Hypothesis Testing

The hypothesis does the following:

• proposes an explanation;
• helps to guide your research efforts;
• provides you a framework for interpreting your data and for stating your findings.

A well stated hypothesis fulfills the following criteria:

• stated clearly and concisely;
• testable (you don't set up to prove, simply to accept or reject);
• should agree with and logically follow the preponderance of existing research;
• states clearly and precisely the expected relationships between variables

Non-directional and Directional Hypotheses

• non-directional hypotheses simply indicate whether or not a difference exists between variables;
• directional hypotheses indicate the nature (higher or lower) of the difference.

Based on the knowledge you currently have in a variety of subject domains, write a hypothesis for each of these research questions:

1. What is the difference between technology access and use in eighth-grade mathematics classrooms among urban, suburban, and rural schools? (Nondirectional hypothesis)

2. Is there any difference in teaching real-world issues with written versus annotated still image case studies? (Nondirectional hypothesis)

3. What are the effects of GPA on learner achievement when using computer assisted interactive videodisc instruction? (Directional hypothesis)

4. How does the use of advance organizers effect performance in the small group CBT setting? (Directional hypothesis)