In research, a hypothesis serves several important functions. The most important is that it guides the direction of the study. A frequent problem in research is the proliferation of interesting information. Unless the urge to include additional elements is curbed, a study can be diluted by trivial concerns that do not answer the basic questions posed. The virtue of the hypothesis is that, if taken seriously, it limits what shall be studied and what shall hypothesis is that, if taken seriously, it limits what shall be studied and what shall not. It identifies facts that are relevant and those that are not; in so doing, it suggests which form of research design is likely to be most appropriate. A final role of the hypothesis is to provide a framework for organizing the conclusions that result.