Assumptions in Research

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Assumptions in Research

By Jayesh Patidar

An assumption is a realistic expectation which is something that we believe to be true. However, no adequate evidence exists to support this belief. In other words, an assumption is an act of faith which does not have empirical evidence to support. An assumption provides a basis to develop theories and research instrument and influences the development and implementation of research process.

Assumptions are statements that are taken for granted or are considered true even though they have not been scientifically tested. Assumptions are principles that are accepted as being true based on logic or reasons, but without proof or verification.

Difference between an Assumption and a Hypothesis

Assumption
Hypothesis
An assumption is a belief and idea that we hold to be true.
A hypothesis is a prediction, which can be either validated or skewed.
An assumption is based on little or no evidence and is not statistically tested in research.
A hypothesis can be statistically tested and may be accepted or rejected.
An assumption is a belief about the variables.
A hypothesis is a prediction about the relationship of two or more variables.
An assumption is based on the beliefs, and the researcher attempts to discover the correlation between the variables.
A hypothesis predicts a relation between variables and statistically tested to conclude the study.

Use of assumptions in research
·      Research is built upon assumptions since a foundation is needed to move forward. One must assume something to discover something.
·      Assumptions listed in research paper may be good sources of the research topics.
·      Assumptions provide the basis to conduct a research study.
·      Tested assumptions through research studies expand the body of knowledge.

Types of Assumptions
1.     Universal assumptions
2.     Assumptions based on theories
3.     Assumptions needed to conduct research
4.     Warranted assumptions
5.     Unwarranted assumptions

1.     Universal assumptions: Universal assumptions are beliefs that are assumed to be true by a large part of society, but testing such assumptions is not always possible. For example, one of the universal assumptions is the belief that there is a supernatural power which governs this universe.
2.     Assumptions based on theories: Assumptions may also be drawn from theories. If a research study is based on a theory, the assumption of the particular theory may become an assumption of that particular research study. For example, “a study on Roy’s Adaptation Model will use an assumption of this particular theoretical model”.

3.     Assumptions needed to conduct research: Some of the commonsense assumptions may be developed to conduct a particular study. For example, “a prevalence of coronary artery disease is more common among urban people as compared to rural people”.

4.     Warranted assumptions: These are stated along with evidence to support. For example, “regular prayers bring success because they boost morale”.

5.     Unwarranted assumptions: These are stated without any supporting evidence. For example, “Almighty God exists everywhere in this universe”.

Examples of assumptions:
Williams (1980) reviewed published nursing studies and other healthcare literature and found the following common assumptions:
·      People are aware of the experiences that most affect their life choices.
·      People in underserved areas feel underserved.
·      People want to assume control of their own health problems.
·      Stress should be avoided.
·      Health is a priority for most of the people.
·      Most measurable attitudes are held strongly enough to direct behavior.
·      Health professionals view healthcare in a different manner than a layperson.
·      Human biological and chemical factors show less variation than cultural and social factors.
·      The nursing process is the best way to conceptualizing nursing practices.
·      Statistically significant differences relate to the variables under consideration.

“Effectiveness of planned teaching on the knowledge of staff nurses working in psychiatric unit regarding physical restraints for psychiatric patients in selected hospitals.”

This study is based on the following assumptions:
1.     Every nursing student is taught about Physical restraint during basic nursing training program.
2.     Awareness of an alternative to the use of physical restraint is inadequate among nursing staff.
3.     Physical restraint is not the only treatment for behavioral emergencies.
4.     Untrained nurses are responsible for injuries of psychiatric patients.

Limitations in Research
Limitations are restrictions of the study due to theoretical or methodological reasons, which may decrease the credibility and generalizability of the research findings. Usually, there are two types of limitations in research studies, which may reduce the credibility and generalizability of the research findings. They are:
1.     Theoretical limitations
2.     Methodological limitations

1.     Theoretical limitations: They restrict the ability of research findings to generalize due to the use of specific theoretical concepts in a study, or they limit the study of variables through operational definitions.

2.     Methodological limitations: They usually result from some of the methodological factors such as unrepresentative sample, weak design, single setting, limited control over extraneous variables, poor data collection procedure, ineffective use of statistical analysis, etc. For this reason, researchers usually mention the limitations of their research study so that the reader can evaluate the credibility and generalizability of the research findings.

Some examples of methodological limitations:
1.     The study is limited only to the nurses working in the units of general and specific hospitals of the Vidharbha region.
2.     The study is limited to a population that speaks English.
3.     The study is limited to registered and licensed nurses.
4.     The study is limited to nurses with GNM and BSc Nursing education.
5.     The study is limited to the experience level of the researcher.


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