Question

1.     How do the terms hypothesis and theory differ in meaning and application?

2.     Why do you think physical scientists, such as those working in the fields of physics, chemistry, astronomy, etc., might say that research in the social sciences is unscientific?

3.     What materials can a researcher provide others with in order to help them replicate a study?

4.     How can applied research help you understand an issue your university or community is currently facing?

5.     Identify three ways in which a study might be classified as bad research.

6.     Explain the difference between correlational, true experimental, and quasi-experimental research.

Answer 1

1.Hypothesis is an educated guess based on certain data which needs further research. Hypothesis is a supposition made for observable phenomenon or relationship between various phenomena. On the other side, theory is well substantiated explanation of natural phenomena. Theory is continuously validated through experiments and observations.

Hypothesis has uncertain results whereas theory has certain results. Hypothesis is an outcome of theory. Theory is formulated through hypothesis testing process by constant experiments.

Example- Interest rate decrease will lead to increase in investment is ahypothesis which needs a support of monetarist theory or any other theory which relies on data, graphs and observations.