UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

A hypothesis proposes a specific relationship or difference between variables that can be examined empirically using data. It serves as a bridge between theory and observation by translating abstract ideas into testable propositions. In quantitative research, hypotheses guide the choice of design, measures and statistical tests. Therefore, a tentative, testable statement about expected relationships is correctly called a hypothesis.

Option A:
A theory is a broader system of concepts and propositions that explains a range of phenomena and often gives rise to many specific hypotheses. It is not itself usually framed as a single testable statement for one study, so it does not match the stem.

Option B:
Option B, hypothesis, typically includes clearly defined variables and sometimes indicates the expected direction of the relationship, such as positive or negative. Because it is explicitly testable, it can be supported or refuted through research findings, which aligns with the question.

Option C:
A law in science is a well-established generalisation that has been repeatedly confirmed and is widely accepted; it goes far beyond a tentative prediction in one study. Hence, law is not the appropriate answer.

Option D:
An assumption is a belief or condition accepted as true for the purposes of a study without direct testing. It does not necessarily describe an expected relationship that will be empirically examined, so it is not the best fit.