ABSTRACT

Formulation of Hypothesis becomes essential in studies involving use of empirical research

techniques. Hypothesis is derived from two words: hypo means under, and thesis means an
idea or thought. Hence, hypothesis means idea underlying a statement or proposition. In fact
the word hypothesis is derived from the Greek, hypo (means under) and tithenas (means to
place).
Dictionary explains hypothesis to mean a proposition, condition or principle which is assumed,
perhaps without belief, in order to draw out its logical consequences and by this method to test
its accord with facts which are known or may be determined. It is a proposition which can be
put to test to determine its validity.
A hypothesis, therefore, needs to be formulated in such a way that one can gather empirical
evidence for verifying or refuting its correctness. It may prove correct or incorrect. But in either
case, it leads to an empirical test. Whatever may be the outcome, the hypothesis is a question put
in such a way that an answer of some kind can be forthcoming. If a hypothesis is empirically
proved, the problem, which was tentative in the beginning of the research, is answered. The
statement ceases to be a mere proposition. It becomes a verified fact. If hypothesis is not proved,
the statement, in the absence of empirical support, merely remains as a proposition, probably,
seeking for validity in future. Nevertheless, such a disproved hypothesis may lead to an
alternative or additional hypothesis.