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1. 12.7 Sources of Hypothesis

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2. 12.4 Definitions of Hypothesis
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3. 12.3 Meaning
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4. 13.5 Sources of Deriving Hypothesis
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5. 13.1 Learning Objectives
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6. 12.13 Errors in Testing Hypothesis
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7. 13.10 Relevance and Significance of Hypothesis in Research
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8. 13.4 Characteristics of a Useful Hypothesis
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9. 13.7 Problems in Formulating the Hypothesis
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10. 13.11 Importance of Hypothesis in Legal Research
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11. 12.8 Elements of a Good Hypothesis
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12. 12.9 Problems in Formulating Hypothesis
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13. 13.12 Conclusion
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14. 12.10 Stages in Formulating Hypothesis
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15. 13.9 Testing of Hypothesis
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16. 12.12 Importance, Significance, Role, Utility or Need of Hypothesis
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17. 12.14 Conclusion
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18. 12.1 Learning Objectives
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19. 13.3 Definitions

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20. 13.6 Process for the Formulation of Hypothesis
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21. 12.5 Characteristics of Hypothesis
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22. 12.11 Types of Hypotheses
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23. CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH
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24. 12.6 Functions of Hypothesis
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25. 13.8 Types of Hypothesis
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26. 13.2 Introduction
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27. CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW
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 CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

Prof. (Dr.) Pawan Kumar1

Dr. Shikha Dhiman2

1 Professor and Head, Department of Laws, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Laws, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.

End of Document
 12.1 Learning Objectives
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

12.1 Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you will be familiar with:

• Meaning and definition of hypothesis

• Function of hypothesis
• The characteristics of a hypothesis
• Sources of hypothesis
• Uses of hypothesis
• Problems in formulating hypothesis
• Types of hypothesis
• Importance, significance, role, utility or need of hypothesis
• Errors in testing hypothesis12.2 Introduction

Research is a piece of one’s work in order to come out with some new theory or make an addition in the existing
piece of literature. Research in any field is an ongoing process. It involves a series of steps to be followed. The
research begins with identification and formulation of research problem. Once the problem is formulated, the next
step is reviewing of the literature which tells the researcher as to what all research has already been done on the
formulated topic and what new can be added to it. After reviewing the existing literature, the very next step is the
forming of hypothesis. Hypothesis is a statement which is made on the basis of existing literature. The framing of
hypothesis is one of the essential steps because unless hypothesis is framed, the researcher will not be able to
understand as to in which direction he wants to proceed with, what variables exist in his research topic and whether
his tentative supposition turns out to be a proved one or disproved one.

End of Document
 12.3 Meaning
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

12.3 Meaning
A hypothesis is a statement temporarily accepted as true in the light of what is, at the time, known as phenomenon,
and it is employed as a basis for action in search of new truth. A hypothesis is a tentative assumption drawn from
knowledge and theory which is used as a guide in the investigation of other facts and theories that are yet unknown.
It is a supposition or tentative inference as to the existence of some fact, condition or relationship relative to some
phenomenon which serves to explain such facts as already are unknown to exist in a given area of research and to
guide the search for new truth. But it is pertinent to mention here that hypothesis is not just a guess; rather, it is
based on some existing theories and knowledge.

Generally, a hypothesis states what we are looking for. It is considered to be a forward-looking process.

Also, a hypothesis is an assumption or proposition whose tenability is to be tested on the basis of compatibility of its
implication with empirical evidence and with previous knowledge. On being put to test to determine its validity, it
may come out to be proved or disproved. For any research questions, hypothesis acts as a tentative answer that
has to be tested yet.

Hypothesis gives a point of enquiry. It makes the enquiry more specific and to the point. In the absence of
hypothesis, the researcher is like a sailor on the wide sea without compass or radar.

Furthermore, hypothesis helps in deciding the direction in which to proceed as it is the starting point of research. It
helps in selecting pertinent facts and drawing some specific conclusion as a result of which it raises the standard of
research. The adjective hypothetical, meaning “having the nature of a hypothesis,” or “being assumed to exist as an
immediate consequence of a hypothesis,” can refer to any of these meanings of the term “hypothesis.” In a related
but distinguishable usage, the term hypothesis is used for the antecedent of a proposition; thus, in proposition “If P,
then Q”, P denotes the hypothesis (or antecedent); Q can be called a consequent. P is the assumption in a
(possibly counterfactual) What If question.

End of Document
 12.4 Definitions of Hypothesis
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

12.4 Definitions of Hypothesis

Some of the scholars have given different definitions of hypothesis according to their own interpretation.

According to Kerlinger, A hypothesis is a conjectural statement of the relationship between two or more variables.

According to Webster’s New International Dictionary of English Language, hypothesis is “a proposition, 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”.

According to Grinnell and Stothers, hypothesis is “A hypothesis is written in such a way that it can be proven or
disproven by valid and reliable data, it is in order to obtain these data that we perform our study”.

According to Black and Champion, hypothesis is “A tentative statement about something, the validity of which is
usually unknown”.

According to Bailey, hypothesis is “A proposition that is stated in a testable form and that predicts a particular
relationship between two (or more) variables”.

End of Document
 12.5 Characteristics of Hypothesis
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

12.5 Characteristics of Hypothesis

There are a number of considerations to keep in mind when constructing a hypothesis, as they are important for
verification.

(a) Hypothesis Is a Tentative Supposition: This implies that hypothesis is a statement which is just a
tentative one. It is just an assumption given by the researcher after reviewing the exiting literature. Such an
assumption can only be made if the researcher knows as to what all research has already been done and
what new research he can add into it.
(b) Hypothesis Should Be Simple, Precise and Conceptually Clear: There should not be any ambiguity in
the construction of a hypothesis, as ambiguity will make the verification of hypothesis almost impossible. It
is also very important that the hypothesis should be properly expressed. The concept of hypothesis should
be general which means that it should be related to commonly accepted principles but it does not mean
that new hypothesis cannot be formulated. New Hypothesis can be formulated, but in such cases new
terms and, their meanings should be made clear.
(c) Hypothesis Should Be Capable of Verification: The hypothesis should be such as can be put to
empirical test. Empirical test is the basis of objectivity which is very essential for any scientific method.
Methods and techniques must be available for data collection and analysis. There is no point in formulating
a hypothesis if it cannot be subjected to verification because there are no techniques to verify it; however,
one can formulate a hypothesis if in the process of research, new techniques are developed to verify it.
(d) Hypothesis Should Be Related to the Body of Knowledge: This is a very important function of research
that hypothesis should emerge from the existing body of knowledge.
(e) Hypothesis Should Be Operationalizable: It means that hypothesis can be expressed in terms that can
be measured. If it cannot be measured, it cannot be tested and, hence, no conclusion can be drawn which
is the spirit of every research.
(f) Hypothesis Should Be Specific: To formulate or to develop hypothesis, one must be familiar with the
concerned subject area. The more insight one has into a problem, the easier it is to construct a hypothesis.
(g) Validity of Hypothesis Is Unknown: The validity of hypothesis is usually unknown because the
researcher himself doesn’t know as to whether the hypothesis is going to be proved or disproved. Just
making an assumption will not lead to framing any validity.
(h) Hypothesis Specifies a Relationship Between Two or More Variables: Variables in hypothesis are very
significant. There are different types of variables that are present in hypothesis, such as dependent
variables, independent variables, controlled variables, etc.

End of Document
 12.6 Functions of Hypothesis
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

12.6 Functions of Hypothesis

While some researchers believe that to conduct a study requires a hypothesis, having a hypothesis is not essential.
However, a hypothesis is important in terms of bringing clarity to the research problem.

The process of testing a hypothesis is as:

Phase I Phase II Phase III

Formulating assumption. Collect the required data. Analyse data to draw conclusions about
the assumption—true or false

Specifically, the functions of hypothesis are as follows:

(a) Hypothesis mainly functions as a starting point of investigation in research.

(b) The formulation of a hypothesis provides a study with focus. It tells what specific aspects of a research
problem are to be investigated.
(c) A hypothesis tells what data to collect and what not to collect, thereby providing focus to the study.
(d) As it provides a focus, the construction of a hypothesis enhances objectivity in a study.
(e) A hypothesis may enable to add to the formulation of theory. It enables to specifically conclude what is true
or what is false.
(f) Hypothesis provides the researcher with a direction. It builds up the direction where the researcher has to
work upon.
(g) Hypothesis assists the researcher in making some observations and experiments practicable and possible
during the research.
(h) It also helps in the verification of observations that further leads to the proving or disproving of hypothesis.

End of Document
 12.7 Sources of Hypothesis
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

12.7 Sources of Hypothesis

Goode and Hatt have given the following sources of hypothesis:

(1) A General Culture—The general pattern of culture helps not only to formulate a hypothesis, but also to
guide its trend.
(2) Scientific Theory—Theory gives us the basic idea of what has been found to be correct and the
knowledge of the theory leads us to form further generalisation and these generalisations form a part of
hypothesis.
(3) Analogies—Sometimes a hypothesis is formed from the analogy. A similarity between two phenomena is
observed and hypothesis is found to test whether the two phenomena are similar in any other respect.
(4) Personal Experience—Hypothesis is formulated according to the way in which an individual reacts to
culture, science and analogy. The facts will be true but the hypothesis may be formulated when a rightful
individual sees it in a rightful perspective.

Wilkinson and Bhandarkar give the following major sources of hypothesis:

(1) The history of science provides an eloquent testimony to the fact that personal experiences of the scientist
contribute a great deal to the type and form of question he may ask.
(2) Analogies are often a fountainhead of valuable hypothesis.
(3) Hypothesis may rest also on the findings of other studies.
(4) A hypothesis may stem from a body of theory.

End of Document
 12.8 Elements of a Good Hypothesis
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

12.8 Elements of a Good Hypothesis

Whenever the researcher is to frame the hypothesis for his research work, there are few essential elements that
every researcher must keep in his mind. Following questions need to be asked before framing a hypothesis:

a. Is the hypothesis based on research topic?

b. Is the hypothesis framed after reviewing the existing literature?
c. Is the hypothesis feasible for testing and verification?
d. Does the hypothesis include dependent and independent variables?

End of Document
 12.9 Problems in Formulating Hypothesis
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

12.9 Problems in Formulating Hypothesis

The main difficulties in formulating the hypothesis according to Goode and Hatt are:

(a) Absence of clear theoretical framework.

(b) Lack of ability to utilize that theoretical framework logically; and
(c) Failure to be acquainted with available research techniques so as to be able to phrase the hypothesis
properly.

End of Document
 12.10 Stages in Formulating Hypothesis
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

12.10 Stages in Formulating Hypothesis

The following are the main stages of hypothesis:

(a) The researcher has first to observe the phenomena and form a question accordingly.
(b) He should identify the reflection that is the cause and consequence of the phenomena.
(c) He should logically deduct the fact relating the phenomena.
(d) He should keep it ready for verification with the empirical situation.

End of Document
 12.11 Types of Hypotheses
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

12.11 Types of Hypotheses

The kinds of hypotheses can be explained in many ways taking the base on which they are classified. One type of
hypothesis asserts that something is the case in a given instance that a particular object, person or situation has
particular characteristics. Another type deals with the frequency of occurrences or of association among variables.
Yet another type of hypothesis asserts that a particular characteristic is one of the factors which determine another
characteristic and that is known as causal hypothesis. There are hypotheses stating relationships. Some specify
functions and lastly, null hypothesis studies the non-existence of the relationship between variables.

Hypothesis can be divided into two broad categories. Generally, any assumption that one seeks to validate through
an inquiry is called hypothesis. Hence, theoretically there should be only one type of hypothesis, that is, the
research hypothesis—the basis of investigation. However, because of the convention in scientific inquiries and
because of the wordings used in the construction of a hypothesis, hypothesis can be classified into several types as
stated above. Broadly there are two categories of hypothesis:

1. Research hypothesis.

2. Alternate hypothesis.

The formulation of an alternate hypothesis is a conversion in scientific circles. Its main function is to explicitly
specify the relationship that will be considered as true in case the research hypothesis proves to be wrong. In a
way, an alternate hypothesis is the opposite of the research hypothesis. Again, conventionally, a null hypothesis, or
hypothesis of no difference, is formulated as an alternate hypothesis.

Let us take an example. Suppose one wants to test the effect different combinations of maternal and child health
care service (MCH) and nutrition supplements (NS) have on the infant mortality rate. In this example, there are
several ways of formulating hypothesis as follows:

(1) There will be no difference in the level of infant mortality among the different treatment modalities.
(2) The MCH and NS treatment group will register a great decline in infant mortality than the MCH, the NS
treatment or the control group.
(3) Infant mortality in the MCH treatment group will reach a level of 30/1000 over five years.
 Page 2 of 3
12.11 Types of Hypotheses

(4) Decline in the infant mortality rate will be three times greater in the MCH treatment group than in the NS,
one over five years.

Let us take another example. Suppose one wants to study the smoking pattern in a community in relation to gender
differentials. The following hypothesis could be constructed:

(1) There is no significant difference in the proportion of male and female smoker in the study population.
(2) A greater proportion of females than males are smokers in the study population.
(3) A total of 60% of females and 30% of males in the study population are smokers.
(4) There are twice as many female smokers as male smokers in the study population.

In both sets of examples, the way the first hypothesis has been formulated indicates that there is no difference
either in the extent of the impact of different treatment modalities on the infant mortality rate or in the proportion of
male and female smokers. When one constructs a hypothesis stipulating that there is no difference between two
situations, groups, outcomes, or the prevalence of a condition of phenomenon, this is called a null hypothesis and is
usually written as H0.

The second hypothesis in each example implies that there is a difference either in the extent of the impact of
different treatment modalities on infant mortality or in the proportion of male and female smokers among the
population, though the extent of a difference is not specified. A hypothesis in which a researcher stipulates that
there will be a difference but does not specify its magnitude is called a hypothesis of difference.

A researcher may have enough knowledge about the smoking behaviour of the community or the treatment
program and its likely outcomes to speculate almost the exact prevalence of the situation or the outcome of a
treatment program in quantitative units. Examine the third hypothesis in both sets of examples: the level of infant
mortality is 30/1000 and the proportion of female and male smokers is 60% and 30% respectively. This type of
hypothesis is known as hypothesis of point-prevalence.

The fourth hypothesis in both sets of examples speculates a relationship between the impact of different
combinations of MCH and ND programs on the dependent variables (infant mortality) or the relationship between
the prevalence of a phenomenon (smoking) among different populations (male and female). This type of hypothesis
stipulates the extent of the relationship in terms of the effect of different treatment groups on the dependent
variables (three times greater in the MCH treatment group than in the NS one over five years) or the prevalence of
the phenomenon in different population groups (twice as many females as male smokers). This type of hypothesis
is called a hypothesis of association.

There may be some confusion about null and research hypothesis. The null hypothesis is also classified as
hypothesis of no difference under research hypothesis. Any type of hypothesis, including a null-hypothesis, can
become the basis of inquiry. When a null hypothesis becomes the basis of an investigation, it becomes a research
hypothesis.

Apart from the abovementioned types, hypothesis can be further categorised into different categories. These are
stated as under:

(a) Basic Hypothesis or Simple Hypothesis: This type of hypothesis shows the relationship between
independent variable (cause) and dependent variable (effect). For instance, if a person will eat more junk
food, he will gain more weight. In this, eating more junk food is an independent variable and gaining weight
is dependent variable.
(b) Complex Hypothesis: In this type of hypothesis, there are two or more than two variables present. For
example, eating fruits and vegetables leads to glowing skin, weight loss and reduction of risk of any other
diseases.
(c) Directional Hypothesis: This type of hypothesis provides a researcher with a direction. Such hypothesis
depicts the effect and the direction of such effect. It guides the researcher as to in which direction he needs
to proceed with.
(d) Non-Directional Hypothesis: This type of hypothesis is generally used when there exists no theory as such.
It does not help the researcher with any direction for proceeding further.
 Page 3 of 3
12.11 Types of Hypotheses

(e) Empirical Hypothesis or Working Hypothesis: This form of hypothesis is considered to be an assumption
only which is made during the formulation stage. It provides for some changes that move around the
independent variables. For example: Cotton clothes are always comfortable in summers than velvet
clothes.
(f) Statistical Hypothesis: This type of hypothesis could be logical or illogical but it depends once the static will
be verified. For example: Vitamin D is good for health. Now, the researcher has to test this hypothesis on a
certain group of people to verify it.
(g) Associative and Causal Hypothesis: Associative hypothesis is the one which predicts an associative
relationship between variables. There is a change in one variable leading to the change in another
variable. However, causal hypothesis is the one in which independent variable is expected to cause a
change in the dependent variable in natural settings without any sort of manipulation.

End of Document
 12.12 Importance, Significance, Role, Utility or Need of Hypothesis
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

12.12 Importance, Significance, Role, Utility or Need of Hypothesis

Hypothesis has a very important place in research although it occupies a very small place in the body of a thesis. It
is almost impossible for a research worker not to have one or more hypothesis before proceeding with his work. If
he is not capable of formulating a hypothesis about his problem, he may not be ready to undertake the
investigation. The aimless collection of data is not likely to lead him anywhere. The importance of hypothesis can be
more specifically stated as under:

• It provides direction to research. It defines what is relevant or what is irrelevant. Thus, it prevents review of
irrelevant literature and the collection of useless or excess data. It not only prevents wastage in the
collection of data, but also ensures the collection of the data necessary to answer the question posed in
the statement of the problem.
• It sensitizes the investigator to certain aspects of situations which are relevant from the standpoint of the
problem in hand. It spells the difference between precision and haphazardness, between fruitful and
fruitless result.
• It is the guide to a thinking process and the process of discovery. It is the investigator’s eye—a sort of
guiding light in the world of darkness.
• It focuses research. Without it research would be like a random and aimless wandering.
• It prevents blind research and prevents indiscriminate gathering of data which may later turn out to be
irrelevant.
• It sensitises the individual to facts and conditions that might otherwise be overlooked.
• It places clear and specific goals before us. These clear and specific goals provide the investigator with a
basis of selecting samples and research procedures to meet these goals.
• It serves the function of linking together related facts and information and organising them into one
comprehensible whole.
• It enables the investigator to understand his problem profile and its ramifications. It further enables a
researcher to clarify the procedures and methods to be used in solving his problem and to rule out
methods which are incapable of providing the necessary data.
• It serves as a framework for drawing conclusions. It makes possible the interpretation of data in light of
tentative proposition or provisional guess. It provides the outline for setting conclusions in a meaningful
way.

End of Document
 12.13 Errors in Testing Hypothesis
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

12.13 Errors in Testing Hypothesis

As already mentioned, a hypothesis is an assumption that may prove to be either correct or incorrect. It is possible
to arrive at an incorrect conclusion about a hypothesis for various reasons. Incorrect conclusions about the validity
of a hypothesis may be drawn if:

• The study design selected is faulty;

• The sampling procedure adopted is faulty;
• The method of data-collection is faulty;
• The analysis is wrong;
• The statistical procedures applied are inappropriate; or
• The conclusions drawn are incorrect.

End of Document
 12.14 Conclusion
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 12 RELEVANCE OF HYPOTHESIS: AN OVERVIEW

12.14 Conclusion
Hypothesis, though important, is not essential for a study. A perfectly valid study can be conducted without
constructing a single hypothesis. Hypothesis is important for bringing clarity, specificity and focus to a research
study. A hypothesis is a speculative statement that is subjected to verification through a research study. In
formulating a hypothesis, it is important to ensure that it is simple, specific, conceptually clear, able to be verified,
rooted in a body of knowledge and able to be operationalised. The study of hypothesis for logical consistency is a
phase of thinking. It consists of checking the logical character of reasoning by which the consequences of
hypothesis are deduced for verification. In the second place, the study of hypothesis for logical consistency involves
checking for the agreement with the already known laws of nature. It must not conflict with the highest and simplest
laws of good thinking and it must not disagree with those principles of science which are considered valid beyond
reasonable doubt. The suggested inferences are tested in thought, for logical coherence, before they are tested in
action. A hypothesis is never proved; it is merely sustained or rejected. If it fails to meet the test of its validity, it
must be modified or rejected. A hypothesis can be useful even if it is partially incorrect. The negative instances
which occur require only clarification and refinement of the hypothesis rather than its outright rejection.

End of Document
 CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN
RESEARCH
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

Dr. Arneet Kaur1

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Laws, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.

End of Document
 13.1 Learning Objectives
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

13.1 Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you will be familiar with:

• Definition of hypothesis
• Characteristics of a useful hypothesis
• Sources of deriving hypothesis
• Process for the formulation of hypothesis
• Problems in formulating the hypothesis
• Types of hypothesis
• Testing of hypothesis
• Relevance and significance of hypothesis in research
• Importance of hypothesis in legal research

End of Document
 13.2 Introduction
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

13.2 Introduction
If we have to proceed towards some destination for which we do not know the way, we try to form an idea about the
direction to proceed and by trial and error, we reach that goal. This primary idea is called a “hypothesis”. Ordinarily,
when one talks about hypothesis, one simply means a mere assumption or some supposition to be proved or
disproved. But for a researcher, hypothesis is a formal question that he intends to resolve.2 In other words, it is
tentative answer to his research problem. When we have to conduct a research, the first step we have to take is the
identification and formulation of the research problem. After the selection of the problem, the next step is to
formulate a hypothesis. Every scientific research is a step with the statement of a noble problem. Science
addresses itself only to solvable problems. An investigator suggests tentative solution of problems in the form of
testable proposition, which is called a hypothesis. “Therefore, a hypothesis is nothing but suggested testable
answer to a problem. Enlarging on this meaning of a hypothesis, we may say: a hypothesis is a testable relationship
between two or more than two variables”.3

In its most elementary stage, the hypothesis may be any hunch, guess, imaginative idea which becomes the basis
for action or investigation.4 It provides a focal point for research. It helps in delimiting the area of research and
keeps the researcher on the right track. On the basis of what we know, we believe it to be true. It is just a rough
idea. It remains disputed and undecided until and unless practical experience, observation, and experiment show
us that it is true. Then it becomes a theory. Let us take some examples:

• Trade union leaders are agents of social change.

• Harijans in India and the blacks in the United States, are equally socially deprived.

Such statements, before they have been verified, are hypothesis. Unless it has been properly tested and verified, a
hypothesis is not necessarily true. In case it stands for in the face of such confrontation, it is accepted and
incorporated into the scientific body of knowledge. Otherwise, it may be modified or rejected, depending upon the
availability of evidence for or against it. There ought to be no reluctance to reject a hypothesis, if it is necessary.

Now let us take a slightly different example. Suppose you work in the area of public health. Your clinical impression
is that a higher rate of a particular condition prevails among people coming from a specific population subgroup.
You want to find out the probable cause of this condition. There could be many causes. To explore every
conceivable possibility would require an enormous amount of time and resources. Hence, to narrow the choice,
based on your knowledge of the field, you could identify what you assume to be the most probable cause. You
could then design a study to collect the information needed to verify your hunch. If on verification you were able to
conclude that the assumed cause was the real cause of the conditions, your assumption would have been right.

As a researcher you do not know about a phenomenon, a situation, the prevalence of a condition in a population or
about the outcome of a program, but you do have a hunch to form the basis of certain assumptions or guesses. You
test these by collecting information that will enable you to conclude if your hunch was right. The verification process
can have one of the three outcomes. Your hunch may prove to be:
 Page 2 of 2
13.2 Introduction

(1) right;
(2) partially right; or
(3) wrong.

Without this process of verification, you cannot conclude anything about the validity of your assumption. Hence, a
hypothesis is a hunch, assumption, suspicion, assertion or an idea about a phenomenon, relationship or situation,
the reality or truth of which you do not know.5 Hypothesis is expressed in the form of relation between independent
and dependent variables.6 The importance of hypothesis lies in their ability to bring direction, specificity and focus to
a research study. Therefore, this research paper will analyse in detail the concept, significance and functions of
hypothesis as without formulation of hypothesis a research is unfocussed.

2 C M Kothari, Research Methodology, 3rd Reprint, Wiley Eastern Ltd, New Delhi, 1988, p 254.
3 A K Singh, Measurement and Research Methods in Behavioural Science, Bharti Bhawan, Patna, 2004, p 356.
4 H N Tiwari, Legal Research Methodology, Allahabad Law Agency, 1997, p 134.
5 R Singh, Research Methodology, Dorling Kinderslay (India) Pvt Ltd, Delhi, 2005, p 74.
6 Chava Nachmias and David Nachmias, Research Methods in the Social Sciences, Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd,
London, 2nd Edn, 1985, p 63.

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 13.3 Definitions
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

13.3 Definitions
There are many definitions of a hypothesis given by various authors. According to Goode and Hart, “Hypothesis is
proposition which can be put to test to determine its validity”.7 Theodorson and Theodorson define hypothesis as “a
tentative statement asserting a relationship between certain facts”.8 In other definition, Black and Champion define
a hypothesis as, “tentative statement about something, the validity of which is usually unknown”.9 According to
Grinnel and Stothers, “a hypothesis is written in such a way that it can be proved or disproven by valid and reliable
data—it is in order to obtain these data that we perform our study”.10 Whereas according to Kerlinger, “A hypothesis
is a conjectural statement of the relationship between two or more variable”.11

From the above definitions, it is apparent that a hypothesis has certain characteristics:

(1) It is a tentative proposition;

(2) Its validity is unknown;
(3) In most cases, it specifies a relationship between two or more variables.

7 Goode and Hatt as quoted in S R Myneni, Legal Research Methodology, Allahabad Law Agency, Faridabad, 2004, p
88.
8 G A Theodorson, and A G Theodorson, A Modern Dictionary of Sociology, Thomas Y Crowell Co, New York, 1969, p
191.
9 J A Black and D J Champion, Methods and Issues in Social Research, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1976, p 126.
10 R G, Jr (ed), Social Work Research and Evaluation, F E Peacock Publishers, Itasca, Illinois, 1988, p 200.
11 F N Kerlinger, Foundations of Behavioral Research, Rinehart and Winston, Sydney, 1986, p 17.

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 13.4 Characteristics of a Useful Hypothesis
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Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

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CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

13.4 Characteristics of a Useful Hypothesis

Hypothesis expresses a relationship between two or more variables. To formulate a hypothesis, different variables
related to the problem should be identified. The variables are expressed as independent or causative variable,
dependent or effective variable and intervening variable. These relationships between variables are expressed in
the form of cause-effect relationship. The relationship can be positive, negative; full or partial. Hypothesis is an
explanation that needs to be established before it can be examined. A good hypothesis is one which is testable and
must be based directly on existing data. It might even be expected to predict or anticipate previously unknown data.
It is useful to examine the characteristics because that will enable us to construct a useful or workable hypothesis.

Goode and Hart have described the following characteristics of a good hypothesis:12

(1) It Must Be Conceptually Clear: This means that: (i) concepts should be defined lucidly, (ii) these should
be operationalised, (iii) these should be commonly accepted, and (iv) these should be communicable. In
the hypothesis, “as institutionalization increases, production decreases”, the concept is not easily
communicable.
(2) It Should Have Empirical Referents: This means that it should have variables which could be put to
empirical test, i.e., they should not merely be moral judgements. For example, “capitalists exploit workers”,
or “officers exploit subordinates”. This hypothesis cannot be considered useful hypothesis.
(3) It Should Be Specific: It should not be too vague or general. There is a general tendency to select
hypothesis that are too vast.
(4) It Should Be Related to Available Techniques, i.e., not only the researcher should be aware of the
techniques but these should be actually available.
(5) It should be related to a body of theory.

In addition to characteristics given by Goode and Hart, we can add a few more.

(1) Simple: It should have logical simplicity. P V Young says, “the more insight the researcher has into the
problem the simple will be his hypothesis about it”.13 It should be simple and to the point.
(2) Operationalisable: This means that it can be expressed in terms that can be measured. If it cannot be
measured, it cannot be tested and, hence, no conclusions can be drawn.
(3) Testable Within a Reasonable Time: Hypothesis should be amenable to testing within a reasonable time.
One should not use even an excellent hypothesis if the same cannot be tested in reasonable time for one
cannot spend a lifetime collecting data to test it.
(4) Refutable: It must be stated in such a way as to allow it to be refuted.
(5) Non-contradictory: It should be a non-contradictory one.
 Page 2 of 2
13.4 Characteristics of a Useful Hypothesis

(6) It should be closest to the things observable.

(7) It should state relationship between variables if it happens to be a relational hypothesis.

12 W J Goode and P K Hatt, Methods in Social Research, McGraw Hill, New York, 1952, p 67 as quoted in R Ahuja,
Research Methods, Rawat Publications, Jaipur, p 80.
13 Goode and Hatt as quoted in S R Myneni, Legal Research Methodology, Allahabad Law Agency, Faridabad, 2004, p
90.

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 13.5 Sources of Deriving Hypothesis
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CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

13.5 Sources of Deriving Hypothesis

Following sources have been identified for deriving hypothesis:

1. Cultural Values of Society: The culture prevalent in a society helps to formulate hypothesis. American culture,
for example, emphasises individualism, mobility, competition and equality, while Indian culture emphasises
tradition, collectivism, karma and un-attachment. Therefore, Indian cultural values enable us to develop and test the
following hypothesis:

(i) Divorce is used as a last resort by a woman to break her marriage.

(ii) Caste is related to voting behaviour among Indians.

2. Past Research: Hypothesis is often inspired by past research. For example, a researcher studying the problem
of student unrest may use the finding of another study that “students having spent two or three years in the
college/university take more interest in students’ problems in the campus, than freshers”. Such hypothesis could be
used either to replicate past studies or revise the hypothesis that the alleged correlation does not exist.

3. Folk Wisdom: Sometimes researchers get the idea of a hypothesis from commonly held lay beliefs.

4. Discussions and Conversations: Random observations during discussions and conversations and reflections
on life as a person throw light on events and issues.

5. Personal Experiences: Hypothesis can also be formulated to the way in which an individual reacts to culture,
science and analogy. Researchers very often see evidence of some behaviour pattern in their daily lives and
formulate hypothesis accordingly.

6. Intuition: Sometimes the investigators get a feeling from inside that certain phenomena are correlated. The
suspected correlation leads the investigator to hypothesise a relationship and conduct a study to see if his/her
suspicions are confirmed.

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 13.6 Process for the Formulation of Hypothesis
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

13.6 Process for the Formulation of Hypothesis

1. Observation: Observation is the first stage of formulating hypothesis.

2. Reflection: We see a number of child marriages and also find uneducated people there. Now, we anticipate a
relation which is based on experience. We then formulate an answer that child marriages are common among
uneducated people and this answer is hypothesis.

3. Deduction or Induction: In deductive thinking, the process goes from the general to the specific. This process
begins with general hypothesis and proceeds towards specific hypothesis. Induction is a process which goes from
specific to general. It begins with data and observations and proceeds towards hypothesis or theories.

4. Verification: This is the last stage or even post-hypothesis formulation. In this, we actually test our hypothesis to
solve our problem or difficulty.

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 13.7 Problems in Formulating the Hypothesis
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CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

13.7 Problems in Formulating the Hypothesis

Main difficulties to formulate the hypothesis according to Goode and Hatt are:14

(1) Absence of clear theoretical framework.

(2) Lack of ability to utilise that theoretical framework logically.
(3) Failure to be acquainted with available research techniques so as to be able to phrase the hypothesis
properly.

Despite these difficulties, the investigator attempts in his research to formulate a hypothesis. It is a creative task
and involves lot of thinking and imagination.

14 W J Goode and P K Hatt, Methods in Social Research, McGraw Hill, New York, 1952, p 67.

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 13.8 Types of Hypothesis
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Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

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CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

13.8 Types of Hypothesis

As explained, any assumption that you seek to validate through an inquiry is called a hypothesis. Hence,
theoretically, there should be only one type of hypothesis, that is, the research hypothesis—the basis of your
investigation. However, because of the conventions in scientific inquiries and because of the wording used in the
construction of a hypothesis, hypothesis can be classified into several types. Broadly, they can be classified into the
following categories:

(a) Working Hypothesis: Working hypothesis is a preliminary assumption of the researcher about the
research topic, particularly when sufficient information is not available to establish a hypothesis, and as a
step towards formulating the final research hypothesis.15 Working hypothesis is used to design the final
research plan, to place the research problem in its right context and to reduce the research topic to an
acceptable size. For example, in the field of corporate law, a researcher can formulate a working
hypothesis that “the liberalization policies of nineties lead to high tide of mergers and acquisitions in India.”
Later on, by collecting some preliminary data, a researcher can modify his hypothesis and take a research
hypothesis that “the liberalization policies of nineties lead to a high tide of cross border mergers and
acquisitions in India”.
(b) Research Hypothesis: It is a researcher’s proposition about some social fact without reference to its
particular attributes.16 Researcher believes that it is true and wants that should be proved, for eg, the
Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, has led a to rise in the number of sex selective abortions.
Research hypothesis may be derived from theories or may result in developing of theories.
(c) Descriptive Hypothesis: These describes, delineates or gives an account of the various characteristics of
objects by closely observing what is what. Such hypothesis enables us to grasp the phenomenon under
study.17 For example:

• Country ABC represses the creativity and motivation of its people.

• Trade unions in India are weak bargaining agencies, more interested in national politics.

(d) Relational Hypothesis: These explain how and why things are going on, by suggesting meaningful
interconnections between two or more objects. They account for variables in terms of other variables.18 For
example:

• If a country represses the creativity and motivation of its people, it will be economically
underdeveloped.

(e) Null Hypothesis: This means that there is zero or no relationship. It is often written H0 and is called “H
sub oh.” It is called the null hypothesis because it is an “empty” hypothesis, of no scientific interest to you.19
It is set up so that we can demolish it. It is believed to be false. Its rejection helps us to accept its
 Page 2 of 2
13.8 Types of Hypothesis

counterpart, an alternative hypothesis H1 (H sub one) which is the research hypothesis we want to prove
true. Actually, null hypothesis is a “Strawman” hypothesis. Null hypothesis is a statistical hypothesis which
is used in analysing the data. It assumes that the observed difference is attributable by sampling error and
true difference is zero. H E Garett states that, “It is akin to the legal principle that a man is innocent unit he
is proved guilty”.20 It constitutes a challenge and the functioning of research is to give the facts a chance to
refute this challenge.
(f) Statistical Hypothesis: It is a statement about statistical populations that one seeks to support or refute.21
The things are reduced to numerical quantities and decisions are made about these quantities. In this
hypothesis, the variables are reduced to measurable quantities and then results are derived.

15 Ram Ahuja, Research Methods, Rawat Publications, Jaipur, p 76.

16 Ram Ahuja, Research Methods, Rawat Publications, Jaipur, p 76.
17 J Singh, Methodology and Techniques of Social Research, Kanishka Publishers, New Delhi, 2001, p 51.
18 J Singh, Methodology and Techniques of Social Research, Kanishka Publishers, New Delhi, 2001, p 52.
19 D H McBurney, Research Methods, Wadsworth Thomson Learning, 5th Edn, 2001, p 397.
20 M Purohit, Legal Education and Research Methodology, Central Law Publications, Allahabad, 2010, p 125.
21 Ram Ahuja, Research Methods, Rawat Publications, Jaipur, p 77.

End of Document
 13.9 Testing of Hypothesis
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Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

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CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

13.9 Testing of Hypothesis

There are two means of arriving at logical conclusion in testing of hypothesis. First of all, gather all the required
data, keeping in view important points in the hypothesis. These are then systematically arranged and confronted
with a hypothesis, with a view to find out how far the data and hypothesis commensurate with each other. If there is
no discrepancy between the two, the hypothesis is accepted. If you can remove eventual discrepancy with some
rearrangement and reformulation, go ahead and do the needful. If the hypothesis does not stand confrontation, i.e.,
the data does not support the hypothesised expectations, reject it. A rejected hypothesis is replaced with an
alternative one because a hypothesis is not worth accepting unless the facts justify it.

We set up alternative hypothesis, which is a set of two hypotheses (research and null). The second hypothesis is
the one that would be true if the research hypothesis were false. We set up the null hypothesis strictly for the
purpose of rejecting it. Notice that the null hypothesis covers all possible exceptions to the research hypotheses.
Both are mutually exclusive and exhaustive. Either the null hypothesis is true or the alternative hypothesis. We can
prove alternative hypothesis to be true by using a roundabout method of disproving the null hypothesis. If we have
disproved the hypothesis that includes all possible outcomes that could happen if the alternative hypothesis were
false, then the alternative hypothesis is left standing, i.e., it is proved. The logic behind the test is that it is easier to
disprove the contrary of a hypothesis than to prove it with complete certainty.

End of Document
 13.10 Relevance and Significance of Hypothesis in Research
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PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

13.10 Relevance and Significance of Hypothesis in Research

A hypothesis is referred to as a very important tool in research. For a researcher, hypothesis is important in terms of
bringing clarity to the research problem. Hypothesis guides socio-legal research by offering directions to the
structure and operation. It offers temporary answer to the research question. Hypothesis makes the inquiry more
specific and to the point. In the absence of hypothesis, the researcher is like a sailor on the wide sea without
compass or rudder.22 It helps in deciding the direction in which to proceed. It is the starting point of research. It
helps in selecting all available and pertinent facts. P V Young remarks:

The use of hypothesis prevents a blind search and indiscriminate gathering of masses of data which may later prove
irrelevant to the problem under study.23

Hypothesis provides precision to the research problem and raises the standard of result as it is very difficult,
laborious and time consuming to make adequate discriminations in the complex interplay of facts without a working
hypothesis.

The formulation of a hypothesis provides a study with focus. It highlights the specific aspects of a research problem
that one needs to investigate. It guides the researcher in collecting of data thereby providing focus to the study. As
it provides a focus, the construction of a hypothesis enhances objectivity in a study. It acts as a framework for
analysis and interpretation of the data to draw conclusions. It helps to economise the collection of data and thus
prevents waste of time and effort of the researcher. Hypotheses are important as tools of research/inquiry because
they are derived from theory or lead to theory. The relationship expressed in the hypothesis tells the researcher
how to conduct inquiry, what types of data need to be collected and how are the data to be analysed. Suppose we
take three hypotheses H1, H2 and H3. Let’s say, if H1 is true, H2 will also be true, but H3 will not be true. Then, we
test H2 and H3. If H2 is found true and H3 not true, H1 will be confirmed. The fact is that a researcher gets a
chance to establish the probable truth or falsify it. A problem really cannot be scientifically solved if it is not reduced
to hypothesis form because a problem is a question of a broad nature and in itself, not directly testable. One does
not test the question but one tests the relationship between two variables.

Hypotheses are the tools for the advancement of knowledge as they stand apart from man’s values and opinions.
Hypotheses help the researcher to suggest a theory that may explain and predict events. They reform descriptive
function also. The tested hypothesis tells us something about the phenomenon it is associated with. The
accumulation of information as a result of hypothesis testing reduces the amount of ignorance we may have about
why a social event occurs a given way.

22 S R Myneni, Legal Research Methodology, Allahabad Law Agency, Faridabad, 2004, p 95.
 Page 2 of 2
13.10 Relevance and Significance of Hypothesis in Research

23 S R Myneni, Legal Research Methodology, Allahabad Law Agency, Faridabad, 2004, p 95.

End of Document
 13.11 Importance of Hypothesis in Legal Research
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
Prof (Dr) Rattan Singh

Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn > Rattan Singh : Legal Research
Methodology, 3 Edn > PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS >
CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

13.11 Importance of Hypothesis in Legal Research

In legal research, hypothesis is an important component. Without hypothesis, a legal research is unfocused. Legal
research is based on theories and principles, whereas socio-legal research evolves empirical study. It provides
guidelines for collecting evidence empirically. A hypothesis is an indispensable link between theory and
investigation. Hypothesis is an aid to the legal research problem. It makes result more accurate and specific. It
provides precession to the research problem. It enables the researcher to eliminate irrelevant data.

Hypothesis indicates the need for change in law and the legal system by providing new knowledge. It is the first
step in the direction of establishment of abstract principles. If empirical evidence is found to verify the hypothesis, it
becomes fact; this fact is verified hypothesis. Some hypotheses do receive sufficient support of evidence to lead to
the formulation of thesis or establishment of law.

End of Document
 13.12 Conclusion
Rattan Singh : Legal Research Methodology, 3 Edn
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CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

PART IV RESUMPTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER 13 CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

13.12 Conclusion
Hypothesis is an indispensable tool of research. They tell a research what specific information to collect and
thereby provide greater focus. The importance of hypothesis lies in their ability to bring direction and focus to a
research. Hypothesis is important in terms of bringing clarity to the research problem. Not only exploratory and
explanatory researches but even the descriptive studies can benefit from the formulation of a hypothesis. But some
scholars have criticised this position. They argue that hypothesis makes no positive contribution to the research
process. On the contrary, they may bias the researchers in their data collection and data analysis. They may restrict
their scope and limit their approach. They may even predetermine the outcome of the research study.

Despite all the criticism, a majority of investigators use hypothesis in their research implicitly or explicitly. To
conclude, we can say that hypothesis is an indispensable tool of research that not only guides the researcher in the
goals of research but also helps in concentrating on the important aspects of the research topic by avoiding less
significant issues.

End of Document