Formulating the Hypothesis

1. Formulating the Hypothesis

2. Chapter Objectives: • Learn the difference between nonexperimental and experimental hypotheses • Understand the components of a good experiment hypothesis • Explore where hypotheses come from, • Learn how to conduct a literature search

3. Hypothesis • The thesis, the main idea, of an experiment • A predictive relationship between at least two variables. • Different research designs have different hypothesis statements

4. Nonexperimental vs. Experimental Hypothesis • Some nonexperimental designs do not typically include a hypothesis (i.e.: phenomenology, case study) • Nonexperimental hypothesiss predicts how events, traits, or behaviors might be related, but not about cause effect. • Experimental hypothesis predicts cause and effect relationship

5. Examples of NonexperimentalHypothyses

6. Characteristics of an Experimental Hypothesis • Every experiment has at least one hypothesis • A tentative explanation of an event or behavior; one that seems plausible • Out of a number of possible causes, the list must be narrowed down • Hypothesis must be synthetic, testable, falsifiable, parsimonious, and fruitful

7. Synthetic Statements • Can either be true or false • Avoid • Analytic statements – always true • Contradicting statements – always false • Can be stated in “If…then” form • Expresses potential relationship

8. Testable Statements • The means for manipulating antecedent conditions and measuring the resulting behavior must exist

9. Falsifiable Statements • Research hypothesis must be disaprovable by the research finding. • Worded in a way that failure to find the predicted effects must be considered evidence that the hypothesis is indeed false. • “If you read this book carefully enough, then you will be able to design a good experiment.”

10. Parsimonious Statements • A simple hypothesis is preferred over one that requires many supporting assumptions.

11. Fruitful Statements • It leads to new studies

12. How are Hypotheses Formed?

13. The Inductive Model • Reasoning from specific cases to more general principles • Examining individual instances, and constructing an overall explanatory scheme • i.e.: Operant conditioning

14. The Deductive Model • Reasoning from general principles to make predictions about specific instances • Provides a test of the value of a theory • i.e.: Equity theory

15. Combining Induction and Deduction • In practice, both approaches are not so neatly separated

16. Building on Prior Research • The most useful way of finding hypotheses is by working from research that has already been done. • Nonexperimental designs may suggest cause and effect explanations • Prior research is useful in focusing your thinking on important issues; what researches might have missed, or possible new applications

17. Serendipity and the Windfall Experiment • A discovery may be made where none was intended – serendipity • One must be open to possibilities • Not just a matter of luck; it is also a matter of knowing enough to use an oppurtunity.

18. Intuition • Knowing without reasoning • The more we know about a topic, the better out intuitive hypotheses are likely to be.

19. When all else Fails • Pick a psychology journal and read, something might interest you • Check out nonexperimental studies • Observe in a public place • Turn your attention to a real-world problem

20. Searching the Research Literature • Important part of conducting research • Work done to test your hypothesis or one that is closely related. • Can help to develop procedures • Tips for measuring your observations • A journal article on your topic can provide other resources in the reference section • Books • Overview of a topic area • Metaanalysis • Skip popular books and other source from pop media

21. Writing the Report • The Introduction consists of a selective review of relevant, recent research. • Should provide empirical background ; and guide the readers toward your research hypothesis • In the Discussion, refer back to the gather literature. • How does your research … • advance knowledge • increase generability of known effects • contradict past findings – contrast your study with theirs