In qualitative research, hypotheses are not tested. However, hypotheses or "theories" about social phenomena can "emerge" from the research data and findings. Grounded theory is a very good example of this. For more on grounded theory, check out: Corbin and Strauss (1990) Qualitative Sociology 13(1). Also, there is a very good example of this in Wilson et al, 2002. The authors use grounded theory method to explain how ethnically diverse men and women with HIV in their study managed their medication side effects as well as their treatment adherence choices: essentially generating a theory about how people negotiate and manage their medication adherence. See Wilson, Holly, Sally A. Hutchinson and William L. Holzemer. 2002. Reconciling Incompatibilities: A Grounded Theory of HIV Medication Adherence and Symptom Management. Qualitative Health Research 12 (10): 1309-1322.