Operationalizing a Hypothesis*

Ensuring that when writing a hypothesis, all details are included so that the statement is unambiguous and clearly predicts the effects of the study.

For example: Eating their favourite food will have a positive effect on the participants’ mood (measured on a scale of 1 - 10, 1 being extremely negative, 10 being extremely positive in response to “How do you feel?) compared to eating their least favourite food.

If asked to write a hypothesis in the exam (a common question!), always write what is asked (alternate, null, one or two tailed) and clearly operationalise it.