A problem cannot be scientifically solved unless it is reduced to hypothesis form.

It is a powerful tool for advancement of knowledge, consistent with existing knowledge & beneficial to further enquiry. 

A belief about a population parameter

A statement that shows a relationships between two or more variables in testable form.

An explanation that is suggested by knowledge but has not, yet, been proved or disproved.

An educated guess about a research outcome. 

• In line with research problem & RQs

• Should be developed based on research questions & theory. 

• Should be supported by arguments from previous studies.

• Testable – verifiable or falsifiable

• Not moral or ethical questions

• Neither too specific nor too general

• A prediction of consequences

• Valuable even if proven false. 

Adequate for Its Purpose

• Does the hypothesis reveal the original problem condition?

• Does the hypothesis clearly identify facts that are relevant and those that are not?

• Does the hypothesis clearly state the condition, size, or distribution of some vari able in terms of values meaningful to the research problem (descriptive)?

• Does the hypothesis explain facts that gave rise to the need for explanation (explanatory)?

• Does the hypothesis suggest which form of research design is likely to be most appropriate?

• Does the hypothesis provide a framework for organizing the conclusions that result?

Testable

• Does the hypothesis use acceptable techniques?

• Does the hypothesis require an explanation that is plausible given known physi cal or psychological laws?

• Does the hypothesis reveal consequences or derivatives that can be deduced for testing purposes?

• Is the hypothesis simple, requiring few conditions or assumptions?

Better than Its Rival

• Does the hypothesis explain more facts than its rivals?

• Does the hypothesis explain a greater variety or scope of facts than its rivals?

• Is the hypothesis one that informed judges would accept as being the most likely?

Direct Effects

H1: Satisfaction has a positive effect on commitment.

H2: Satisfaction positively affects commitment.

Indirect/Mediating Effects

H1: Job satisfaction mediates the positive effect of attitude towards coworkers on organizational commitment. 

H2: Job Satisfaction positively mediates the effect of attitude towards co-workers on organizational commitment.

H3: Attitude towards co-workers indirectly affects organizational commitment through job satisfaction as a mediating variable.  

Moderating Effects

H1: The positive effect of satisfaction on loyalty will be more significant when perceived image is high.

H2: The positive relationship between satisfaction and loyalty will be stronger when perceived image is high.

H3: The positive relationship between satisfaction and loyalty would be stronger for male compared to female.

H4: Body Mass Index (BMI) moderates the relationship between exercise and weight loss, such that for those with a low BMI, the effect is negative (i.e., you gain weight - muscle mass), and for those with a high BMI, the effect is positive (i.e., exercising leads to weight loss).