People Test Hypotheses? A Hypothesis

¶ … people test hypotheses?

A hypothesis is a statement that predicts the outcome of an experiment or research. Every experiment must have a hypothesis statement which shows the aim of an experiment. It is usually an educated guess and indicates the expectations of a researcher. Carrying out a number of experiments, can either approve or disapprove a hypothesis Moschopoulos & Davidson, 1985.

A hypothesis is formed after literature study has been finished and the problem of the study stated. There are different types of hypothesis these include, Inductive hypothesis, based on specific observation, deductive hypothesis provides evidence that expands, supports or contradicts a theory. Non-directional hypothesis states the relationship or difference between variables, directional hypothesis defines the desired direction of the relation or difference between the variables. Null hypothesis states that there is either a significant difference between variables or no significant relationship between the variables Dembo & Peres, 1994()

Hypothesis should be specific while its concept should be clear. One should be able to test a hypothesis and should be related to the theory. A hypothesis should recognize certain variables, must be verifiable and must be in simple terms made easy to understand.

For example, in the article about the changing roles of teachers in an era of high stakes accountability, it is hypothesized that the teachers have changing roles as high stakes accountability becomes increasingly pervasive in their day-to-day work. In the second article on the supervisor perceptions of the quality of troops to teachers program, the hypothesis is that the T3 program increases the professional education level of the teachers and has a positive impact on the achievement of students.

Theory

A theory is a statement or a principle that has been well established so as to explain and describe the cause and effect of a certain research investigation. A theory summarizes a hypothesis .These hypotheses have been accepted to be true by a number of experiments. A theory is what hypotheses become when they are accepted to be true. A theory remains valid until evidence that disputes it arises. Some of the scientific theories that are true include Newton's theory of gravity. This theory has proved to be true because it has enabled man to send others to the moon and even launch satellites. Other theories include Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism, periodic table theory, Einstein's theory of relativity, Quantum theory and Darwin's theory of evolution. These theories have been tested and accepted by the scientific community. Components of a theory can be improved on upon further experiments in the future or changed, but the overall truth of the theory is not changed Loosen, 1997()

Sources of theories and hypothesis

The activities that happen in our daily life may serve as a source for developing a hypothesis. An example of a hypothesis is ultra violet light may cause skin cancer'. Ultra violet light affects many people, and several experiments may be done to either support or disapprove the hypothesis. Approval of the hypothesis forms a theory that people who are highly exposed to ultra violet light have higher chances of getting skin cancer. Theories on some scientific approach may serve as sources for theories. Observation of people's behavior may lead to development of hypothesis. This includes looking at how people dress during certain times or what they do at certain times of the year. Results obtained over a research or experiment may lead to development of a theory. Experience of the scientists in their work may be a source of hypothesis and theory. Many things happen around that nobody can explain them scientifically. The scientists come with a hypothesis about something and do numerous tests and observations to know how some things happen Eberhardt, 2003()

Role of hypothesis and theory