How To Evaluate The Validity Of A Hypothesis Or Interpretive Framework?

Introduction

The validity of a hypothesis is essential for strengthening the accuracy and credibility of the research. Researchers have to test the validity of a hypothesis to determine that the research is doable. Unevaluated hypotheses are only propositions that are not researchable. So, every researcher needs to check its validity. Evaluating the validity of an interpretive framework refers to examining the strengths and weaknesses of the framework. This article at Blog Rind will tell you how to test the hypothesis validity or interpretive framework.

How to Test the Validity of a Hypothesis?

1.     Capable of Empirical Verification

The first step in evaluating the validity of a hypothesis is to ensure that hypothesis is capable of empirical verification. Empirical verification of a hypothesis means that the researcher can collect data to confirm or refute the hypothesis. The evaluation of the validity of a hypothesis entails the consideration of the following things:

• Assess whether the hypothesis has the potential to generate inferences
• Determine whether the hypothesis statement is formulated in a manner that you can refute or disprove through data
• A hypothesis should not be opinionated or a moral judgment. It is essential to formulate a strong hypothesis that is testable.
• A hypothesis should not be a proposition
• The hypothesis must be objective
• Explicitly state the independent and dependent variables in the hypothesis.

2.     Look for Clarity

The second step in evaluating the validity of a hypothesis is to ensure that the hypothesis is straightforward. A hypothesis must have definitive and specific features. A vague hypothesis is not testable, and it is an invalid hypothesis. The concepts stated in the hypothesis must be clear and concise. A hypothesis will not fulfill the evaluation criteria of validity if the concepts are not clearly defined. Vague and ambiguous ideas in the hypothesis are not verifiable by facts. Furthermore, evaluating the validity of a hypothesis requires defining the concepts in a manner that can be communicated.

3.     Identify the Scope of the Hypothesis

The next step in evaluating the validity of a hypothesis is to ensure that the hypothesis must have a narrow scope. A hypothesis with a broad scope is impossible to confirm or refute with data. The evaluation process entails narrowing down the scope of the hypothesis. You will also have to make it specific to the problem. A hypothesis that has a narrow scope is valid because it has greater power to predict the outcomes. A generalized hypothesis is vague. It is a weak hypothesis that cannot predict the study outcomes.

Furthermore, a hypothesis must relate to the tangible reality and observable phenomenon. An abstract hypothesis is conceptually complex. Observable facts cannot refute or confirm an obscure hypothesis. So, it is crucial to match the hypothesis with the observed reality so that you can gather tangible facts to test the hypothesis.

4.     Identify the Logical Coherence

Identification of logical coherence among the concepts stated in the hypothesis is essential in evaluating the validity of a hypothesis. You must evaluate the hypothesis and determine whether it has logical consistency or not. A hypothesis must have logical consistency. It helps you derive inferences from it by collecting the data. Logical consistency in a hypothesis helps collect data that either refutes or validates it.

5.     Evaluate the Theoretical Relevance

A hypothesis must signify the theoretical relevance. You can test the validity of a hypothesis by analyzing the theoretical rationale of the hypothesis. A valid hypothesis can add value to the established theoretical frameworks. Or it can also lead to the formation of new theories with predictive capabilities. These predictive capabilities are essential for understanding the future behavior and outcomes of the studied phenomenon. Furthermore, the hypothesis must allude to the established theories in the relevant subject matter. A hypothesis that signifies theoretical relevance can generate accurate results.

6.     Testable Hypothesis

The next step in evaluating the validity of a hypothesis is to ensure that the hypothesis is testable. A testable hypothesis can undergo the test using established scientific techniques. You must evaluate and determine whether the current scientific methods can test the hypothesis.

7.     A hypothesis must be realistic.

A hypothesis must be realistic even if it is grammatically correct and contains the variables. A realistic hypothesis makes realistic and practical assumptions. Evaluation of the validity of the hypothesis requires asking the following questions:

• Is my hypothesis testable?
• Is the hypothesis realistic?
• A hypothesis that makes unrealistic assumptions cannot be verified or refuted with observations. It is impossible to collect data for it.

 How can you evaluate the validity of an interpretive framework?

An interpretive framework is common in qualitative research. It is unlike hypothesis testing. Qualitative researchers primarily use interpretive frameworks to interpret their findings. Every research has certain philosophical assumptions and paradigms. Researchers bring their worldviews and cultural beliefs into the research process unknowingly. So, it is essential to evaluate the interpretive frameworks to ascertain the philosophical underpinnings. These philosophical premises significantly impact and alter the research findings. You can evaluate the interpretive frameworks by asking the following questions:

• What are the philosophical assumptions of the interpretive framework?
• Do the significant concepts outlined in the relevant interpretive framework relate to my research?
• How are the philosophical assumptions incorporated into the interpretive frameworks?
• What are the ontological premises of the interpretive framework?
• What are the epistemological foundations of the interpretive framework?
• How is inter-textuality impact in deciphering the meaning of interpretive framework?
• What methods were used to arrive at the conclusions stated in the interpretive frameworks?

Conclusion

It is essential to evaluate the validity of a hypothesis to find out whether it is refutable or verifiable. A hypothesis must be observable and realistic. It must have relevance to the theory and match the observed reality. A hypothesis is not a proposition; therefore, evaluating the validity of a hypothesis requires examining the stated concepts. You can use the techniques mentioned above to test the validity of a hypothesis. Interpretive frameworks also require evaluation and identification of the underpinning philosophical paradigms.

Author Bio:

Hey, I’m Susan Wray, a professional author based in London, UK. I’m always ready to provide students with unique, high-quality, and inspiring masters dissertation writing services on any subject. I’m happy to share these insights with a broad audience, so don’t miss the chance to expand your horizons.