When is a hypothesis considered directional?

A hypothesis is considered directional when it specifies the expected outcome or the nature of the relationship between variables. This means that the hypothesis not only predicts that a relationship exists but also indicates the direction of that relationship. For example, a directional hypothesis might assert that increasing study time leads to higher test scores, as it specifies both the anticipated outcome (higher test scores) and the expected relationship (positive correlation between study time and test scores).

Other options fail to define a directional hypothesis appropriately. The lack of background research does not inherently make a hypothesis directional; rather, background research generally informs hypotheses based on existing knowledge. A vague hypothesis does not provide a clear prediction or direction, which is contrary to the concept of a directional hypothesis. Similarly, the nature of previous research—whether qualitative or quantitative—does not dictate the directionality of a hypothesis; it simply pertains to the methodological approach taken in prior studies. Hence, specifying an outcome is the key characteristic that makes a hypothesis directional.