While both research and statistical hypotheses are crucial components of the scientific research process, they serve distinct purposes and are expressed in different ways.
Research Hypothesis
Definition: A proposed explanation for a phenomenon or a prediction about a relationship between variables. / statement sentence that talks about the relationship between variables of the study
Purpose: Guides the research direction, providing a clear focus for the investigation.
Form: Typically expressed in a declarative sentence, often using terms like "if-then" or "because."
Example: "If students are exposed to more hands-on learning activities, then their test scores will improve."
Statistical Hypothesis
Definition: A formal statement about a population parameter.
Purpose: Used to test the research hypothesis using statistical methods.
Form: Always comes in pairs:
Null Hypothesis (H₀): A statement of no effect or no difference.
Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): A statement that contradicts the null hypothesis.
Example:
H₀: There is no difference in test scores between students who receive traditional instruction and those who receive hands-on learning.
H₁: There is a difference in test scores between students who receive traditional instruction and those who receive hands-on learning. [ Declaration of research Hypothesis is congruence with H1]
Relationship Between the Two
A strong research hypothesis is essential for developing appropriate statistical hypotheses.
Statistical hypotheses are used to test the research hypothesis using statistical tests.
The results of the statistical tests help researchers draw conclusions about the research hypothesis.
In essence, the research hypothesis is the conceptual foundation of the study, while the statistical hypothesis provides the framework for the statistical analysis.
Research Hypothesis
Purpose Guides research directionTests research hypothesis
Form Declarative sentence
Focus Relationship between variables
Basis Theory, prior research, or intuition
Statistical Hypothesis
Feature Tests research hypothesis
Form Null and alternative statements
Focus Population parameter
Basis Research hypothesis