Student Question
How do I write a hypothesis for the topic "why do people cheat" in sociology?
Quick answer:
The above mentioned statement is a good hypothesis and will work for the paper. You must find examples to prove your theory right or wrong. The following text is from a high-school level Sociology textbook: Consider the following example: "Some people think that among the causes of cheating are (1) an increase in competition in schools, (2) students' need to learn and their fear of not graduating, and (3) students' belief that their teachers can't be trusted." [Sociology, by John J. Macionis, Prentice Hall Press] "In each case," he says, "
Perhaps one hypothesis for why students cheat is the fact that they feel the pressure to make good grades. In a situation in which the student is unprepared for an exam, he/she may cheat in an effort to keep from receiving a grade for which his/her parent will scold or punish the child. (There are documented cases of this type of thing.)
Another reason for students' cheating is their fear of appearing inadequate either to their peers or to their parents. It is an observable fact that more students in advanced classes cheat than those in other classes. Research shows that children from lower socio-economic environments feel less pressure to make good grades because education is not valued in the same way that it is in other socio-economic areas.
Still another factor that enters the rational for cheating is the lack of ethical values that some students have; they have few qualms about buying essays from internet sites, etc. These options are available, so why not use them? Doing so saves time and assures one of having a good response to the questions assigned.
So....in order to form a hypothesis, why not locate some of the research and find reliable proof. Then write the hypothesis that will accommodate this information.
For a start in your research, see the site below for an article by Gary Niels. Good luck!
Well... I can't really tell you what to write because I don't actually know anything about why people cheat. So all I can really help you with is how to write a hypothesis in general.
Really, all you should be trying to do is write a thesis statement. And the gist of it is going to have to be: "people cheat because..." (See the link for more about writing an intro.)
If I had to write your paper (again, not knowing any facts about the question) I would write an introduction something like this:
Although cheating is frowned upon in our society, many people still do it. Studies have found that x% of students admit to having cheated. Why do so many people cheat if society says it's wrong? I believe that people cheat because of our society promotes a "win at any cost" mentality.
Does that help?
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.