The role of hypothesis in research
Such scientific research as a dissertation cannot be implemented without elaborating its structural and conceptual components. The complexity of the task requires particular attention, with each element of such work needing to be in its proper place and reflecting the author's sufficient level of knowledge. The specificity of this type of research lies in sufficient concentration both on the theoretical part and on the experimental component. In this article, we will appropriately focus on the significance of hypotheses in scientific works.
A hypothesis is a supposition or statement that a researcher puts forward in their scientific work, based on their knowledge, literary research, and initial analysis of the issue. The hypothesis serves as the explanatory part of the author's work and is intended to guide the researcher in developing their scientific work. In other words, the hypothesis helps the researcher to structure their research. It is from the hypothesis that the author departs when developing the main part of their work.
Above all, a hypothesis is the author's explanation of the phenomena under consideration and a way to predict (based on facts, of course) the results of their work.
What functions does a hypothesis perform in scientific research?
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Structural Role: It structures the research, ensuring its logical integrity.
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Directive Role: It determines the direction of the work and sets the tone for writing the experimental part.
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Goal-oriented Role: Like other elements of research (such as objectives, subject, and object), the hypothesis is aimed at achieving a specific result and specifies the author's work.
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Developmental Role: With the help of the hypothesis, the researcher can further develop the theory and explore new horizons of research.
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Integrative Role: The hypothesis serves as a link between different parts of the research and is an important indicator of the specific work of the author, originating from a certain source.
The role of a scientific hypothesis:
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Explanatory: It makes a specific aspect of the work visible and accessible.
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Stimulating: It is part of the researcher's work in a specific field of knowledge.
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Strategic: It is aimed at predicting the outcome.
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Determining: The hypothesis contributes to detailing the object, subject, and goal of the conducted research.
The formulation of a hypothesis can be justified in several ways:
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Definition through quantitative indicators, meaning the research results should lead to a specific number or quantitative parameter.
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Definition through judgment, where empirical methods and logical thinking can be utilized.
It is important to remember that during the work on the topic, there may be several hypotheses, each of which may undergo changes during the development of the research. Hypotheses can be formulated using constructions such as "If ..., then ...", "It can be assumed that...".
The basis for formulating a hypothesis:
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The hypothesis should not violate the order of science, i.e., it should not contradict universally recognized facts. If it intrudes into science, it means it is formulated incorrectly.
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The hypothesis should have sufficient significance.
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Assumptions are not based on conjecture; on the contrary, the main basis of the hypothesis is an argument.
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