How To Find The Hypothesis in Evidence Based Research Paper
Vic Hunter
In evidence-based research papers, the hypothesis is a crucial element that outlines the researcher's expectations or predictions regarding the relationship between variables or the outcomes of the study. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to identify or formulate the hypothesis in an evidence-based research paper:
Understand the Research Question:
- Start by clearly understanding the research question. What are you trying to investigate or explore?
Review Background Literature:
- Conduct a thorough review of existing literature related to your research question. This will help you identify gaps in knowledge and understand the current state of research in your area.
Identify Variables:
- Clearly identify the independent and dependent variables in your study. The independent variable is what you manipulate or control, and the dependent variable is what you measure.
Formulate a Research Question:
- Based on your understanding of the literature and the identified variables, formulate a clear research question. The hypothesis should directly address this question.
Consider the Directional Aspect:
- Decide whether your hypothesis is directional or non-directional. A directional hypothesis predicts the direction of the relationship between variables, while a non-directional hypothesis simply suggests that there is a relationship without specifying the direction.
Use Clear Language:
- Formulate your hypothesis using clear and concise language. Avoid jargon or overly complex wording. It should be easily understandable to your target audience.
State Null and Alternative Hypotheses:
- In most cases, you'll have both a null hypothesis (H0) and an alternative hypothesis (H1). The null hypothesis typically states that there is no effect or no relationship, while the alternative hypothesis asserts the opposite.
Be Specific:
- Make your hypothesis specific and testable. Avoid vague statements that are difficult to measure or assess.
Consider the Type of Study:
- The type of study design (e.g., experimental, observational) may influence how you formulate your hypothesis. For experimental studies, you'll be testing the effect of an intervention, while observational studies may focus on correlations or associations.
Discuss with Peers or Advisors:
- Before finalizing your hypothesis, discuss it with peers, advisors, or colleagues. Getting feedback can help ensure that your hypothesis is well-formulated and aligns with the goals of your research.
Remember that the hypothesis is a critical element of the scientific method, guiding the research process and providing a basis for drawing conclusions. It should be developed based on a solid understanding of existing knowledge in the field and be subject to testing through empirical research.
Professional Academic Writing Service 👈
Check our previous article: How To Figure Out a Thesis