American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What is the term for a statement that outlines predicted relationships between two phenomena?

1. Research Hypothesis

2. Operational Hypothesis

3. Null Hypothesis

4. Descriptive Hypothesis

The correct answer is: Research Hypothesis

A research hypothesis is a statement that outlines predicted relationships between two phenomena, typically formed prior to conducting research or analysis. It provides a clear and testable proposition on how two variables are expected to relate to each other, often guided by existing theories or prior research. This hypothesis sets the direction for the study and helps determine the research method and statistical analyses necessary to validate or invalidate the proposed relationships. The research hypothesis is foundational in scientific inquiry because it allows researchers to focus their study and provides a framework for interpreting the results. In this context, researchers seek to gather evidence that either supports or contradicts the predicted relationship outlined in the hypothesis. In contrast, an operational hypothesis often refers to a specific version of the research hypothesis that includes precise definitions of the variables and how they will be measured, making the research hypothesis broader in scope. The null hypothesis serves as a counterpoint to the research hypothesis, suggesting no relationship exists, whereas a descriptive hypothesis typically provides a summary or description of characteristics rather than predictions about relationships.