SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN LEGAL RESEARCH

Hypothesis is a tentative statement about the solution of the problem. Hypothesis offers a solution of the problem that is to be verified empirically and based on some rationale. Hypothesis guides the research process in a systematic way towards a achieving a desired goal. Certain important characteristics of an ideal hypothesis include being clear, specific, empirically testable and being related to a body of theory. It acts as a temporary solution and helps the researcher to start his investigation in an objective manner. Hypotheses can be of various types such as working, scientific, alternative, research, null or statistical hypothesis. A hypothesis can virtually relate to anything under the sun. Hence, a great caution and practical approach needs to be adopted while formulating a hypothesis. Two basic methods of hypothesis formulation are qualitative method and quantitative method. Formulation of hypothesis is very crucial to the solution of research problem because hypothesis helps in keeping the research of the researcher focused. It helps in narrowing the sample so that eventually the researcher is not left with useless data. If the hypothesis is ill-defined then it will become very difficult rather practically impossible for the researcher to have a reasonable basis for his research. A properly tested hypothesis helps to either verify a theory or deny it. It may also suggest some modifications in an existing theory. Although hypothesis do not generally challenge the well known laws of the nature or the well-established principles of science which have been proved beyond reasonable doubt yet hypothesis do at times help in formulating new theories.