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Methodology of Social Research

note hypothesis. When this is done on the basis of facts, these hypothesis are proved true, they take the
form of principles.
Dr. Surendra Singh has described the below mentioned importance of hypothesis:
(i) Clarifying various questions related to researches.
(ii) to provide stimulation to the research
(iii) Directing the judicial system of research while providing it the base.
(iv) Providing the criterion for evaluation of experimental methods.
(v) Working in form of an executive equipment for building principle.
(vi) Helping in finding inference through incorporation method.

3.14 Limitations of Hypothesis

Hypothesis is important in research from the point of view of guidance still if it is not used cautiously
it can be a danger also for the study. its demerits or limitations are listed below:
1. Full Confidence in Hypothesis—Many a times researcher instead of considering hypothesis
to be his guide compiles the facts in favor of proving it only. In such situation scientific facts
end. That is why P.V. Young has written, “A researcher should not start his study with the
objective of proving the accuracy of his hypothesis.”
2. Hypothesis-based Facts—initially researcher compiles the facts on the basis of hypothesis
only, it is required from him that on the basis of actual facts he brings amendments and
changes in his hypothesis. on not doing so, compiled facts may prove harmful and be wasted.
in this reference, fry has written, “compilation of facts should not be done in relation to
mere specific facts but in research of an institution or situation, questions should be seen as
suggestions.”
3. Influence of Specific Interests and Emotions—Many a times a researcher because of his own
specific interest or emotion, selects a specific study-subject and adopts a prejudiced attitude
towards it, in that case, the study done by him becomes unscientific.
4. Prestige Point of the Investigator—Many a times, researcher assumes his hypothesis to
be best and correct and attaches his prestige with it. in such situation, he does not want to
accept practical facts also, against the hypothesis. this situation is a hurdle in reaching the
scientific fact.
it is clear that though hypotheses are useful for research, still precautions must be taken in their use.
in this reference, Westaway has written appropriately, “hypotheses are those lullabies that sing down
the heedless to sleep.” p.V. young has written, “if researcher moves, not towards proving the facts
in any special situation based on actual scientific feelings, but towards learning and understanding,
then, his hypothesis will not become vested interest and if new facts prove his hypothesis to be false,
then, his fame and prestige will not be harmed.”

3.15 Main Difficulties in Formulation of Hypothesis

Building of hypothesis is not an easy task. As per Goode and Hatt, two difficulties may arise under
it—related to theoretical framework and related to research technique.
I. Related to theoretical Framework—Many times during building of hypothesis following difficulties
may arise related to theoretical framework:
1. Absence of definite framework—Many a times situation is such that researcher does not
have the knowledge of principles related to the subject, and then he is not able to build
appropriate hypotheses. it proves true in reference to new sciences.

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