Honours Thesis Course IDP 4U1

Developing a Hypothesis

 

What is a hypothesis?

What is a hypothesis?  A hypothesis is defined as, “a proposition or principle put forth or stated merely as a basis for reasonable argument, or as a premise from which to draw a conclusion.”   This means that you do not have to be certain that your hypothesis is correct.  It is a statement that you hope to prove true.  Once you complete your research and you know more about your subject you might have to modify your hypothesis.

 

Does your hypothesis have to be true?

You don’t have to be certain that your hypothesis is correct.  It is a starting point, a statement that you hope to prove true after more research and investigation.  That said, after more research you might find you have to modify your hypothesis. 

 

Why do you need a hypothesis?

A good hypothesis will help you to focus your investigation.  It will keep you from “losing the forest for the trees”.  As you progress through your investigation you might notice that more and more information comes out.  Your hypothesis will ensure that you stay on course in your investigation.

 

Steps in Writing an Effective Hypothesis

 

STEP 1: Preliminary Research

You must review your information so far and decide what information is important and how it will help you develop your hypothesis.

 

STEP 2: Write Your Hypothesis

Your hypothesis is a statement that you intend to prove through your research.  It should state your focus.  When you have finished with your hypothesis, check it to be sure it has the following criteria:

  1. It is written in the form of a concise statement.
  2. It reflects a position being taken by the writer.
  3. It is arguable, and a contrary position can be taken.
  4. It requires research to determine whether or not it is true.
  5. It is a significant matter to social scientists.
  6. It is a complex notion, dealing with a number of variables.
  7. It is not written in the first person.
  8. It can be tested.

 

STEP 3: Test it against the Criteria

Take your hypothesis and check to see if it has the criteria listed in Step Two.  If it doesn’t you need to take another look at your hypothesis.  You should rework it so it fits but be sure not to lose your focus. 

 

Honours Thesis Course IDP 4U1

Developing Research Questions

 

In order to be effective in your research you need to have an effective set of research questions to guide you in your studies.  These questions must be informed.  They should be based on your research so far along with your hypothesis. 

 

STEP 1:  Look over your material

Before you can begin creating research questions you should look over your research so far to see where you are going.

 

STEP 2:  Creating your questions

Your questions are very important to your research because they are your guide to getting the answers you need.  They must be focused and insightful.  The following are four major types of questions you can ask in your research: 

Ø      Factual Questions

These questions have right and wrong answers that tend to be accepted by most people in the field.  These questions usually begin with, “who,” “what,” “where,” or “when.”  They provide a good base for information on the subject you are pursuing.  These questions are quite effective for background information.

 

Ø      Clarification Questions

These questions attempt to narrow the focus of the research and eliminate misunderstandings about the meaning of terms being used. 

 

Ø      Interpretive Questions

Researchers use these questions to focus on the meaning of their research.  Quite often these questions allow the researcher to take a side on the issue.  It is important to note that the same question could be answered quite differently by two different researchers depending on their hypothesis and their research so far.  The important part however, is ensuring that the researcher backs their answer up with information from their research. 

 

Ø      Inquiry Questions

Researchers often develop these questions to look for related factors within their research.  These questions often have more than one correct answer, and normally require considerable research to answer properly.  Eg. What are some of the major factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency in society?

 

STEP 3:   Have your questions checked by a partner

In this step you will have a partner check your questions for you to ensure they are focused and appropriate to your topic.  They will look to see if you have the appropriate types of questions and if they are concise with a clear direction.

 

 Honours Thesis Course IDP 4U1                                                         NAME:  ________________________________

Step 2:  Developing a Hypothesis & Research Questions


Achievement:  Knowledge / Thinking                                   TOTAL:              marks

 

TOPIC:

 

 

 

OVERVIEW OF TOPIC: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


CONTROVERSIAL QUESTION(S) REGARDING TOPIC:

 

 

 

 

 

HYPOTHESIS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

You should have a minimum of TWO (2) questions of each type for your research.  These questions should be clear and relate to your hypothesis.  Remember, they should guide you in your research not confuse you.

 

Ø      Factual Questions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ø      Clarification Questions

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ø      Interpretive Questions

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ø      Inquiry Questions