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1.1 - the working hypothesis.
Using the scientific method, before any statistical analysis can be conducted, a researcher must generate a guess, or hypothesis about what is going on. The process begins with a Working Hypothesis . This is a direct statement of the research idea. For example, a plant biologist may think that plant height may be affected by applying different fertilizers. So they might say: " Plants with different fertilizers will grow to different heights ".
According to the Popperian Principle of Falsification, we can't conclusively affirm a hypothesis, but we can conclusively negate a hypothesis. So we need to translate the working hypothesis into a framework wherein we state a null hypothesis that the average height (or mean height) for plants with the different fertilizers will all be the same. The alternative hypothesis (which the biologist hopes to show) is that they are not all equal, but rather some of the fertilizer treatments have produced plants with different mean heights. The strength of the data will determine whether the null hypothesis can be rejected with a specified level of confidence.
We can imagine testing 4 groups of plants, three with three different kinds of fertilizer and the fourth untreated (a control group). Assuming the plant biologist kept all the plants under controlled conditions in the greenhouse, the effect of the fertilizer would be the only thing to differ among the groups of plants. Suppose at the end of the experiment, the biologist measured the height of each plant. A simple boxplot can then be used to illustrate the difference in the heights between the four groups, seen in the figure below. Plant height, the dependent or response variable, is seen on the vertical (y) axis versus fertilizer, the independent or explanatory variable, seen on the horizontal (x) axis.
This boxplot is a customary way to show treatment (or factor) level differences. In this case, there was only one treatment: fertilizer. The fertilizer treatment had four levels that included the control, which received no fertilizer, and the three different fertilizers. Understanding this language convention is essential as later in the course we will be using ANOVA to handle multi-factor studies (for example if the biologist manipulated the amount of water AND the type of fertilizer) and we will need to be able to refer to different treatments, each with their own set of levels.
Another alternative for viewing the differences in the heights is with a 'means plot' (a scatter or interval plot):
This second plotting method for the differences in the treatment means provides essentially the same information. However, this plot illustrates the variability in the data with "error bars" that are the 95% confidence interval limits around the means. Between the statement of a Working Hypothesis and the creation of these 95% confidence intervals is a 7-step process of statistical hypothesis testing, presented in the following section.
WORKING HYPOTHESIS
Introduction
A working hypothesis is an assumption or a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. This concept is essential for the scientific method as it allows for further research and experimentation to support or reject the hypothesis. Working hypotheses are used to guide the research process and provide a framework for the interpretation of results. In this article, we discuss the role of the working hypothesis in science and provide examples of how it can be used in different areas of research.
The scientific method is a process of inquiry used to understand the underlying principles of a phenomenon. It involves making observations, forming a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, interpreting the results, and drawing a conclusion. A working hypothesis is an important part of this process, as it is a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence. It serves as a starting point for further investigation and is used to guide the research process and provide a framework for the interpretation of results.
The role of the working hypothesis is to provide a potential explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested and verified. It is important to note that a working hypothesis is not a statement of fact and should not be accepted as true until it has been tested and validated. Working hypotheses can be used in a variety of fields, such as biology, chemistry, psychology, and sociology.
In biology, a working hypothesis is used to explain the cause and effect relationship between two or more variables. For example, a working hypothesis may be used to explain the relationship between temperature and the metabolic rate of an organism. An experiment can then be designed to test the hypothesis and determine whether it is true or false.
In chemistry, a working hypothesis can be used to explain the behavior of a chemical reaction. For example, a working hypothesis may be used to explain the reaction between two substances and the products that are formed. An experiment can then be designed to test the hypothesis and determine whether it is correct.
In psychology, a working hypothesis can be used to explain the cause and effect relationship between two or more variables. For example, a working hypothesis may be used to explain the relationship between stress and depression. An experiment can then be designed to test the hypothesis and determine whether it is true or false.
In sociology, a working hypothesis can be used to explain the relationship between two or more social phenomena. For example, a working hypothesis may be used to explain the relationship between poverty and crime. An experiment can then be designed to test the hypothesis and determine whether it is true or false.
In conclusion, a working hypothesis is an essential part of the scientific method. It is a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence and is used to guide the research process and provide a framework for the interpretation of results. Working hypotheses can be used in a variety of fields, such as biology, chemistry, psychology, and sociology.
Baird, J. C., & North, M. (2019). Investigating the scientific method. Oxford University Press.
Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2016). The craft of research. University of Chicago Press.
Crawford, M. (2018). Evidence-based practice in psychology. American Psychological Association.
Gill, M. J., & Johnson, P. O. (2020). Research methods in the social sciences. Sage.
Related terms
Weighted kappa, watson-glaser critical thinking appraisal, waiting-list phenomenon, waking hypnosis.
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A working hypothesis is a hypothesis that is provisionally accepted as a basis for further ongoing research [1] in the hope that a tenable theory will be produced, even if the hypothesis ultimately fails. [2]
Using the scientific method, before any statistical analysis can be conducted, a researcher must generate a guess, or hypothesis about what is going on. The process begins with a Working Hypothesis. This is a direct statement of the research idea.
Also referred to as the working hypothesis, an empirical hypothesis claims a theory's validation via experiments and observation. This way, the statement appears justifiable and different from a wild guess.
A hypothesis is a statement that explains the predictions and reasoning of your research—an “educated guess” about how your scientific experiments will end. Use this guide to learn how to write a hypothesis and read successful and unsuccessful examples of a testable hypotheses.
1.1 - The Working Hypothesis. Using the scientific method, before any statistical analysis can be conducted, a researcher must generate a guess, or hypothesis about what is going on. The process begins with a Working Hypothesis. This is a direct statement of the research idea.
A working hypothesis is a proposed solution to a problem that's accepted pending further studies or a better idea. This can be used to take provisional actions so that things can progress while you're still uncertain as to the optimal solution to a problem.
A working hypothesis is a hypothesis that is provisionally accepted as a basis for further research in the hope that a tenable theory will be produced, even if the hypothesis ultimately fails. In this way, a working hypothesis is an accepted starting point for further research.
Working hypotheses are: provisional statements of expectations. framework for. exploratory. deductive. empirical inquiry. can use both qualitative and quantitative evidence. Explanation & Hypotheses. Be-Cause... Hypotheses – plausible & testable answers to a why question. Hypothesis. Formal. Research.
A working hypothesis is a provisional statement of expectations that is accepted as a basis for further research. It can be linked to deductive, exploratory research purposes in empirical investigation and is often employed as a conceptual framework in qualitative research.
A working hypothesis is an assumption or a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. This concept is essential for the scientific method as it allows for further research and experimentation to support or reject the hypothesis.