Making sense of hypothesis in EFL research : a practical guide

Abstract EN

Formulating and testing hypotheses, with a view of demonstrating whether they are accepted or rejected, are an indelible part of serious research, without which the research problem turns out hollow.

although hypotheses are means to an end, they need be well formulated.

hypotheses are expected to be accurate, clear, and researchable.

hypotheses are researchable when variables are measurable.

short of sound measurement media, errors (types I and II) are occasioned, and consequential inconsistencies would ensue.

the current paper undertook to explain in a simple and sober pedagogical style aspiring to help novice researchers craft and test hypotheses.

all the given examples have a theme in common : (the teaching of) English as a foreign language (EFL).