Hypothesis validity of clinical research

J Consult Clin Psychol. 1990 Jun;58(3):360-7. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.58.3.360.

Abstract

Hypothesis validity refers to the extent to which research results reflect theoretically derived predictions about the relations between or among constructs. The role of hypotheses in theory testing is discussed. Four threats to hypothesis validity are presented: (a) inconsequential research hypotheses, (b) ambiguous research hypotheses, (c) noncongruence of research hypotheses and statistical hypotheses, and (d) diffuse statistical hypotheses and tests.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Psychological Theory
  • Research Design