Page 32 - SREENARAYANAGURU OPEN UNIVERSITY

methodologies aimed at gathering first-hand data. This literature
type provides evidence-based findings, empirical support, and
empirical insights into specific research questions or hypotheses.

1.2.4 Hypothesis

When a researcher observes known facts and undertakes an
analysis of a problem, he must begin somewhere, and this point
◆ Tentative of start is the hypothesis. In other words, once the problem at
assumptions hand has been determined, one must move on to developing
preliminary solutions. These proposed solutions or explanations
form the hypothesis, which the researcher then tests using facts
that are already known or can be made known. Hypotheses are
not given to us readymade. This is especially true in the social
sciences, where many areas of its subject matter do not yet have
highly developed theoretical systems that provide fruitful bases
for hypothesis formulation. As a result, in social science at least,
a significant portion of research effort is understandably directed
toward hypothesis generation rather than hypothesis testing. As
a result, it is important to remember that research can begin with
a well-formulated hypothesis (during the planning stage of the
research) or it can end with a hypothesis (at a later stage)
According to Rummel and Balline, “Hypothesis is a statement
capable of being tested and thereby verified or rejected”.
Webster says “A hypothesis is a preposition, condition or
principle which is assumed, perhaps, without belief, in order to
draw out its logical consequences and by this method to test its
accord with facts which are known or may be determined”.
◆ One dependent
and independent 1.2.4.1 Types of Hypotheses
variable There are six forms of hypothesis and they are:

a. Simple hypothesis
It demonstrates the relationship between one dependent
variable and one independent variable. For example, if you
◆ Two or more eat more leafy vegetables, you will lose weight faster. Here,
dependent and eating more leafy vegetables is an independent variable,
independent variable while losing weight is the dependent variable.

b. Complex hypothesis
It depicts the interaction of two or more dependent variables
and two or more independent variables. For example,
consumption of more vegetables and fruits results in weight
loss, glowing skin, and a lower risk of many diseases,
◆ Effect and its including heart disease.
direction

26 SGOU - SLM -MCom Research Methodology