How to write a hypothesis in a term paper

If you think about it, the only thing that determines the direction of the student’s scientific activity in the course work is a hypothesis. Success in the process of defending a term paper also depends on it. At the same time, not every student draws attention to it, which often leads to a decrease in the grade for the work and difficulties in the defense process.

In this article, our online nursing experts have formulated a guideline on the formulation of the hypothesis in the coursework and give practical advice on how to do it correctly.

What is a hypothesis in a term paper?

But first, let’s figure out the definition of a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a statement that assumes that there is or is supposed to be some kind of relationship between several variables.

It is also a predictable result, for the sake of which the entire study is being undertaken. Each coursework author sets himself the task of proving or refuting the previously formulated assumption.

Any hypothesis originates from estimations, which in themselves are not yet hypotheses. But when logical justifications appear in conjectures, based on proven theses, they smoothly turn into hypotheses.

The hypothesis is the central element of scientific research, guiding the student, influencing the methodology used in the work, forming the logic and process of research thought in the theoretical and practical parts of the coursework.

It is necessary to put forward 2 hypotheses: one of them will be the main one, and the second one will be the one that needs to be refuted. It is necessary to show that the second hypothesis is incorrect, and with its help to strengthen the arguments in favor of the truth of the first.

Types of hypotheses

A hypothesis could be:

• Primary (working). It sets the direction and designates the research objectives. If your topic is not well understood, then this type of hypothesis suits you: it will help you collect and classify material. What is collected using the primary hypothesis becomes the foundation for the scientific one.
• Scientific. The advancement of a scientific hypothesis is possible only on the basis of theory. Your task is to identify the relationship between the main phenomena, their properties, and results. If the work is experimental, then thanks to the hypothesis, the ratio of the dependent values ​​to the independent ones are highlighted.

Purpose of hypothesis formulation and requirements

The formulation of the hypothesis is directly related to many elements of the course work: the methodology and the object of research, the novelty and the course of work, the specifics of the topic, and the relevance.

Therefore, it is important to keep all this in mind when developing a hypothesis, which will allow you to write a competent term paper.

From the above, in particular, it can be concluded that a competent hypothesis in the course:

• Consists of one, less often – two, provisions;
• Does not consist of complex, incomprehensible categories and concepts;
• Provides an opportunity to study and analyze the assumption;
• Agrees with the factual material;
• Is reasonable and indicates the path of the exploratory search;
• Is inextricably linked with the research problem.

Where is the hypothesis placed in the Term Paper?

Such serious student work as term paper and diploma has a clear structure, therefore, a certain place is assigned to each of its elements. There is a specific place for a hypothesis: it is placed in the introductory part behind the goals and objectives of the study.

A hypothesis is an important component, but this does not mean that it should take up a lot of space: one paragraph is enough.

In addition, everything that is indicated in the introduction should be continued in the final part. Here it is important to describe whether it was possible to prove the hypothesis formulated at the beginning or to refute, and to what results in it led.

How to Formulate a Term Paper Hypothesis

You can easily cope with the task if you take into account the examples given by the teacher and follow certain rules:

• Write a hypothesis taking into account the goals and objectives, subject and object of research in the coursework;
• Do not use obvious facts, controversial and vague concepts;
• Rely on the keywords that underlie the course project;
• If the hypothesis is formulated correctly, then it can be tested using various methods. Otherwise, you need to reformulate;
• The hypothesis is not something proven, so you can formulate it based on subjective feelings.

Stages of creating and developing a hypothesis

We present a step-by-step scheme for working on a hypothesis:

Search for unknown and unexplored facts that need and can be explained using a new assumption

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Formulation of a hypothesis explaining the facts found

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Hypothesis study and derivation of consequences

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Comparison of the obtained results with known discoveries

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Designation of new scientific knowledge based on the hypothesis put forward (if it does not contradict the known provisions in science)

Methods for describing a hypothesis

There are 3 most effective and working ways to formulate a hypothesis:

• Causal relationship. This method is based on the principle “if, then …”. Here’s what it might look like: “If people stop consuming too much food, it will have a positive impact on the environment.”
• The effect is the cause. The focus here is on fact, and then on the reason or conditions under which the hypothesis is going to be validated. Example:  “Deforestation near the village of Shishkino was carried out in violation of general legal norms.”
• Argument linking cause and effect. This argument is optional. Example: “The number of new cases of the virus will rise if people become sick more often due to neglect of medical masks.”

How to test a hypothesis for the correctness

Is it possible to determine if the hypothesis is correctly formulated? Yes, and this is done by checking for compliance with certain criteria:

• The hypothesis does not contradict the topic of the work, but is appropriate in the research;
• There is a connection with the elements of the course project (goals, objectives, problems, etc.);
• The wording is specific and consistent;
• The hypothesis contains new information;
• The assumption is verified by various methods;
• There are no errors or inaccuracies in the hypothesis.

Do you still need help in formulation your hypothesis; our online nursing experts are ready and willing to help you. Ask for help now.