Types of Research Hypothesis
- Simple Hypothesis
It predicts the relationship between a single dependent variable and a single independent variable.
- Complex Hypothesis
It predicts the relationship between two or more independent and dependent variables.
- Directional Hypothesis
It specifies the expected direction to be followed to determine the relationship between variables, and is derived from theory. Furthermore, it implies researcher’s intellectual commitment to a particular outcome.
- Non-directional Hypothesis
It does not predict the exact direction or nature of the relationship between the two variables. Non-directional hypothesis is used when there is no theory involved or when findings contradict previous research.
- Associative and Causal Hypothesis
Associative hypothesis defines interdependency between variables. A change in one variable results in the change of the other variable. On the other hand, causal hypothesis proposes an effect on the dependent due to manipulation of the independent variable.
- Null Hypothesis
It states a negative statement to support the researcher’s findings that there is no relationship between two variables.
- Alternative Hypothesis
It states that there is a relationship between the two variables of the study and that the results are significant to the research topic.