<Li> Conservatism--the degree of "fit" with existing recognized knowledge - systems . </Li> <P> A working hypothesis is a hypothesis that is provisionally accepted as a basis for further research in the hope that a tenable theory will be produced, even if the hypothesis ultimately fails . Like all hypotheses, a working hypothesis is constructed as a statement of expectations, which can be linked to the exploratory research purpose in empirical investigation . Working hypotheses are often used as a conceptual framework in qualitative research . </P> <P> The provisional nature of working hypotheses make them useful as an organizing device in applied research . Here they act like a useful guide to address problems that are still in a formative phase . </P> <P> In recent years, philosophers of science have tried to integrate the various approaches to evaluating hypotheses, and the scientific method in general, to form a more complete system that integrates the individual concerns of each approach . Notably, Imre Lakatos and Paul Feyerabend, Karl Popper's colleague and student, respectively, have produced novel attempts at such a synthesis . </P>

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