Research Hypotheses, Variables, Samples, and Observation Methods

Types of Hypotheses

Research Hypothesis: Propositions, attempts on possible relationships between two or more variables.

• Descriptive Hypothesis Value: Sometimes used in descriptive studies to try to predict a datum or more variables to be measured.
• Correlational: Provides that two or more variables are linked.
• Group Difference: Aiming investigations were made to compare groups.
• Grounds: The relationship between variables is given by cause and effect, there is always an independent variable and a dependent one.
• Null Hypotheses: They are the reverse of the research hypothesis, it serves to refute or deny what the research hypothesis states.
• Alternative Hypotheses: They alternate between research hypothesis possibilities and the null hypothesis.

Types of Alternative Hypotheses

• Estimate: Serves to evaluate the assumption of a researcher on the value of any property in a sample of individuals. X > 20, X = 20
• Correlation: It aims to translate statistically a correlation between two variables. Rxy = 0
• Mean Difference: Statistics are compared between two or more groups. X1 = X2, %1 / %2 / %3

Class Variables

• Dichotomous: Only allow division into two categories.
• Continuous: Allows differing in degree units.
• Intergroup: Comparing groups.
• Intragroup: Study the same group at different periods.
• Independent: Is one that can be manipulated by the researcher.
• Dependent: It is the behavior that requires explanation or that should be explained.
• Intervening: Is one that can appear unexpectedly among the variables.
• Qualitative: They can take only a limited number of values.
• Discrete: Takes outliers.
• Continuous: You can take values between two numbers.

Sample Types

• Probabilistic: Subpopulation in which all elements of this have the same chance of being elected.
• Non-probabilistic: The choice depends not on the likelihood, but on the characteristics of the investigation.

The Observation

• Documentary Observation: Document analysis, content analysis.
• Extensive Direct Observation: Surveys.
• Intensive Direct Observation: Interviews, tests.

Methods of Observation

1. According to the means used:

• Unstructured Observation: Is subjective, not systematic, the first encounter with investigation.
• Structured Observation: Is rigorously planned, systematic.

2. According to how to involve the viewer:

• Non-participant: In an indirect way, is more a spectator than an actor.
• Participant: Directly, it acts from inside.

3. According to the number of observers:

• Individual: Researcher made observation.
• Team: In different types of surveys, each is responsible for one aspect.

4. According to the place it is done:

• Real Life: Events are captured as they come.
• Laboratory: Artificial character.

Rules and Precautions for Systematic and Controlled Observation

• Use the observation with a well-defined objective.
• Explicit the theoretical framework of reference.
• Have a list or some control guide.
• Identify the instruments of measurement.
• Solve practical problems.