Many hypotheses are known in the scholarly world that lead to some outstanding inventions in the scientific community. In this article, we will answer the question that arises in the minds of many researchers: what are the differences and similarities between simple and complex hypotheses? We will do this by proceeding step-by-step through the discussion. There are many different kinds of research hypotheses, but the two most common ones are simple and complex hypotheses.
Where Do We Stand With The Hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a preliminary description of a particular matter that can be called into question by some extra research. This explanation is known as a working hypothesis. Identifying an issue is typically the first step in the research process. The next thing that the hypothesis does is it offers the researcher some precise restatements and explanations of the study problem.
It is a fundamental component of research. A slight error in the formulation of a hypothesis could have a significant influence on the results.
A Strong Hypothesis Should Exhibit These Essential Characteristics
- To be considered dependable, the hypothesis needs to be straightforward and specific.
- The hypothesis should state the relationship that exists between the variables.
- The hypothesis needs to be quite detailed with room for additional testing to be done on it.
- The explanation of the hypothesis needs to be very simple and clear.
Why Do Researchers Consider It Necessary To Employ A Hypothesis?
When conducting research using the scientific method, whether that study is in the field of psychology, biology, or some other subject, the term “hypothesis” refers to what the researchers think the results of an experiment will be. This is the reason that hiring a dissertation writing service UK becomes the most important to get success.
The Components of A Hypothesis
Let’s get familiar with variables before getting into the examination of the similarities and differences between simple and complex hypotheses
- A variable is said to be independent if it cannot be altered by the influence of any other variables.
- The dependent variable is affected by a number of other variables.
- A modification in the independent variable may not be caused by a variance in the dependent variable, and it is possible that both variables can affect each other.
- The fact that the variables contribute to finding the cause and effect makes them very essential.
Varieties of Hypotheses Used in Research
The research hypothesis can be broken down into seven different categories, which are as follows:
Simple Hypothesis
It illustrates a connection between a single independent variable and a solitary dependent variable. For example – If you go for a morning walk, you can beat stress. Here, in this scenario, going for a walk is an independent variable, while beating stress is the dependent variable.
Complex Hypothesis
It illustrates the link that exists between at least two dependent variables and at least two independent variables. Diabetes and obesity are conditions that are more likely to affect someone who consumes a diet that is high in sugary foods but low in whole grain products compared to someone who consumes a diet that is high in whole grain products but lower in sugary foods.
Directional Hypothesis
It is taken from theory and describes the desired direction to follow to identify the link between the variables. In addition to this, it suggests that the researcher has an intellectual commitment to a certain outcome.
Non-Directional Hypothesis
It does not provide any predictions regarding the precise kind or direction of the link that exists between the two variables. When there is no theory at play or when the data contradict the conclusions of an earlier study, a non-directional hypothesis is utilized.
Associative and Causal Hypotheses
The concept of interdependence between variables is defined by the associative hypothesis. When one of two variables is changed, the other variable also shifts as a direct consequence. On the other hand, the causal hypothesis postulates that a change in the dependent variable takes place as a result of a change in the independent variable.
Null Hypothesis
It makes a declarative statement in the negative to support the conclusion reached by the researcher, which is that there is no correlation between the two variables.
Alternate Hypothesis
It claims that there is a connection between the report’s two parameters and that the findings are important to the question under investigation. It also states that the significance of the results lies in the fact that the research topic.
The Differences Between Simple and Complex Hypotheses
- In the comparison of simple and complex hypotheses, one dependent and one independent variable are required for a simple hypothesis, whereas two or more independent variables and two or more dependent variables are required for a complex hypothesis.
- In the simple hypothesis, the independent variable is considered to be the cause and is presented first when the events are arranged. On the other hand, in the complex hypothesis, the dependent variable is presented first.
- In the simple hypothesis, the dependent variable is stated after the independent variable, whereas in complicated hypotheses, the dependent variable is stated before the independent variable.
- A simple hypothesis can be understood with the least amount of difficulty. On the other hand, the complex hypothesis is significantly more difficult to test due to the presence of a greater number of independent and dependent variables.
- Simple hypotheses assign a probability to many possible observations, in contrast to the complex hypothesis.
Similarities
Simple and complex hypotheses are similar in certain areas as:
- They both are types of research hypotheses.
- They both have cause and effect variables.
- The variables in both types of hypotheses are correlative.
- Both the simple and complex hypotheses can be tested.
Conclusion
The examination of simple and complex hypotheses side by side reveals that complex hypotheses, on account of their increased level of complexity, are far more challenging to establish than simple hypotheses. This is why undergraduate and first-time researchers are advised to adopt simple hypotheses. On the other hand, for knowledgeable researchers to employ in their research thesis, the type of hypothesis that works best is one that is a complex hypothesis
