Science Education 554: Issues in Science Education  

Writing Hypotheses

Each item below is an abbreviated synopsis of a research project.  In each item you are given a brief description of the participants (Ps), an independent variable (X), and a dependent variable (Y).  The purpose of these descriptions is to provide an opportunity for you to practice writing viable hypotheses.

1.      Ps = first graders at Commonwealth Elementary

X = constructivism in the approach to teaching science

Y = enjoyment of science

A. Write a null hypothesis

B. Write a directional research hypothesis.

A.

B.

2.      Ps = first graders at Commonwealth Elementary

X = constructivism in the approach to teaching science

Y = test assessment results

A.  Write a null hypothesis

B.  Write a directional research hypothesis.

A.

B.

3.      Ps = 11 year old ELL students in Santa Ana

X = teaching the FOSS variables kit

Y = reasoning skills as measured by the Group Assessment of Logical Thinking

A.  Write a null hypothesis

B.  Write a directional research hypothesis.

A.

B.

4.  Ps = students in a Fullerton Elementary School

X = student’s age

Y = scientific accuracy of student beliefs about plants

A.  Write a null hypothesis

B.  Write a directional research hypothesis.

A.

B.

5.       Ps = ninth-grade advanced science students

X = type of instruction (unified versus standard approach)

Y = attitudes toward science

A. Write a null hypothesis

B. Write a directional research hypothesis.

A.

B.