Here's an argumentative response to defend not having a hypothesis in my research:

"In exploratory and analytical research studies, like mine, which aim to investigate complex phenomena like civil-military relations in Pakistan, hypotheses are not always necessary or appropriate. My research focuses on identifying and examining the factors influencing civil-military relations, rather than testing a preconceived notion or prediction.

The absence of a hypothesis allows for a more inductive approach, enabling the discovery of patterns, themes, and relationships within the data. This is particularly suitable for my study, as it explores a complex and multifaceted topic with various interconnected variables.

Moreover, the use of convenience sampling and a Likert scale for data collection and analysis aligns with an exploratory research design, which doesn't require a hypothesis. The reliability test (Cronbach's alpha) ensures the consistency and accuracy of the data, further justifying the absence of a hypothesis.

In some cases, hypotheses can constrain the research by limiting the scope of inquiry and predetermining the expected outcomes. By not having a hypothesis, my research remains open to unexpected findings and insights, providing a more comprehensive understanding of civil-military relations in Pakistan.

Therefore, the lack of a hypothesis in my research is a deliberate methodological choice, allowing for a more flexible and exploratory approach to understanding this complex phenomenon."

Descriptive research does not have any hypotheses.

In some cases, especially exploratory research or descriptive studies, researchers might not have a specific hypothesis to test as you said. You on the right path.

--Hypotheses (if applicable): Hypotheses must be formulated in light of the research questions and objectives of the study , which are to be tested for possible acceptance or rejection--

As you have said- you are going to conduct an exploratory research. So your research question is basically "what's up with this and that?". In light of your research question, you are not making hypotheses, because the research subject (the matter that is being surveyed) is yet unknown- you don't know trends, tendencies, correlations etc.

Therefore, hypotheses ARE NOT applicable. And here you go ;)

Best Regards,

Tomasz Wojciechowski

The question is well explained by senior colleagues.

Please note that Cronbach's alpha is not a statistical test of hypothesis. It measures the consistency of items, i.e., how closely the items are related in a group. For more details watch the video. You could still have research questions that could be answered by hypothesis testing.

https://youtu.be/W9uPvAmtTOk?si=deJmUMUwXUmHL4WA