Applying propositional calculus of formal logic to formulate research hypotheses in management sciences

Abstract

The article is devoted to the topic of formulating research hypotheses in management sciences. On the basis of the author’s research results, it may be concluded that although the related literature indicates the features of a properly formulated hypothesis, errors still tend to occur in the process of its construction and as a consequence, the answers to the question or questions determining the research problem are not correctly formulated. Examples of such errors include attempts to check statements which are unverifiable in practice, which could be observed even in Master’s theses. The propositional calculus, whose source is in formal logic, may prove a useful tool in creating proper hypotheses. The primary aim of the article is to prove the usefulness of the propositional calculus of formal logic in formulating the main hypothesis and partial hypotheses in research work relating to management sciences. Prior to adopting a hypothesis for further proceedings, it should be decomposed into prime factors, followed by an analysis of the propositions. Adopting such a calculus when formulating each hypothesis should result in their comprehensible and logical form, compliant with linguistic rules.