Formulating Hypotheses for Different Study Designs

Abstract

Generating a testable working hypothesis is the first step towards conducting original research. Such research may prove or disprove the proposed hypothesis. Case reports, case series, online surveys and other observational studies, clinical trials, and narrative reviews help to generate hypotheses. Observational and interventional studies help to test hypotheses. A good hypothesis is usually based on previous evidence-based reports. Hypotheses without evidence-based justification and a priori ideas are not received favourably by the scientific community. Original research to test a hypothesis should be carefully planned to ensure appropriate methodology and adequate statistical power. While hypotheses can challenge conventional thinking and may be controversial, they should not be destructive. A hypothesis should be tested by ethically sound experiments with meaningful ethical and clinical implications. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has brought into sharp focus numerous hypotheses, some of which were proven (e.g. effectiveness of corticosteroids in those with hypoxia) while others were disproven (e.g. ineffectiveness of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin).

Interstitial Cystitis as a Plausible Cause of Overactive Bladder in Systemic Sclerosis: A Hypothesis

“…Case reports, case series, observational and interventional studies, as well as narrative and systematic reviews help to generate hypotheses. These hypotheses need to be tested by observational and interventional studies, and systematic reviews [16,17].…”

A Practical Guide to Writing Quantitative and Qualitative Research Questions and Hypotheses in Scholarly Articles

“…There are several characteristics of well-developed hypotheses. Good hypotheses are 1) empirically testable 7 10 11 13 ; 2) backed by preliminary evidence 9 ; 3) testable by ethical research 7 9 ; 4) based on original ideas 9 ; 5) have evidenced-based logical reasoning 10 ; and 6) can be predicted. 11 Good hypotheses can infer ethical and positive implications, indicating the presence of a relationship or effect relevant to the research theme.…”

“…11 Good hypotheses can infer ethical and positive implications, indicating the presence of a relationship or effect relevant to the research theme. 7 11 These are initially developed from a general theory and branch into specific hypotheses by deductive reasoning. In the absence of a theory to base the hypotheses, inductive reasoning based on specific observations or findings form more general hypotheses.…”

“…It is crucial to have knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research 2 as both types of research involve writing research questions and hypotheses. 7 However, these crucial elements of research are sometimes overlooked; if not overlooked, then framed without the forethought and meticulous attention it needs. Planning and careful consideration are needed when developing quantitative or qualitative research, particularly when conceptualizing research questions and hypotheses.…”

Peering, Viewing and Reviewing: What Makes a Peer Review Good

“…Peer reviewers should also be acquainted with reviewing manuscripts dealing with ethical or even hypotheses. These are increasingly being considered by journals and require special perspectives for reviewing [14].…”