Help: Prepare a Hypothesis

What Is a Hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a tentative statement that proposes a possible solution to some problem or event. A useful hypothesis is a statement which may include a prediction. 

How Are Hypotheses Used?

Usually, a hypothesis is based on some previous observation such as noticing that the step children in the case study are very angry at one another and the parents have not considered their children’s feelings before making significant decisions like marrying one another.  Are these two events connected? How?

How is a Hypothesis Written?

The hypothesis should be a statement that contains an If Then structure, that is: If “xxx” is true then we should be able to expect “xxxx” findings.  All of the following examples of hypotheses use the tentative word "may."   However, using the word “may” does not suggest how you would go about proving it.

1.  If a daughter lacks a positive male influence then she may replace her emotional needs sexually.

2.  If parents have poor communication habits then they may be passed to the next generation.

3.  If a blended family does not consider the feelings of their children in making decisions then the step children may exhibit anger at one another.

4.  If a family has financial trouble then there may be a misconception with their relationship to money.

5.  If a couple experiences infidelity then the experience may cause a change in the level of satisfaction with the home life.

6.  If a child never faces the results of his own actions then there may be an adult enabling him to behave badly.

When Proving a Hypothesis - Answer the following:

1.  What is the method used to deal with this problem?  And has this been effective?

2.  What events have been precursors that have contributed to producing this problem?

3.  When or where does this family’s problem happen?   When do these things increase?

4.  What new, anticipated or currently unsatisfied/under-served needs could create a change in this behavior?

5.  What new or modified assets or actions will be part of this revised behavior?

6.  What repercussions may result from modifications that need to be considered?

Anticipate objections to your solution to the problem

When you describe the solution consider the objections to this theory and compare it to the alternatives. So if you are trying to persuade the family in this case study to change their behavior you would need to show that the solution – perhaps, instigating a family government, where all have the right to debate and vote on family decisions – is of more value to them than the alternative, which is the children fighting because they feel they have no choice in the family’s decision process.  You may also need to show that you will save the family from mistreatment, turmoil, waste of time or money by convincing them to test this hypothesis.