Writing multiple hypotheses in a research paper can help strengthen your study and identify various potential relationships and outcomes within your research topic or question. The American Psychological Association (APA) has specific guidelines for how to format and structure hypotheses in research written using their style. This guide will walk through how to write multiple testable hypotheses for an APA research paper, including tips on formulation, organization, and presentation within the paper.
Developing Hypothesis Statements
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or observance that can be tested through experimentation or other empirical research methods. Well-constructed hypothesis statements should be testable, precise, and unambiguous. When developing multiple hypotheses for a research study, it is important that each one tests a unique and distinct relationship or prediction. Overlapping or redundant hypotheses will not add value to the study and should be avoided.
Some tips for developing clearly differentiated hypothesis statements include:
Focus hypotheses on different factors, variables, populations, or time periods involved in the research question or topic. For example, hypothesizing about the effect of two distinct intervention methods.
Vary the direction, strength or conditions of relationships between variables. For example, one hypothesis may predict a positive correlation while another allows for the possibility of a negative or weaker association.
Consider qualitative or quantitative distinctions between hypotheses. For instance, one could predict a significant mean difference while another allows for a non-significant trend.
Leave space for uncertainty by including hypotheses that represent alternative or opposing explanations to account for all reasonable possibilities suggested by related literature and theory.
Keep hypotheses focused and concise using active verbs and specifying relevant constructs clearly and operationally. Avoid ambiguous or overly broad statement that are difficult to test empirically.
Organizing Hypotheses in the Paper
In an APA research paper, hypotheses are presented in a designated section titled “Hypotheses” that directly follows the introduction. The subsection should list all hypotheses numerically or alphanumerically (e.g. H1, H2, H3 or H1a, H1b, H2a etc.). When presenting multiple hypotheses for a study, each one should be listed on a new indented paragraph in this section.
Order hypotheses in a logical flow that mirrors how they will be addressed in the results section. Often, it makes sense to number hypotheses in the order they will be tested statistically. There is no strict rule around ordering as long as each one is clearly enumerated. Consider grouping related hypotheses together if testing different factors, populations, or time periods to help organize the information for readers.
Additionally, clearly label any subsets of hypotheses using a sequential alpha label if separate statistical analyses will be performed (e.g. H1a predicts effect of x on y while H1b predicts effect of z on y). Maintain consistent numbering and lettering throughout the hypothesis, results, and general discussion sections for continuity.
Formatting Hypothesis Statements
Individual hypothesis statements themselves should be presented in a simple declarative sentence format using active voice. Start with the subject followed by the hypothesized relationship or predicted outcome in clear, unambiguous terms. Avoid long or convoluted syntax that make the core prediction difficult to discern.
Some key APA style guidelines for formatting individual hypothesis statements include:
Begin each with the phrase “Hypothesis [number/letter]:” in bold text for visual distinction.
Use past tense verbs like “predicted,” hypothesized,” or “expected” to denote the forecasted relationship rather than stating it as a fact.
Quantify predictions when possible using terms like “significantly,” “positively,” “strongly,” “larger,” or specifying an estimated value, proportion, or difference.
Define all relevant variables, treatments, populations, and timeframes operationally for reader clarity. No jargon and define acronyms.
Limit statements to a single concise sentence preferably under 15 words when feasible to maintain focus and brevity.
Do not repeat large portions of the introduction, literature review or utilize flowery language. Statements should be direct and empirically testable.
An example APA style multiple hypothesis section could look like:
Hypotheses
Hypothesis 1: It was predicted that participants in the treatment condition would score significantly higher on the academic achievement post-test than those in the control condition.
Hypothesis 2: It was hypothesized that females would demonstrate a stronger positive relationship between self-efficacy and test performance than males.
Hypothesis 3a: Grade point average was expected to positively correlate with post-test scores for 10th graders.
Hypothesis 3b: No significant relationship between grade point average and post-test scores was predicted for 12th graders.
Properly presenting testable hypotheses using APA style guidelines provides structure and direction for the research being reported. Clearly outlining distinct predictive statements upfront facilitates evaluation of findings and informs the implications and limitations discussed. Including multiple hypotheses acknowledges the complexity of research topics and accounts for uncertainty, strengthening overall study design and conclusions. Adhering to conventions for numbering, formatting and organizing hypotheses benefits reader comprehension as well.
Andrew Stroud