Hypothesis

Definition

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for an observed phenomenon or a possible solution to a problem. It is an educated guess that serves as the starting point for further investigation and testing within the scientific method.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A hypothesis is a testable statement that proposes a possible explanation for an observed phenomenon.
2. Hypotheses are based on existing knowledge, observations, and logical reasoning, and they guide the design of experiments or further investigations.
3. A good hypothesis is specific, measurable, and falsifiable, meaning it can be proven false through experimentation or observation.
4. Hypotheses are the foundation of the scientific method, as they provide a starting point for scientific inquiry and guide the research process.
5. Hypotheses can be either descriptive (describing a relationship) or causal (explaining a cause-and-effect relationship).

Review Questions

• Explain the role of a hypothesis in the scientific method.
  • A hypothesis is a crucial component of the scientific method, as it serves as the starting point for scientific investigation. It proposes a tentative explanation for an observed phenomenon or a possible solution to a problem. The hypothesis guides the design of experiments or further observations to test its validity. By formulating a hypothesis, researchers can then collect data, analyze the results, and either support or refute the initial hypothesis, ultimately leading to a better understanding of the natural world.
• Describe the characteristics of a well-formulated hypothesis.
  • A well-formulated hypothesis should be specific, measurable, and falsifiable. It should be based on existing knowledge, observations, and logical reasoning. A good hypothesis is a testable statement that proposes a possible explanation for an observed phenomenon. It should be phrased in a way that can be proven false through experimentation or observation, allowing researchers to gather evidence to either support or refute the hypothesis. Additionally, a hypothesis should be concise and focused on a single, clearly defined question or relationship.
• Analyze the relationship between hypotheses and theories in the context of the scientific method.
  • Hypotheses and theories play complementary roles in the scientific method. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or solution that serves as the starting point for scientific investigation. Through experimentation and observation, a hypothesis may be supported or refuted, leading to the development of a theory. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of knowledge that has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation. Theories provide a comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon and can be used to generate new hypotheses for further investigation. The interplay between hypotheses and theories is essential for the advancement of scientific knowledge, as hypotheses guide research and theories organize and explain the accumulated evidence.

Related terms

Theory:

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world based on a body of knowledge that has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.

Experiment: A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.

Scientific Method:

A systematic process of research and investigation involving the formulation of a hypothesis, the design and execution of an experiment, and the analysis and evaluation of the results.