Methods for Deriving Hypotheses from Theories
Researchers generally use two main strategies to derive a hypothesis from a scientific theory. The first approach involves formulating an interesting research question and then analyzing whether an existing theory logically implies an answer to it. The second approach involves isolating a specific component or process within a theory that has not yet been directly observed, and then generating a hypothesis to empirically test that specific unobserved element.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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Example of Deriving a Hypothesis from Habituation Theory
Testing Competing Theories with Hypotheses
Which of the following accurately describes one of the main strategies researchers use to derive a hypothesis from a scientific theory?
A researcher notices that an established theory of social conformity describes an internal cognitive mechanism that has never been directly measured in any published study. The researcher then creates a hypothesis predicting specific observable outcomes if that mechanism operates as the theory claims. This approach illustrates deriving a hypothesis by identifying an untested component within a theory and designing an empirical test for it.