Research hypothesis is the tentative answer to a research problem. It is also referred as a scientific guest work. meaning; it is a testable prediction. It helps a researcher determine the relationship between two variables e.g., the relationship between demand and supply, property users and choice, property location and type of development etc.

The main purpose of a hypothesis is enabling your study answer the research questions. To formulate a good research hypothesis, do the following;

1. Take cognizance of your research questions
2. Make sure they are testable
3. Make sure they can be measured
4. It must contain two variables (dependent and independent variable)

The hypothesis is of two types;

Alternate Hypothesis: This is represented as H₁. It tries to test and give a positive answer to a research question by fostering a significant or possible relationship between two variables.

Null Hypothesis: This is represented as Ho. It usually gives a reverse view of the Alternate hypothesis. Null means Zero i.e., zero significance between two variables, zero relationship between two variables.

Note that formulated hypothesis (alternate or null) is subject to verification through investigation. It is after the investigation that your conclusion will either reject or support the formulated hypothesis.

To better answer your research questions; hypothesis must relate to the research questions.

SAMPLE:

Research Hypothesis:

The following hypothesis was postulated and tested.

H₁:  There is a significant relationship between User-Demand preferences and residential accommodations in New Haven Layout, Enugu.

H_o:  There is no significant relationship between User-Demand preferences and residential accommodations in New Haven Layout, Enugu.

The Alternate hypothesis states that the two variables have significant relationship while Null hypothesis gives an opposite view. With these two sides the researcher will have to rely on the conclusion drawn from investigations involving test of above hypothesis using reliable statistical models to decide whether to adopt the Alternate or Null hypothesis. This clearly means that one of the hypotheses will be rejected (i.e., if H₁ is rejected, H_o will be accepted on the other hand if H₁ is accepted, H_o will be rejected). The test of hypothesis would be carried out under data presentation and analysis.