesthetics of your specific aims section leading to a derived hypothesis paragraph afterward. Your reviewers can easily get to the aims of your research when conducting the final scoring for your application.

The more organized are your application sections, the better are the chances for your application to catch the reviewer’s eye. Each aim should guide the reviewers to its own hypothesis. Furthermore, each hypothesis should lead to the next hypothesis until the last one is reached. This will create a flow to easily comprehend the correlation of your aims with your proclaimed hypothetical interpretations.

Steps to Follow in the Hypothesis & Aims Section

It is the key section of your application. It is where your research objectives are clearly transferred to your reviewers. It is where most of the reviewers do the voting for your entire application’s worth. There are various points that you have to follow while scripting this section. These are:

Direct Speculations & Interpretations

Your thought process should be excellent enough to compose precise aims leading to a specific hypothesis. Your wording must be relevant and simple. There must be directness in your interpretation of the research hypotheses.

Logic behind Everything

You should provide logical explanations about your hypothetical observations in your planned research. Make sure that your logical hypotheses must be strong and fully testable. Peer reviewers need convincing for every sentence you quote and claim in your research proposal. Since legitimate explanations are only provided in scientific literature, you cannot claim a hypothesis without any scientific knowledge.

Linking Aims with Hypothesis

Always remember that every objective you claim should correlate with its own specific hypotheses. If there are four aims, then there will be four hypotheses. Highlight each aim in bold heading or bullet point and then derive its respective hypothesis. This description should be self-sufficient and should precisely be explained in five lines at the most. Furthermore, every hypothesis should correlate with the next proposed hypothesis.

Beneficial for Science and Healthcare System

Conclude each hypothesis paragraph with a sentence stipulating the significance of your research hypothesis and aims. This statement will specify what benefit it will bring into the science and your healthcare system if it is proven. Convince them by telling the voids that can be filled via your research conduction.

Wording Preferences

Since this section is the cornerstone of your grant application, your wording should be especially accurate and to the point. For this 1-page section, you focus on words that can interlink the hypothesis with significance in the end. You can use the words like ‘to calibrate,’ ‘to assess,’ ‘to compare,’ ‘to enhance’ ‘to determine’ or ‘to analyze’ ( Kevin & Melissa, 2008 ).

Address Alternative Hypothesis

A powerful hypothesis section will also mention an alternative hypothesis, as well. This will aid in justifying your research proposal ( Jason, Karim & Robert, 2013 ). It is only possible if your null hypothesis gets rejected by your research or there is evidence of rejection in the past databases. The knowledge of the evolving hypothesis is rather complicated and should be wisely dealt with, especially if you are a New Investigator.

Define Timeline

Precisely mention the aims and hypotheses and the time needed to achieve these objectives. Stipulate the methods to be utilized for accomplishing each objective. You can draw a timeline if you want a clear comprehension of your tasks to be fulfilled under a specific time limit ( Georgia, Elena, Tiago & Neil, 2016 ).  It will also prove that your research is possible in the provided time, environment, and funds.

Observed Errors.

Fishing is the term used in research writing for finding relevant information from a bunch of irrelevant data. This is the most commonly observed problem with many of the submitted applications. As the page space is already limited, one cannot risk inserting insignificant information in this important section. Thus, do not impose your reviewers to fish for relevant information.

Too many Aims

Another frequent problem within this section is claiming too many aims. Normally three to four objectives of your research are adequate to proclaim. Claiming too many aims within a limited time period will make your research look artificial. It is evident to your reviewers that you cannot achieve them in time. Hence, avoid committing this mistake.

Specific Aims & Hypothesis section and the NIH review Criteria

One of the heaviest criteria to evaluate your application is seeking the significance of your proposed research. So, in the concluding paragraph of this section, it is advised to notify the following points:

• Provide an overview of all your objectives and hypothesis in a flow.
• Point out to your reviewers the problems and defects in our scientific society that your research focuses on.
• Explain how your research will be able to solve these highlighted problems.
• Specify what will be the effect of this research on the scientific literature, methods, services, and preventions.
• Elaborate on the methods that will be carried out in your research to solve these problems.
• Also, mention the tools to be used to carry out your research.
• Lastly, provide details about your research team and environment and how are they suitable for this research conduction.
• All of this must be precisely written in a 6 to 7-lined paragraph without exceeding the one-page limit that is set for this section. This limit may be changed by your specific FOA.

Through this article, you have analyzed every aspect of the research hypothesis. It can either create or dismantle your grant application. Your whole proposal is guided by this section. You have to go through the scientific literature to define your question leading to your specific aims and hypothesis. Make sure that your hypothesis can really be tested under your provided environment and equipment. Convince your peer reviewers that your research is doable and is significant for the scientific knowledge and hence, for the public health. Your hypothesis should be firm, simple to comprehend but novel for the scientific literature. It should be so much fascinating as to force your reviewers to urge for more. It certainly requires scientific proficiency and ultimate skills to fully adopt the steps mentioned above.

• Al-Jundi, A. & Sakka, S. (2016, November). Protocol Writing in Clinical Research.  Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 10 (11), ZE10–ZE13. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2016/21426.8865
• Chung, K.C. & Shauver, M.J. (2008, April). Fundamental Principles of Writing a Successful Grant Proposal.  The Journal of Hand Surgery , 33(4), 566–572. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.11.028
• Wiseman, J.T., Alavi, K. & Milner, R.J. (2013, December). Grant Writing 101.  Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery ,  26 (4) , 228–231. https://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1356722
• Hardavella, G., Karampini, E., Jacinto, T. & Saad, N.J. (2016, March). Doing Science: How to Submit a Successful Funding Application. Breathe, 12 (1), 73–77. https://doi.org/10.1183/20734735.012815

Related Articles

Best Microchannel Pipettes: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction Pipetting, at first glance, would seem a fairly simple and easy task. Essentially described as glass or plastic tubes used to measure and transfer liquid

Resource Identification Initiative

Resource Identification Initiative: A Key to Scientific Success and Analytics The key to success can be found in the essential principles of the Resource Identification Initiative.

Best Microcentrifuges: A Comprehensive Guide

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF HISTORY One of the most important pieces of equipment in the laboratory is the centrifuge, which facilitates the separation of samples of different

Best Benchtop Centrifuges: A Comprehensive Guide

DISCLAIMER: ConductScience and affiliate products are NOT designed for human consumption, testing, or clinical utilization. They are designed for pre-clinical utilization only. Customers purchasing apparatus for the purposes of scientific research or veterinary care affirm adherence to applicable regulatory bodies for the country in which their research or care is conducted.

Our Location

5250 Old Orchard Rd Suite 300 Skokie, IL 60077

Monday – Friday 9 AM – 5 PM EST

Conduct Science

• Become a Partner
• Career/Academia
• Shipping & Returns
• Request a quote
• Account details
• Lost password

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

Community Blog

Keep up-to-date on postgraduate related issues with our quick reads written by students, postdocs, professors and industry leaders.

How do you Write the Rationale for Research?

• By DiscoverPhDs
• October 21, 2020

What is the Rationale of Research?

The term rationale of research means the reason for performing the research study in question. In writing your rational you should able to convey why there was a need for your study to be carried out. It’s an important part of your research paper that should explain how your research was novel and explain why it was significant; this helps the reader understand why your research question needed to be addressed in your research paper, term paper or other research report.

The rationale for research is also sometimes referred to as the justification for the study. When writing your rational, first begin by introducing and explaining what other researchers have published on within your research field.

Having explained the work of previous literature and prior research, include discussion about where the gaps in knowledge are in your field. Use these to define potential research questions that need answering and explain the importance of addressing these unanswered questions.

The rationale conveys to the reader of your publication exactly why your research topic was needed and why it was significant . Having defined your research rationale, you would then go on to define your hypothesis and your research objectives.

Final Comments

Defining the rationale research, is a key part of the research process and academic writing in any research project. You use this in your research paper to firstly explain the research problem within your dissertation topic. This gives you the research justification you need to define your research question and what the expected outcomes may be.

In this post you’ll learn what the significance of the study means, why it’s important, where and how to write one in your paper or thesis with an example.

Academic conferences are expensive and it can be tough finding the funds to go; this naturally leads to the question of are academic conferences worth it?

An academic transcript gives a breakdown of each module you studied for your degree and the mark that you were awarded.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

Browse PhDs Now

The title page of your dissertation or thesis conveys all the essential details about your project. This guide helps you format it in the correct way.

Dr Thirlaway gained his PhD in immunology from the University of Nottingham in 2018. He is now a Science Communicator at the Natural History Museum, London.

Dr Cesário has a PhD in Digital Media from the University of Porto. She’s now pursuing an academic career as a Postdoc in HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) as part of an EU project. She’s also aiming to teach in subjects including User-Centered Design and Interactive Media Design.

Join Thousands of Students

• Newspapers & Magazines
• Request Article
• How do you write a hypothesis for a research proposal?

The research question stems from the issue under consideration. When put in a single sentence , the research question represents your research hypothesis . In certain fields , the hypothesis is referred to as a "thesis statement." Other synonyms for "hypothesized" are "posted," "theorized," and "offered." A hypothesis must be specific and measurable if it is to serve as the basis for scientific investigation.

Asking questions is an important tool for discovering new knowledge. Asking good questions helps researchers avoid missing important issues and allows them to focus their efforts on the most relevant problems. Good questions also reflect a deeper understanding of the topic being investigated. A series of questions can form the framework for a study or project. These questions are known as study objectives. Each objective should be written in plain language so that anyone can understand it. The goals then can be used to guide the research process and ensure that enough information is gathered to make conclusions about its subject.

Good questions are like eyes on the road: They allow researchers to see what's around the next corner. Also, by considering the possible answers to a question, researchers can explore different perspectives on an issue. This exercise can help them find alternative ways to approach a problem and learn more about its roots. Finally, asking questions is a great way to get feedback from others about your ideas or concepts. This can help identify weaknesses in your argument or areas where more information is needed.

Table of Contents

What are the hypotheses in a research proposal, what kind of research is a hypothesis, what must a scientist do before writing a hypothesis.

A research hypothesis is a declaration of expectation or prediction that will be put to the test through study. Read about the topic of interest to you before developing your study hypothesis. You should always read other people's research proposals before submitting your own. Doing so will help you identify effective ways of expressing yourself and may even provide ideas for new studies.

Formulating a good research hypothesis is not an easy task. It involves considering what is known about the topic and then making a judgment as to whether the existing knowledge justifies expecting a difference when testing things out. For example, if there are many previous studies on a subject then it is likely that no difference will be found even if one exists. If there are very few previous studies then this might indicate that something new can be discovered.

In scientific papers , researchers often explain how they intend to test their hypotheses. This may involve using controlled experiments or case studies. In general, studies that use experimental methods are better at disproving theories than those that use observational methods. Observational studies can show associations between two things while experimental studies can actually prove cause and effect. However, both types of study are important for understanding topics because neither experiment nor observation alone provides sufficient information to do so.

A research hypothesis is a definite, explicit, and testable claim or prediction regarding the likely outcome of a scientific research study based on a certain attribute of a population, such as assumed disparities between groups on a given variable or correlations between variables. The goal is to predict what will happen in the study based on knowledge about how things are in general.

Hypotheses can be either affirmative or negative. An affirmative hypothesis states that there is a causal relationship between two factors ; it can also be called an effect hypothesis. A negative hypothesis states that there is no causal relationship between two factors; it can also be called a cause hypothesis. For example, one might hypothesize that there is a correlation between income and happiness because higher incomes are generally associated with greater satisfaction with one's life.

Hypotheses are used by scientists when they want to know if there is enough evidence to support a conclusion or not. If enough evidence does not exist, then more research should be done; otherwise, the scientist may choose to accept the conclusion even though more evidence is needed.

In science , a hypothesis is any statement of purpose for which data are collected with the intention of determining its truth or falsity. Science requires this open-endedness because new findings can always change our understanding of the world, thereby requiring revision of all previously published hypotheses .

Before you can develop a hypothesis , you must first identify the question you want to investigate. A hypothesis is a statement rather than a question. The scientific question in your study is not your hypothesis. A hypothesis is a well-informed, tested forecast about what will occur. It is a prediction based on evidence found in the literature or through research studies.

A good hypothesis should be specific and answerable. Be as specific as possible without being too general. Use the past tense to describe your hypothesis . For example, instead of saying "All flowers love sunlight," say "Sunlight is needed by all flowers to grow." This makes your hypothesis more accurate and less likely to be rejected out of hand. Avoid vague hypotheses ! They are difficult or impossible to test properly. Consider changing your hypothesis if you find evidence that calls its validity into question.

Finally, a good hypothesis should be able to be tested. If you cannot test your hypothesis, it will remain just an idea. Even if you do test it and find support for it, this does not necessarily mean that other researchers will find the same results . Null hypotheses , where no effect is expected, require additional statistical tests to determine whether the findings were due to chance. For example, if you randomly select 100 students from a university population and then measure how many have children, there is a 25% chance that the sample will include exactly one child.

About Article Author

Thomas Wirth

Thomas Wirth is a freelance writer who has been writing for over 10 years. His areas of expertise are technology, business, and lifestyle. Thomas knows how to write about these topics in a way that is easy to understand, but still provides useful information for readers.

Related Posts

How do you write a good rationale, what is the difference between a review article and a systematic review, what is the best definition of a cause and effect paragraph, how do you introduce a question in a paragraph, what should a hypothesis always be, related posts.

What is a cause and effect topic?

By James Schenk

What is the cause of cause and effect?

By Jerry Owens

What is an idea-driven thesis?

By Jimmie Iler

How do you write a good hypothesis?

Legal stuff.

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2020 - 2023 Authors Cast Inc.

• Undergraduate
• Course Syllabi
• Undergraduate Catalog
• Graduate Catalog
• Online Home
• Degrees Online
• Certificates Online
• For Prospective Students
• For Current Students
• Meet The Team
• Faculty Research Profiles
• Funded Projects
• Project Websites
• Facts and Figures
• Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies
• Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability, and Reform
• Education Policy Research Center
• Institute of Higher Education
• Lastinger Center for Learning
• P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School
• University of Florida Literacy Initiative
• Administration and Staff
• Research Support
• Research Communications
• Funding Organizations
• Faculty Development
• News Stories
• COE In The News
• EduGator Insider
• Publications
• College Communications
• Branding Guidelines
• Giving Overview
• Areas of Support
• Ways to Give
• Honor Roll of Giving
• Make a Gift Now!
• Alumni Home
• EduGator Stories
• Alumni Awards
• Update Info
• EduGator News
• COE Facebook
• COE LinkedIn
• Faculty Profiles
• Educator Quality
• Facts & Figures
• Mission & History
• International Education
• Norman Hall Rehabilitation
• School of Human Development & Organizational Studies in Education
• School of Special Education, School Psychology & Early Childhood Studies
• School of Teaching & Learning
• Academic Affairs
• Business Office
• College Leadership
• Informational & Instructional Technology
• Student Services
• E-Learning, Technology, and Communications
• Faculty Openings
• Search Committees
• Staff Openings
• Faculty Policy Council
• Committees Home
• Other Committees
• CoE Community
• EAS Faculty Reporting

National Funding Foundation – Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop (Virtual Online – December 19, 2023)

The Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop is an intensive and detailed introduction to the process, structure, and skill of professional proposal writing. Through this online program, students will be exposed to the art of successful grant writing practices, and lead on a journey that ends with a masterful grant proposal. Subject areas that will be covered during this session are fundamentals of program planning, proposal writing essentials, and funding research. Please click the link to complete the online registration form.

You might also like

How to Write a Term Paper in 5 Steps

Term papers are a key way to test a student’s knowledge and research skills, but they can be difficult to write. In this guide, we explain the best methods to write a term paper, including the proper term paper format and even how to choose a term paper topic.

Cite your sources with confidence Grammarly helps you avoid plagiarism Write with Grammarly

What is a term paper?

A term paper is a piece of academic writing in which a student demonstrates their knowledge of a topic of study. Term papers constitute a large portion of the final grade, making them a serious assignment. There is typically no more than one term paper assigned each term, although how long a term lasts depends on the school system.

Keep in mind that a term paper is one specific type of academic paper. It is more intensive than a standard writing assignment but is not as in-depth as a thesis paper or dissertation.

How long is a term paper?

There is no standard length for a term paper; each subject, course, and professor has their own preferences. Term papers can be as short as five pages or as long as twenty pages, but they usually fall somewhere in the middle.

What’s the difference between a term paper and a research paper?

Technically speaking, a research paper is a paper that argues its main point with original data and evidence. However, the term research paper is used informally to refer to any paper that requires research, even when collecting data and evidence from other preexisting sources. So in that sense, a term paper can be a research paper if the student must research other sources to complete it.

The terms term paper and research paper are often used interchangeably. However, term papers are generally assigned once per term, whereas a teacher or professor can assign as many research papers as they wish.

What’s the difference between a term paper and an essay?

An essay is any writing that asserts the author’s opinion or perspective, whether for school, publication, or just the author’s personal enjoyment. Unlike research-oriented term papers that draw from data and evidence, essay writing is based only on the author’s experience or viewpoint.

Essays are usually shorter than term papers and more casual in tone. Keep in mind that term papers are strictly academic, whereas essays can be written for various audiences.

How do I write a term paper?

Writing a term paper still follows the standard writing process but with some extra focus in certain areas.

1 Developing ideas

The first step of writing a term paper is brainstorming to come up with potential topics and then selecting the best one. Sometimes your topics are assigned, but often you’ll have to choose one yourself.

In addition to picking a topic that you’re personally interested in, try to settle on one that has sufficient depth. Avoid topics that are too broad because you won’t be able to cover everything, and stay away from topics that are too specific because you may not find enough information to fill the required paper length.

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our list of term and research paper topics .

2 Preparation (research)

The preparation stage is when you determine your main point and the parts of your topic you’re going to discuss. For most term papers, that requires research. If you’re not conducting your own research, then you’re finding and reviewing sources to use instead.

A good place to start is by writing your thesis statement , a single sentence that sums up the main point(s) your paper tries to make. Your thesis statement determines what evidence and counterarguments you’ll need to discuss. Deciding on these early can help streamline your research.

Once you establish what you want to include in your term paper, you can start putting it in order by writing an outline . Think of the outline as the blueprint of your term paper, mapping out each part of your topic, paragraph by paragraph.

Be sure to follow the term paper format for the assignment. This means adhering to the guidelines and planning enough content to meet the length requirement.

4 First draft

Writing the first draft is easier if you follow your outline. Although this stage can be the most labor-intensive, remember that everything doesn’t need to be perfect. You can still go back later to revise and optimize your wording, but for the first draft, just focus on getting all your ideas down on paper.

This isn’t always easy. If you’re having trouble or get stuck at certain points, go back to the fundamentals and revisit your first-year writing skills. If you have writer’s block, don’t be afraid to take a break and try again later—your brain could just be too tired to come up with ideas.

5 Editing and proofreading

After you have completed a first draft, it’s time to begin the editing process. This is when you correct the mistakes in the first draft and detect other issues that need revising. If a section seems weak or inadequate, you can revise the wording or even rewrite it entirely. You may find that something is missing from your first draft, so now is the time to add it.

We recommend rereading your term paper twice—once to correct the wording and structural mistakes and another time to proofread . Revising it twice allows you to better focus on particular issues instead of trying to address everything at once. If you’re trying to determine the right word choice , spending time on spelling and grammar might be a distraction. It’s better to separate the tasks and do them one at a time.

Term paper FAQs

How do i write my term paper.

Writing a term paper still follows the standard writing process, but goes deeper into certain areas. Start by brainstorming topics that you find interesting before selecting one that has ample source material. Then begin your research. When you’re ready to start writing, create an outline, then a first draft, and finally revisions.

There is no standard length for a term paper; every teacher or professor has their own requirements. Term papers can be as short as five pages or as long as twenty pages, but they usually fall somewhere in the middle.

Technically speaking, a research paper supports its thesis with original data and evidence. However, the term research paper is used informally to refer to any paper that requires research, even when collecting data and evidence from other preexisting sources. So in that sense, a term paper can also be a research paper if the student relies on other sources to complete it.

Global Offices Texas Global partners with faculty, departments, colleges and schools across the university to advance UT Austin’s mission and enhance its international reputation.

Global Connections on Campus The depth and scope of UT’s global academics are evident in the vast network of centers, programs and organizations dedicated to international scholarship, research, creative activity and teaching.

Global Research and Creative Activity UT faculty engage in research and creative activities on every continent, advancing UT Austin’s academic mission and global impact.

• Communications from Leadership
• Global Alumni Relations
• Global Risk and Safety

Fulbright U.S. Student Program - Writing Workshop (English Teaching Assistantship and Study/Research)

Prospective Fulbright U.S. Student Program applicants for the 2024-2025 competition cycle interested in either the Study/Research and ETA applications.

Wed, Apr 5 2023, 11:30am - 1pm

Fulbright proposals are due Fall 2024, but how do you get from an idea to a well-developed proposal? This workshop will assist you with strengthening your prose. 

Join Dr. Sonia Seeman, UT Austin Fulbright Faculty Chair and Advisor, to uncover ongoing resources for the grant writing process, learn about what should be included in your proposal and personal statement and analyze examples of successful proposals.

To make the most of your session, bring your drafts and ideas and get started on your proposal or essay!

Interested students should RSVP at [email protected] . 

• Global Programs
• Research and Creative Activity
• Student Experiences
• Global Research and Creative Activity
• Education Abroad
• Explore Abroad

• +254-729-010-973
• [email protected]

Notice: Get Professional Academic Writing

Homework Help

Premier write my essay and Homework help service

Hypothesis for a research proposal

You will need to decide whether your paper should address your research investigation focus in the form of a research question(s) or through a hypothesis.

Use this Powerpoint to review the characteristics of both forms .

Qualitative approaches to research design generally use questions as their focus. Because qualitative studies start an investigation with a concept, but use inductive methods to reach a final conclusion about the research, most qualitative designs do not start with a hypothesis. Writing a research question is usually the better choice for this kind of study.

Quantitative approaches to research design generally use the test of a hypothesis as the frame for the methodology. Because quantitative studies use deductive reasoning through scientific methods to test a hypothesis, questions may be appropriate to focus a study, but a clear hypotheses should be included in the actual proposal.

Consulting a methodology lecture’s Powerpoint or list of characteristics could help you think about the different characteristics of your study in a structured way. This will then help you to clarify which type of approach you will be taking, and whether you should write research questions or a hypothesis for your research proposal.

In the guide Crafting the Research Proposal: The Introduction, you will find a place to compose your research questions or hypothesis. Use the examples and the writing tips described below, and in the Powerpoints linked to this page, to help you to write your own research question or hypothesis.

Tips for Writing Research Questions

Be as specific as possible. In some cases, you may make two or more research questions to cover a complex topic.

Be flexible. For example, if you are studying the effects of sleep on reflexes, you might formulate the following research question: What are the effects of sleep on reflexes?

A similar question might be: Does sleep have an effect on reflexes? OR Is maximum reflex efficiency achieved after eight hours of sleep?

Remember: The goal of your research is to find the answer to the research question. Make sure that the question reflects your goals in its words and phrasing.

Use this tutorial if you are writing research questions for a qualitative design.

Tips for Writing Hypotheses

When you state your hypotheses, be sure that the content of the hypothesis matches the experimental procedure. What you write should be the best estimation of the outcome of the lab procedure. Along with the hypothesis, you should write several sentences which explain the scientific reasoning that led you to that hypothesis.

For example: We hypothesize that the beavers in this study will choose trees that are small in circumference and closest to the water. Since the energy yield of tree species may vary significantly, we also hypothesize that beavers will show a preference for some species of trees over others regardless of circumference size or distance from the central area. (Statement of hypotheses) The optimal foraging theory and central place theory lead us to predict that beavers, like most herbivores, will maximize their net rate of energy intake per unit time. In order to maximize energy, beavers will choose trees that are closest to their central place (the water) and require the least retrieval cost.

Since beavers are trying to maximize energy, we hypothesized that they will tend to select some species of trees over others on the basis of nutritional value. (Brief explanation of the reasoning behind the hypotheses )

Here is another: In the present study, we hypothesized that a subgroup of patients with HER2/neu-overexpressing breast cancer will also demonstrate an increase in activated Akt in their tumors. These patients will be resistant to chemotherapy and consequently this group of patients will have a shorter DFS and a poor OS. The activation of Akt in breast tumors could be a potential biologic factor that may partially explain the worse outcome in those minority women with breast cancer. Hence, our primary goals are to test whether pAkt over-expression in HER2/neu-overexpressing tumors led to poor outcome compared with HER2/neu-overexpressing tumors but with normal or low levels of pAkt, (b) to compare them to levels of pAkt in HER2/neu-negative tumors, and (c) to focus on African-American and Latina patients at our medical center, where these two populations have similar socioeconomic status and access to care. We postulate that the over-expression of pAkt will lead to poor outcome irrespective of ethnic or racial differences.

Use this tutorial to compose and check to be sure that you wrote an effective hypothesis.

Use this tutorial if you are writing a hypothesis for a qualitative design.

Use this tutorial to help you write different hypotheses for different types of quantitative designs.

Use this tutorial or this one if you are writing a hypothesis for a true experiment.

Complete your planning guide for this section.