Tutorials For Foundation Course - Research Methodology
Tutorials For Foundation Course - Research Methodology
Tutorials For Foundation Course - Research Methodology
Q5. What are the different types of hypotheses? Explain each type with examples. What
are the characteristics of a good hypothesis?
Hypothesis is defined as
A. Research Hypothesis :-
A research hypothesis is a statement that brings up a question and predicts what
might happen.
It’s really important in the scientific method and is used in experiments to figure
things out. Essentially, it’s an educated guess about how things are connected in the
research.
A research hypothesis usually includes pointing out the independent variable (the
thing they’re changing or studying) and the dependent variable (the result they’re
measuring or watching).
It helps plan how to gather and analyze data to see if there’s evidence to support or
deny the expected connection between these variables.
Types of Research Hypothesis
There are six types of Research Hypothesis as follows
1. Associative Hypothesis
2. Casual Hypothesis
3. Directional Hypothesis
4. Non-Directional Hypothesis
5. Complex Hypothesis
6. Simple Hypothesis
1. Associative Hypothesis
An associative hypothesis proposes a connection between two things without saying
that one causes the other.
This Research suggests that when one thing changes, the other changes too, but it
doesn’t claim that one thing is causing the change in the other.
2. Casual Hypothesis
A causal hypothesis proposes a cause-and-effect relationship between two
variables.
This Research type suggests that changes in one variable directly cause changes in
another variable.
3. Directional Hypothesis
The directional hypothesis predicts the direction of the relationship between
independent and dependent variables.
They specify whether the effect will be positive or negative.
4. Non- Directional Hypothesis
The non-directional hypothesis predicts the existence of a relationship between
variables but does not specify the direction of the effect.
It suggests that there will be a significant difference or relationship, but it does not
predict the nature of that difference.
5. Simple Hypothesis
A simple hypothesis predicts a relationship between one dependent variable and
one independent variable without specifying the nature of that relationship.
It’s simple and usually used when we don’t know much about how the two things are
connected.
6. Complex Hypothesis :-
A complex hypothesis is an idea that specifies a relationship between multiple
independent and dependent variables.
It is a more detailed idea than a simple hypothesis.
While a simple view suggests a straightforward cause-and-effect relationship
between two things, a complex hypothesis involves many factors and how they’re
connected to each other.
Importance Of Research Hypothesis :
Hypotheses are really important in research.
They help design studies, allow for practical testing, and add to our scientific
knowledge.
Their main role is to organize research projects, making them purposeful, focused,
and valuable to the scientific community.
A research hypothesis helps test theories.
It serves as a great platform for investigation activities.
Hypothesis guides the research work or study.
Hypothesis sometimes suggests theories.
It helps in knowing the data needs.
The hypothesis explains social phenomena.
Hypothesis provides a relationship between phenomena for empirical Testing.
It helps in knowing the most suitable analysis technique.
Illustration :-
Topic :- Impact of Astrology and Vastu in Architecture
In this topic , the researcher will have the hypothesis as the Astrology and Vastu has its
impact on Architecture . He will collect data , do literature study and come to
conclusion so that the hypothesis is true or not .
B. Null Hypothesis
The null hypothesis is a kind of hypothesis which explains the Sample parameter
whose purpose is to test the validity of the given experimental data.
This hypothesis is either rejected or not rejected based on the viability of the
given sample.
In other words, the null hypothesis is a hypothesis in which the sample observations
results from the chance.
It is said to be a statement in which the surveyors wants to examine the data.
1. Simple Hypothesis
It completely specifies the Sample distribution. In this method, the sampling
distribution is the function of the sample size.
2. Complex Hypothesis
A complex null hypothesis states that there is no effect, correlation, or difference
between multiple variables or conditions being investigated in a research study.
3. Casual Hypothesis
A causal null hypothesis states that there is no causal relationship between the
independent variable (the presumed cause) and the dependent variable (the
presumed effect) being investigated in a research study.
4. Associative Null Hypothesis
An associative null hypothesis states that there is no significant relationship or
correlation between the variables being investigated in a research study.
Illustration :-
When the researcher has a Null Hypothesis as Single Door and double door has
different effects on a resident .
Then the researcher start collecting data by comparing both the variables.
After collecting data and analyzing the results, if there is no statistically significant
difference in effects of both door, the null hypothesis would be supported. This
suggests that Either a Single Door or Double Door do not has different effects on a
resident.
C. Testable Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a tentative answer to a scientific question. A testable hypothesis is
a hypothesis that can be proved or disproved as a result of testing, data collection, or
experience. Only testable hypotheses can be used to conceive and perform an
experiment using the scientific method.
Requirements for a Testable Hypothesis
In order to be considered testable, two criteria must be met:
The independent variable is what you are controlling or changing. You measure the
effect this has on the dependent variable.
Write the hypothesis in such a way that you can prove or disprove it.
For example, a person has skin cancer, you can't prove they got it from being out in
the sun. However, you can demonstrate a relationship between exposure to
ultraviolet light and increased risk of skin cancer.
Make sure you are proposing a hypothesis you can test with reproducible results. If
your face breaks out, you can't prove the breakout was caused by the French fries
you had for dinner last night. However, you can measure whether or not eating
French fries is associated with breaking out. It's a matter of gathering enough data to
be able to reproduce results and draw a conclusion.
Illustration
Topic :- A research on “ Impact of green house gas emitting from the building
material on the environment.
The researcher will start testing the material and have the hypothesis as either the
hypothesis is true or false. Afyter testing and researching for the data the researcher
will frame its conclusion by
This type of hypothesis can be done with two or more variables.
Thus then Each type of Hypothesis plays an important role in any type of research
topics.
Characteristics of hypothesis:
Hypothesis must possess the following characteristics:
1. Hypothesis should be clear and precise. If the hypothesis is not clear and precise,
the inferences drawn on its basis cannot be taken as reliable.
2. Hypothesis should be capable of being tested. In a swamp of untestable
hypotheses, many a time the research programmes have bogged down. Some prior
study may be done by researcher in order to make hypothesis a testable one. A
hypothesis “is testable if other deductions can be made from it which, in turn, can
be confirmed or disproved by observation.”1
3. Hypothesis should state relationship between variables, if it happens to be a
relational hypothesis.
4. Hypothesis should be limited in scope and must be specific. A researcher must
remember that narrower hypotheses are generally more testable and he should
develop such hypotheses.
5. Hypothesis should be stated as far as possible in most simple terms so that the
same is easily understandable by all concerned. But one must remember that
simplicity of hypothesis has nothing to do with its significance.
6. Hypothesis should be consistent with most known facts i.e., it must be consistent
with a substantial body of established facts. In other words, it should be one which
judges accept as being the most likely.
7. Hypothesis should be amenable to testing within a reasonable time. One should
not use even an excellent hypothesis, if the same cannot be tested in reasonable
time for one cannot spend a life-time collecting data to test it.
8. Hypothesis must explain the facts that gave rise to the need for explanation. This
means that by using the hypothesis plus other known and accepted
generalizations, one should be able to deduce the original problem condition.
Thus hypothesis must actually explain what it claims to explain; it should have
empirical reference.
10. What are the different types of research reports? Which of these are
most often used in architectural research?
Research reports are recorded data prepared by researchers or statisticians after
analyzing the information gathered by conducting organized research, typically in
the form of surveys or qualitative methods.
Different types of Research Reports
There are different types of research Reports
A. Technical Report
B. Popular Report
A. Technical Report
In the technical report the main emphasis is on
(i) the methods employed,
(ii) assumptions made in the course of the study,
(iii) the detailed presentation of the findings including their limitations and
supporting data.
The general outline of a technical report can be as follows:
1. Summary of results: A brief review of the main findings just in two or three
pages.
2. Nature of the study: Description of the general objectives of study, formulation
of the problem in operational terms, the working hypothesis, the type of analysis
and data required, etc.
3. Methods employed: Specific methods used in the study and their limitations. For
instance, in sampling studies we should give details of sample design viz.,
sample size, sample selection, etc.
4. Data: Discussion of data collected, their sources, characteristics and limitations. If
secondary data are used, their suitability to the problem at hand be fully
assessed. In case of a survey, the manner in which data were collected should be
fully described.
5. Analysis of data and presentation of findings: The analysis of data and
presentation of the findings of the study with supporting data in the form of tables
and charts be fully narrated. This, in fact, happens to be the main body of the
report usually extending over several chapters.
6. Conclusions: A detailed summary of the findings and the policy implications
drawn from the results be explained.
7. Bibliography: Bibliography of various sources consulted be prepared and
attached.
8. Technical appendices: Appendices be given for all technical matters relating to
questionnaire, mathematical derivations, elaboration on particular technique of
analysis and the like ones.
9. Index: Index must be prepared and be given invariably in the report at the end.
The order presented above only gives a general idea of the nature of a technical
report; the order of presentation may not necessarily be the same in all the technical
report.
It should, however, be remembered that even in a technical report, simple
presentation and ready availability of the findings remain an important consideration
and as such the liberal use of charts and diagrams is considered desirable.
Illustration :
Topic :- Examining the Influence of Vastu Shastra Principles on Homeowners' Well-
being and Quality of Life.
When The researcher start studying about the topic, the three main criteria of study is
(i) the methods employed - the researcher has to define the methodology of the
research which comes under the topic
(ii) assumptions made in the course of the study - Assumptions of the research like
the owner of the house may have adverse effect of Vastu of the house ,etc.
(iii) the detailed presentation of the findings including their limitations and
supporting data.- the researcher will now present the collected data in the
outline with headings
Summary of results , Nature of the study, Methods employed, Data, Analysis of dataand
presentation of findings, Conclusions, Bibliography, Technical appendices, Index .
B. Popular Report
The popular report is one which gives emphasis on simplicity and attractiveness.
The simplification should be sought through clear writing, minimization of technical,
particularly mathematical, details and liberal use of charts and diagrams.
Attractive layout along with large print, many subheadings, even an occasional
cartoon now and then is another characteristic feature of the popular report.
In such a report emphasis is given on practical aspects and policy implications.
We give below a general outline of a popular report.
1. The findings and their implications: Emphasis in the report is given on the
findings of most practical interest and on the implications of these findings.
2. Recommendations for action: Recommendations for action on the basis of the
findings of the study is made in this section of the report.
3. Objective of the study: A general review of how the problem arise is presented
along with the specific objectives of the project under study.
4. Methods employed: A brief and non-technical description of the methods and
techniques used, including a short review of the data on which the study is based,
is given in this part of the report.
5. Results: This section constitutes the main body of the report wherein the results
of the study are presented in clear and non-technical terms with liberal use of all
sorts of illustrations such as charts, diagrams and the like ones.
6. Technical appendices: More detailed information on methods used, forms, etc.
is presented in the form of appendices.
But the appendices are often not detailed if the report is entirely meant for general
public.There can be several variations of the form in which a popular report can be
prepared.
The only important thing about such a report is that it gives emphasis on simplicity
and policy implications from the operational point of view, avoiding the technical
details of all sorts to the extent possible.
Illustration
Topic : “Water management system in Nandora Village , Bhandara”
When the researcher Study the Socio economic data of any city , the popular report -
type of research report will help in presenting the report in the form Diagrams / Pie
charts. Like in the research study of “water management system in Nandora Village ,
Bhandara” – The socio -economic data of the place can be presented in the form of
pie chart or Diagrams , etc.
ORAL PRESENTATION
The oral presentation of the results of the study is considered effective, particularly
in cases where policy recommendations are indicated by project results.
The merit –
1. It provides an opportunity for give-and-take decisions which generally lead to a
better understanding of the findings and their implications.
2. Oral presentation is effective when supplemented by various visual devices. Use of
slides, wall charts and blackboards is quite helpful in contributing to clarity
Demerit – The lack of any permanent record concerning the research details and it
may be just possible that the findings may fade away from people’s memory even
before an action is taken.
Solution :- In order to overcome this difficulty, a written report may be circulated
before the oral presentation and referred to frequently during the discussion.
Thus, research results can be reported in more than one ways, but the usual practice
adopted, in academic institutions particularly, is that of writing the Technical Report
and then preparing several research papers to be discussed at various forums in
one form or the other.
But in practical field and with problems having policy implications, the technique
followed is that of writing a popular report.
Researches done on governmental account or on behalf of some major public or
private organizations are usually presented in the form of technical reports.
Type of Research Report used In Architectural Research
In Architectural Research, mainly Technical Report is used by the researcher Because
of the following points
Architectural research often involves complex methodologies and analyses,
including structural calculations, environmental simulations, and material studies.
Technical reports provide a platform to document these processes comprehensively,
ensuring transparency and reproducibility in research.
Architectural research frequently yields detailed findings related to building
performance, design strategies, and construction techniques.
Technical reports offer a structured format to present these findings with clarity and
precision, facilitating their understanding by stakeholders such as architects,
engineers, and policymakers.
The architectural profession upholds high standards of professionalism and
accountability.
Technical reports serve as a means for researchers to adhere to these standards by
accurately documenting their research processes, results, and interpretations.
Architectural research often delves into technical aspects such as structural
integrity, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.
Technical reports allow researchers to explore these topics in depth, providing
detailed analyses, calculations, and recommendations for improvement.
Illustration
Topic :-"Optimizing Passive Solar Design Strategies for Residential Buildings"
Aims : To investigate the effectiveness of passive solar design techniques in reducing
energy consumption and improving indoor comfort in residential buildings.
When In the Architectural Research Completed by the researcher , the researcher
will use the technical Report for presentation of the research study because
1. The study involves complex analyses of building orientation, fenestration design,
thermal mass, and shading strategies to optimize passive solar performance.
2. The Technical report provides a systematic presentation of findings, including
quantitative data on energy savings, daylight levels, and indoor thermal conditions.
3. Technical appendices are included to provide supplementary information, such as
building energy models, simulation inputs, and validation procedures.
4. The use of charts, diagrams, and technical illustrations enhances the clarity and
effectiveness of communication, ensuring that the research findings are accessible
to architects, engineers, and building professionals.
Q 11. Write Short Notes on
1. Library as a support system
2. Primary and Secondary Data
Thus, there are various methods of data collection. As such the researcher must
judiciously select the method/methods for his own study, keeping in view the
following factors:
1. Nature, scope and object of enquiry: This constitutes the most important factor
affecting the choice of a particular method. The method selected should be such
that it suits the type of enquiry that is to be conducted by the researcher. This factor
is also important in deciding whether the data already available (secondary data)
are to be used or the data not yet available (primary data) are to be collected.
2. Availability of funds: Availability of funds for the research project determines to a
large extent the method to be used for the collection of data. When funds at the
disposal of the researcher are very limited, he will have to select a comparatively
cheaper method which may not be as efficient and effective as some other costly
method. Finance, in fact, is a big constraint in practice and the researcher has to act
within this limitation.
3. Time factor: Availability of time has also to be taken into account in deciding a
particular method of data collection. Some methods take relatively more time,
whereas with others the data can be collected in a comparatively shorter duration.
The time at the disposal of the researcher, thus, affects the selection of the method
by which the data are to be collected.
4. Precision required: Precision required is yet another important factor to be
considered at the time of selecting the method of collection of data
Illustration :
Topic:- In a research study for the topic “ Color theory has a Psychological aspect
in Design”
The researcher will collect the Secondary data Through Reseach Papers which are
already exist., Also through the color theory or the color moods available in books
or in previously collected data
The Secondary data will be based on the data collected from third medium by the
researcher.