Below is a research hypothesis that needs revision:

Research Hypothesis:
Setting clear, positive rules and explicit expectations at the beginning of the year will automatically create a positive environment for the rest of the year.


Key Elements of the Hypothesis:

Assumed causal agent (X) = “Setting clear, positive rules and explicit expectations at the beginning of the year”

Predicted outcome #1 (Y) = “will automatically create”

Predicted outcome #2 (Z) = “a positive environment for the rest of the year.”

Notice that it is possible for X —> Z without X —> Y being correct!

Thus a well-formed hypothesis should only include 1 claim.

Other Issues to Consider:

Here are some other issues to consider before this hypothesis is revised:

(1) Will you be claiming that this applies at all grade levels and in all content areas or just some? Whichever way you go, you should be explicit in the wording of your research and null hypotheses.
(2) How will you define/measure "positive environment" and "rest of the year"? (This could be self report but keep in mind that people may differ in their sense of a "positive environment".)
(3) How will you define/measure clear, positive rules and explicit expectations"? (This could be self report but keep in mind that my caveat above applies here too.)