The characteristics of Usable Hypotheses are-

A. The hypothesis must be conceptually clear.
B. The hypotheses should have empirical referents.
C. The hypotheses should not be specific.
D. The hypotheses should be related to a body of theory.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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Correct option is C

A, B and D only

In the context of scientific inquiry and research, usable hypotheses are those that can be tested and lead to meaningful conclusions. The characteristics listed in the question help define what makes a hypothesis usable:

• A. The hypothesis must be conceptually clear: A hypothesis needs to be clearly defined and understandable. If it is unclear, it cannot be tested effectively. Conceptual clarity ensures that the hypothesis can be operationalized, meaning it can be translated into measurable terms that can be empirically tested.
• B. The hypotheses should have empirical referents: A hypothesis must have empirical referents, meaning it should relate to observable and measurable phenomena. This ensures that the hypothesis can be tested with data and verified or refuted based on actual evidence.
• C. The hypotheses should not be specific: This statement is incorrect. A usable hypothesis must be specific enough to be tested. It should provide clear predictions or relationships that can be observed. General or vague hypotheses make it difficult to design tests or experiments.
• D. The hypotheses should be related to a body of theory: A hypothesis is more valuable when it is linked to existing theoretical frameworks. This connection allows researchers to explore relationships within a theoretical context and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in that field.

Thus, the correct options are A, B, and D, as they emphasize the importance of conceptual clarity, empirical testability, and theoretical grounding for a hypothesis.

Information Booster:

1. Conceptual Clarity: A hypothesis must be precise and unambiguous so that it can be clearly understood and tested in various research settings. This is crucial for valid conclusions.
2. Empirical Testability: The hypothesis must make predictions that can be tested through observation or experimentation. Without empirical referents, a hypothesis remains theoretical and unverifiable.
3. Specificity in Hypotheses: For a hypothesis to be usable, it must be specific. This allows researchers to design experiments and measure outcomes in a clear, structured way.
4. Theoretical Relevance: A hypothesis should align with existing theories or frameworks. This helps in generating scientific knowledge and creating explanations based on prior research and theoretical perspectives.

Additional Knowledge:

• Operationalization of hypotheses involves defining concepts in measurable terms so they can be tested through research.
• Theoretical Frameworks guide the formulation of hypotheses by linking research with existing scientific paradigms, thereby enhancing the validity and relevance of the research.