Research Methods Handout (Variables and Hypothesis) Variable It is a concept.

. It is a noun that stands for variation within a class of objects, such as chair, gender, eye color, achievement, motivation, etc. Even spunk, or lifestyle is a variable. Otherwise, is called a constant. It means a member is identical with the other member of a class.

Independent versus Dependent Variables Independentone that the researcher chooses to study in order to assess its possible effects on one or more other variable. Dependentone that the independent variable is presumed TO AFFECT.

For example, in a study that determine the relationship between childhood success in a subject and adult career choice would likely have the former as independent variable and subsequent career choice as the dependent variable. It is possible to investigate more than one independent (and also more than one dependent) variable in a study. Hypothesis A hypothesis is a prediction of some sort regarding possible outcomes of a study. Here are some examples: Question: Will students who are taught (subject/course) by a teacher of the same gender like the subject more than students taught by a teacher of a different gender? Hypothesis: Students taught by a teacher of the same gender will like the (subject more than students taught (subject/course) by a teacher of a different gender. Advantages of stating the hypothesis It forces one to think more deeply and specifically about the possible outcomes of a study It enables one to make specific predictions based on prior evidence or theoretical argument It helps one to see if he is or is not investigating a relationship. If not he may possibly see a need to formulate one. Disadvantages of hypothesis Stating a hypothesis may lead to a bias, either conscious or unconscious, on the part of the researcher. Once there is hypothesis, researcher may be tempted to arrange the procedures or manipulated the data in such a way as to bring about a desired outcome.

It may sometimes be unnecessary, or even inappropriate, in research projects of certain types, such as descriptive surveys and ethnographic studies. In many such studies, it would be unduly presumptuous, as well as futile, to predict what the findings of the inquiry will be. It may prevent from noticing other phenomena that might be important to study.

Types of Hypotheses Null Hypotheses (Ho) and alternative Hypotheses (H1)

Null hypothesis: a non-directional statement of a condition between two variables. It states that there is no significant difference between two parameters. Example: There is no significant difference between scores obtained by respondents who viewed the soundslide set and the scores of the respondents who did not view the soundslide set Alternative hypothesis; a unidirectional statement of a relationship between variables. Example: Respondents who view the soundslide set will tend to obtain higher scores than respondents who will not view the soundslide set. The alternative hypothesis is also known as research hypothesis or substantive hypothesis In brief, the research hypothesis states a relationship between 2 or more variables that the research predicts will emerge. The null hypothesis states that no relationship exists between the variables concerned and that any observed relation is only a function of chance. Points to Remember about Hypothesis The purpose of deriving a hypothesis is to deduce the consequences. You do not test the hypothesis, you test the consequences. Therefore, the condition if this is so, then that will be. It is very important to be able to recognize the consequences of a hypothesis. Hypotheses are not supposed to be proven, they are supposed to be confirmed. Also hypotheses can no verify; but they make possibility statements. A hypothesis should be stated simply. Most researchers tend to state hypothesis with sophistication, but it is important that hypothetical statements are made simply enough. The simpler the hypothesis is stated, the easier it is to confirm or falsify.

Reference: Librero, F.L. 2009. How to Write a Thesis Proposal. Some practical guidelines. UPLB. College, Laguna. Philippines