short note + 30 objective questions with answers (MCQs) on Hypothesis in Research Methodology

Short Note on Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a tentative statement or assumption about the relationship between two or more variables, which can be tested through research. It guides the researcher in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis

• Clear and precise
• Testable and verifiable
• Specific and limited in scope
• Based on existing knowledge
• Consistent with available techniques

Types of Hypotheses

• Null Hypothesis (H₀): States no relationship or difference exists.
• Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): States a relationship or difference exists.
• Directional Hypothesis: Predicts the direction of relationship.
• Non-directional Hypothesis: Predicts existence but not direction.
• Simple Hypothesis: Involves one independent and one dependent variable.
• Complex Hypothesis: Involves multiple variables.

Importance of Hypothesis

• Gives direction to research
• Defines the focus of study
• Helps in testing theories
• Provides basis for data collection
• Aids in drawing valid conclusions

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Objective Questions on Hypothesis (with Answers)

1. Q: A hypothesis is a ________ statement.
   A: Tentative
2. Q: Hypothesis must always be ________.
   A: Testable
3. Q: Null hypothesis is denoted by ________.
   A: H₀
4. Q: Alternative hypothesis is denoted by ________.
   A: H₁
5. Q: “There is no significant difference” indicates ________.
   A: Null Hypothesis
6. Q: “There is a significant difference” indicates ________.
   A: Alternative Hypothesis
7. Q: Hypothesis testing is part of ________ statistics.
   A: Inferential
8. Q: A hypothesis must be based on ________.
   A: Existing knowledge/theory
9. Q: A directional hypothesis predicts ________.
   A: Direction of relationship
10. Q: A non-directional hypothesis predicts ________.
    A: Existence of relationship without direction
11. Q: A simple hypothesis involves ________.
    A: One independent & one dependent variable
12. Q: A complex hypothesis involves ________.
    A: Multiple variables
13. Q: Which hypothesis is directly tested in research?
    A: Null Hypothesis
14. Q: Which hypothesis suggests change, effect, or difference?
    A: Alternative Hypothesis
15. Q: The process of checking hypothesis validity is called ________.
    A: Hypothesis Testing
16. Q: Hypothesis helps in ________ of research.
    A: Direction/Focus
17. Q: A good hypothesis should be ________.
    A: Clear & precise
18. Q: “If income increases, expenditure increases” is an example of ________.
    A: Directional Hypothesis
19. Q: “There is a relationship between income and expenditure” is an example of ________.
    A: Non-directional Hypothesis
20. Q: Hypothesis is necessary to establish ________.
    A: Cause-effect relationship
21. Q: Hypothesis can be accepted or ________.
    A: Rejected
22. Q: A hypothesis based on guess without evidence is called ________.
    A: Speculative Hypothesis
23. Q: The word “Hypothesis” is derived from ________.
    A: Greek
24. Q: The Greek word “hypo” means ________.
    A: Under
25. Q: The Greek word “thesis” means ________.
    A: Placing
26. Q: A null hypothesis assumes ________.
    A: No relationship
27. Q: Hypothesis is tested using ________.
    A: Statistical methods
28. Q: Without hypothesis, research may become ________.
    A: Directionless
29. Q: Hypothesis reduces ________ in research.
    A: Blind search
30. Q: Hypothesis is the ________ point of research.
    A: Starting