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Hypothesis facts for kids

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for some event or problem.

Cardinal Bellarmine gave a well known example of the older sense of the word in his warning to Galileo in the early 17th century: that he must not treat the motion of the Earth as a reality, but merely as a hypothesis.

Today, a hypothesis refers to an idea that needs to be tested . A hypothesis needs more work by the researcher in order to check it. A tested hypothesis that works, may become part of a theory or become a theory itself. The testing should be an attempt to prove the hypothesis is wrong. That is, there should be a way to falsify the hypothesis, at least in principle.

People often call a hypothesis an "educated guess".

Experimenters may test and reject several hypotheses before solving the problem.

A 'working hypothesis' is just a rough kind of hypothesis that is provisionally accepted as a basis for further research. The hope is that a theory will be produced, even if the hypothesis ultimately fails.

Hypotheses are especially important in science. Several philosophers have said that without hypotheses there could be no science. In recent years, philosophers of science have tried to integrate the various approaches to testing hypotheses, and the scientific method in general, to form a more complete system. The point is that hypotheses are suggested ideas which are then tested by experiments or observations .

In statistics , people talk about correlation : correlation is how closely related two events or phenomena are. A proposition (or hypothesis) that two events are related cannot be tested in the same way as a law of nature is tested. An example would be to see if some drug is effective to treat a given medical condition. Even if there is a strong correlation that indicates that this is the case, some samples would still not fit the hypothesis.

There are two hypotheses in statistical tests, called the null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis. The null hypothesis states that there is no link between the phenomena. The alternative hypothesis states that there is some kind of link. The alternative hypothesis may take several forms. It can be two-sided (for example: there is some effect, in a yet unknown direction) or one-sided (the direction of the supposed relation, positive or negative, is fixed in advance).

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Definition of hypothesis

Did you know.

The Difference Between Hypothesis and Theory

A hypothesis is an assumption, an idea that is proposed for the sake of argument so that it can be tested to see if it might be true.

In the scientific method, the hypothesis is constructed before any applicable research has been done, apart from a basic background review. You ask a question, read up on what has been studied before, and then form a hypothesis.

A hypothesis is usually tentative; it's an assumption or suggestion made strictly for the objective of being tested.

A theory , in contrast, is a principle that has been formed as an attempt to explain things that have already been substantiated by data. It is used in the names of a number of principles accepted in the scientific community, such as the Big Bang Theory . Because of the rigors of experimentation and control, it is understood to be more likely to be true than a hypothesis is.

In non-scientific use, however, hypothesis and theory are often used interchangeably to mean simply an idea, speculation, or hunch, with theory being the more common choice.

Since this casual use does away with the distinctions upheld by the scientific community, hypothesis and theory are prone to being wrongly interpreted even when they are encountered in scientific contexts—or at least, contexts that allude to scientific study without making the critical distinction that scientists employ when weighing hypotheses and theories.

The most common occurrence is when theory is interpreted—and sometimes even gleefully seized upon—to mean something having less truth value than other scientific principles. (The word law applies to principles so firmly established that they are almost never questioned, such as the law of gravity.)

This mistake is one of projection: since we use theory in general to mean something lightly speculated, then it's implied that scientists must be talking about the same level of uncertainty when they use theory to refer to their well-tested and reasoned principles.

The distinction has come to the forefront particularly on occasions when the content of science curricula in schools has been challenged—notably, when a school board in Georgia put stickers on textbooks stating that evolution was "a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things." As Kenneth R. Miller, a cell biologist at Brown University, has said , a theory "doesn’t mean a hunch or a guess. A theory is a system of explanations that ties together a whole bunch of facts. It not only explains those facts, but predicts what you ought to find from other observations and experiments.”

While theories are never completely infallible, they form the basis of scientific reasoning because, as Miller said "to the best of our ability, we’ve tested them, and they’ve held up."

• proposition
• supposition

hypothesis , theory , law mean a formula derived by inference from scientific data that explains a principle operating in nature.

hypothesis implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation.

theory implies a greater range of evidence and greater likelihood of truth.

law implies a statement of order and relation in nature that has been found to be invariable under the same conditions.

Examples of hypothesis in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hypothesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Greek, from hypotithenai to put under, suppose, from hypo- + tithenai to put — more at do

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hypothesis

• counter - hypothesis
• nebular hypothesis
• null hypothesis
• planetesimal hypothesis
• Whorfian hypothesis

Articles Related to hypothesis

This is the Difference Between a...

This is the Difference Between a Hypothesis and a Theory

In scientific reasoning, they're two completely different things

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Cite this Entry

“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothesis. Accessed 9 May. 2024.

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What is a hypothesis?

No.  A hypothesis is sometimes described as an educated guess.  That's not the same thing as a guess and not really a good description of a hypothesis either.  Let's try working through an example.

If you put an ice cube on a plate and place it on the table, what will happen?  A very young child might guess that it will still be there in a couple of hours.  Most people would agree with the hypothesis that:

An ice cube will melt in less than 30 minutes.

You could put sit and watch the ice cube melt and think you've proved a hypothesis.  But you will have missed some important steps.

For a good science fair project you need to do quite a bit of research before any experimenting.  Start by finding some information about how and why water melts.  You could read a book, do a bit of Google searching, or even ask an expert.  For our example, you could learn about how temperature and air pressure can change the state of water.  Don't forget that elevation above sea level changes air pressure too.

Now, using all your research, try to restate that hypothesis.

An ice cube will melt in less than 30 minutes in a room at sea level with a temperature of 20C or 68F.

But wait a minute.  What is the ice made from?  What if the ice cube was made from salt water, or you sprinkled salt on a regular ice cube?  Time for some more research.  Would adding salt make a difference?  Turns out it does.  Would other chemicals change the melting time?

Using this new information, let's try that hypothesis again.

An ice cube made with tap water will melt in less than 30 minutes in a room at sea level with a temperature of 20C or 68F.

Does that seem like an educated guess?  No, it sounds like you are stating the obvious.

At this point, it is obvious only because of your research.  You haven't actually done the experiment.  Now it's time to run the experiment to support the hypothesis.

A hypothesis isn't an educated guess.  It is a tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation.

Once you do the experiment and find out if it supports the hypothesis, it becomes part of scientific theory.

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• Ask a question
• Gather information and observe (research)
• Make a hypothesis (guess the answer)
• Experiment and test your hypothesis
• Analyze your test results
• Modify your hypothesis, if necessary
• Present a conclusion
• Retest (often done by other scientists)

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Hypothesis For Kids

Crafting a hypothesis isn’t just for scientists in white lab coats; even young budding researchers can join in the fun! When kids learn to frame their curious wonders as hypothesis statements, they pave the way for exciting discoveries. Our guide breaks down the world of hypothesis writing into kid-friendly chunks, complete with relatable thesis statement examples and easy-to-follow tips. Dive in to spark a love for inquiry and nurture young scientific minds!

What is an example of a Hypothesis for Kids?

Question: Do plants grow taller when they are watered with coffee instead of water?

Hypothesis: If I water a plant with coffee instead of water, then the plant will not grow as tall because coffee might have substances that aren’t good for plants.

This hypothesis is based on a simple observation or question a child might have, and it predicts a specific outcome (the plant not growing as tall) due to a specific condition (being watered with coffee). It’s presented in simple language suitable for kids.

100 Kids Hypothesis Statement Examples

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Children’s innate curiosity lays the foundation for numerous questions about the world around them. Framing these questions as good hypothesis statements can transform them into exciting learning experiments. Presented below are relatable and straightforward examples crafted especially for young minds, offering them a structured way to articulate their wonders and predictions.

• Sunlight & Plant Growth : If a plant gets more sunlight, then it will grow taller.
• Sugary Drinks & Tooth Decay : Drinking sugary drinks daily will lead to faster tooth decay.
• Chocolates & Energy : Eating chocolate will make me feel more energetic.
• Moon Phases & Sleep : I’ll sleep more during a full moon night.
• Homework & Weekend Moods : If I finish my homework on Friday, I’ll be happier over the weekend.
• Pets & Happiness : Owning a pet will make a child happier.
• Rain & Worms : Worms come out more after it rains.
• Shadows & Time of Day : Shadows are longer in the evening than at noon.
• Snow & School Holidays : More snow means there’s a better chance of school being canceled.
• Ice Cream & Brain Freeze : Eating ice cream too fast will give me a brain freeze.
• Video Games & Dreams : Playing video games before bed might make my dreams more vivid.
• Green Vegetables & Strength : Eating more green vegetables will make me stronger.
• Bicycles & Balance : The more I practice, the better I’ll get at riding my bike without training wheels.
• Stars & Wishes : If I wish on the first star I see at night, my wish might come true.
• Cartoons & Laughing : Watching my favorite cartoon will always make me laugh.
• Soda & Bone Health : Drinking soda every day will make my bones weaker.
• Beach Visits & Sunburn : If I don’t wear sunscreen at the beach, I’ll get sunburned.
• Loud Noises & Pet Behavior : My cat hides when she hears loud noises.
• Bedtime & Morning Energy : Going to bed early will make me feel more energetic in the morning.
• Healthy Snacks & Hunger : Eating a healthy snack will keep me full for longer. …
• Toys & Sharing : The more toys I have, the more I want to share with my friends.
• Homemade Cookies & Taste : Homemade cookies always taste better than store-bought ones.
• Books & Imagination : The more books I read, the more adventures I can imagine.
• Jumping & Height : The more I practice, the higher I can jump.
• Singing & Mood : Singing my favorite song always makes me happy.
• Snowmen & Temperature : If the temperature rises, my snowman will melt faster.
• Costumes & Play : Wearing a costume will make playtime more fun.
• Gardening & Patience : Waiting for my plants to grow teaches me patience.
• Night Lights & Sleep : Having a night light makes it easier for me to sleep.
• Handwriting & Practice : The more I practice, the better my handwriting will become.
• Painting & Creativity : Using more colors in my painting lets me express my creativity better.
• Puzzles & Problem Solving : The more puzzles I solve, the better I become at problem-solving.
• Dancing & Coordination : The more I dance, the more coordinated I will become.
• Stargazing & Constellations : If I stargaze every night, I’ll recognize more constellations.
• Bird Watching & Species Knowledge : The more I watch birds, the more species I can identify.
• Cooking & Skill : If I help in the kitchen often, I’ll become a better cook.
• Swimming & Confidence : The more I swim, the more confident I become in the water.
• Trees & Birds’ Nests : The taller the tree, the more likely it is to have birds’ nests.
• Roller Skating & Balance : If I roller skate every weekend, I’ll improve my balance.
• Drawing & Observation : The more I draw, the better I become at observing details.
• Sandcastles & Water : If I use wet sand, I can build a stronger sandcastle.
• Hiking & Endurance : The more I hike, the farther I can walk without getting tired.
• Camping & Outdoor Skills : If I go camping often, I’ll learn more about surviving outdoors.
• Magic Tricks & Practice : The more I practice a magic trick, the better I’ll get at performing it.
• Stickers & Collection : If I collect stickers, my album will become more colorful.
• Board Games & Strategy : The more board games I play, the better strategist I’ll become.
• Pets & Responsibility : The more I take care of my pet, the more responsible I become.
• Music & Concentration : Listening to calm music while studying will help me concentrate better.
• Photographs & Memories : The more photos I take, the more memories I can preserve.
• Rainbows & Rain : If it rains while the sun is out, I might see a rainbow.
• Museums & Knowledge : Every time I visit a museum, I learn something new.
• Fruits & Health : Eating more fruits will keep me healthier.
• Stories & Vocabulary : The more stories I listen to, the more new words I learn.
• Trees & Fresh Air : The more trees there are in a park, the fresher the air will be.
• Diary & Feelings : Writing in my diary helps me understand my feelings better.
• Planets & Telescopes : If I look through a telescope, I’ll see more planets clearly.
• Crafting & Creativity : The more crafts I make, the more creative I become.
• Snowflakes & Patterns : Every snowflake has a unique pattern.
• Jokes & Laughter : The funnier the joke, the louder I’ll laugh.
• Riddles & Thinking : Solving riddles makes me think harder.
• Nature Walks & Observations : The quieter I am on a nature walk, the more animals I’ll spot.
• Building Blocks & Structures : The more blocks I use, the taller my tower will be.
• Kites & Wind : If there’s more wind, my kite will fly higher.
• Popcorn & Movie Nights : Watching a movie with popcorn makes it more enjoyable.
• Stars & Wishes : If I see a shooting star, I should make a wish.
• Diets & Energy : Eating a balanced diet gives me more energy for playtime.
• Clay & Sculptures : The more I play with clay, the better my sculptures will be.
• Insects & Magnifying Glass : Using a magnifying glass will let me see more details of tiny insects.
• Aquarium Visits & Marine Knowledge : Every time I visit the aquarium, I discover a new marine creature.
• Yoga & Flexibility : If I practice yoga daily, I’ll become more flexible.
• Toothpaste & Bubbles : The more toothpaste I use, the more bubbles I’ll get while brushing.
• Journals & Memories : Writing in my journal every day helps me remember special moments.
• Piggy Banks & Savings : The more coins I save, the heavier my piggy bank will get.
• Baking & Measurements : If I measure ingredients accurately, my cake will turn out better.
• Coloring Books & Art Skills : The more I color, the better I get at staying inside the lines.
• Picnics & Outdoor Fun : Having a picnic makes a sunny day even more enjoyable.
• Recycling & Environment : The more I recycle, the cleaner my environment will be.
• Treasure Hunts & Discoveries : Every treasure hunt has a new discovery waiting.
• Milk & Bone Health : Drinking milk daily will make my bones stronger.
• Puppet Shows & Stories : The more puppet shows I watch, the more stories I learn.
• Field Trips & Learning : Every field trip to a new place teaches me something different.
• Chores & Responsibility : The more chores I do, the more responsible I feel.
• Fishing & Patience : Fishing teaches me to be patient while waiting for a catch.
• Fairy Tales & Imagination : Listening to fairy tales expands my imagination.
• Homemade Pizza & Toppings : The more toppings I add, the tastier my homemade pizza will be.
• Gardens & Butterflies : If I plant more flowers, I’ll see more butterflies in my garden.
• Raincoats & Puddles : Wearing a raincoat lets me jump in puddles without getting wet.
• Gymnastics & Balance : The more I practice gymnastics, the better my balance will be.
• Origami & Craft Skills : The more origami I fold, the better my craft skills become.
• Basketball & Shooting Skills : The more I practice, the better I get at shooting baskets.
• Fireflies & Night Beauty : Catching fireflies makes summer nights magical.
• Books & Knowledge : The more books I read, the smarter I become.
• Pillows & Forts : With more pillows, I can build a bigger fort.
• Lemonade & Summers : Drinking lemonade makes hot summer days refreshing.
• Bicycles & Balance : The more I practice, the better I get at riding my bike without training wheels.
• Pencils & Drawings : If I have colored pencils, my drawings will be more colorful.
• Ice Cream & Happiness : Eating ice cream always makes me happy.
• Beach Visits & Shell Collections : Every time I visit the beach, I find new shells for my collection.
• Jump Ropes & Fitness : The more I jump rope, the fitter I become.
• Tea Parties & Imagination : Hosting tea parties lets my imagination run wild.

Simple Hypothesis Statement Examples for Kids

Simple hypothesis are straightforward predictions that can be tested easily. They help children understand the relationship between two variables. Here are some examples tailored just for kids.

• Plants & Sunlight : Plants placed near the window will grow taller than those in the dark.
• Chocolates & Happiness : Eating chocolates can make kids feel happier.
• Rain & Puddles : The more it rains, the bigger the puddles become.
• Homework & Learning : Doing homework helps kids understand lessons better.
• Toys & Sharing : Sharing toys with friends makes playtime more fun.
• Pets & Care : Taking care of a pet fish helps it live longer.
• Storytime & Sleep : Listening to a bedtime story helps kids sleep faster.
• Brushing & Cavity : Brushing teeth daily prevents cavities.
• Games & Skill : Playing a new game every day improves problem-solving skills.
• Baking & Patience : Waiting for cookies to bake teaches patience.

Hypothesis Statement Examples for Kids Psychology

Child psychology hypothesis delves into how kids think, behave, and process emotions. These hypotheses help understand the psychological aspects of children’s behaviors.

• Emotions & Colors : Kids might feel calm when surrounded by blue and energetic with red.
• Friendship & Self-esteem : Making friends can boost a child’s self-confidence.
• Learning Styles & Memory : Some kids remember better by seeing, while others by doing.
• Play & Development : Pretend play is crucial for cognitive development.
• Rewards & Motivation : Giving small rewards can motivate kids to finish tasks.
• Music & Mood : Listening to soft music can calm a child’s anxiety.
• Sibling Bonds & Sharing : Having siblings can influence a child’s willingness to share.
• Feedback & Performance : Positive feedback can improve a kid’s academic performance.
• Outdoor Play & Attention Span : Playing outside can help kids concentrate better in class.
• Dreams & Reality : Kids sometimes can’t differentiate between dreams and reality.

Hypothesis Examples in Kid Friendly Words

Phrasing hypothesis in simple words makes it relatable and easier for kids to grasp. Here are examples with kid-friendly language.

• Socks & Warmth : Wearing socks will keep my toes toasty.
• Jumping & Energy : The more I jump, the more energy I feel.
• Sandcastles & Water : A little water makes my sandcastle stand tall.
• Stickers & Smiles : Getting a sticker makes my day shine brighter.
• Rainbows & Rain : After the rain, I might see a rainbow.
• Slides & Speed : The taller the slide, the faster I go.
• Hugs & Love : Giving hugs makes me and my friends feel loved.
• Stars & Counting : The darker it is, the more stars I can count.
• Paint & Mess : The more paint I use, the messier it gets.
• Bubbles & Wind : If I blow my bubble wand, the wind will carry them high.

Hypothesis Statement Examples for Kids in Research

Even in a research setting, research hypothesis should be age-appropriate for kids. These examples focus on concepts children might encounter in structured studies.

• Reading & Vocabulary : Kids who read daily might have a richer vocabulary.
• Games & Math Skills : Playing number games can improve math skills.
• Experiments & Curiosity : Conducting science experiments can make kids more curious.
• Doodles & Creativity : Drawing daily might enhance a child’s creativity.
• Learning Methods & Retention : Kids who learn with visuals might remember lessons better.
• Discussions & Understanding : Talking about a topic can deepen understanding.
• Observation & Knowledge : Observing nature can increase a kid’s knowledge about the environment.
• Puzzles & Cognitive Skills : Solving puzzles regularly might enhance logical thinking.
• Music & Rhythmic Abilities : Kids who practice music might develop better rhythm skills.
• Teamwork & Social Skills : Group projects can boost a child’s social skills.

Hypothesis Statement Examples for Kids Science Fair

Science fairs are a chance for kids to delve into the world of experiments and observations. Here are hypotheses suitable for these events.

• Magnet & Metals : Certain metals will be attracted to a magnet.
• Plants & Colored Light : Plants might grow differently under blue and red lights.
• Eggs & Vinegar : An egg in vinegar might become bouncy.
• Solar Panels & Sunlight : Solar panels will generate more power on sunny days.
• Volcanoes & Eruptions : Mixing baking soda and vinegar will make a mini eruption.
• Mirrors & Reflection : Shiny surfaces can reflect light better than dull ones.
• Battery & Energy : Fresh batteries will make a toy run faster.
• Density & Floating : Objects with lower density will float in water.
• Shadows & Light Source : Moving the light source will change the shadow’s direction.
• Freezing & States : Water turns solid when kept in the freezer.

Hypothesis Statement Examples for Science Experiments

Experiments let kids test out their predictions in real-time. Here are hypotheses crafted for various scientific tests.

• Salt & Boiling Point : Adding salt will make water boil at a higher temperature.
• Plants & Music : Playing music might affect a plant’s growth rate.
• Rust & Moisture : Metals kept in a moist environment will rust faster.
• Candles & Oxygen : A candle will burn out faster in an enclosed jar.
• Fruits & Browning : Lemon juice can prevent cut fruits from browning.
• Yeast & Sugar : Adding sugar will make yeast activate more vigorously.
• Density & Layers : Different liquids will form layers based on their density.
• Acids & Bases : Red cabbage juice will change color in acids and bases.
• Soil Types & Water : Sandy soil will drain water faster than clay.
• Thermometers & Temperatures : Thermometers will show higher readings in the sun.

Hypothesis Statement Examples for Kids At Home

These hypotheses are crafted for experiments and observations kids can easily make at home, using everyday items.

• Chores & Time : Setting a timer will make me finish my chores faster.
• Pets & Behavior : My cat sleeps more during the day than at night.
• Recycling & Environment : Recycling more can reduce the trash in my home.
• Cooking & Tastes : Adding spices will change the taste of my food.
• Family Time & Bonding : Playing board games strengthens our family bond.
• Cleaning & Organization : Organizing my toys daily will keep my room tidier.
• Watering & Plant Health : Watering my plant regularly will keep its leaves green.
• Decor & Mood : Changing the room decor can influence my mood.
• Journals & Memories : Writing in my journal daily will help me remember fun events.
• Photos & Growth : Taking monthly photos will show how much I’ve grown.

How do you write a hypothesis for kids? – A Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Start with Curiosity Begin with a question that your child is curious about. This could be something simple, like “Why is the sky blue?” or “Do plants need sunlight to grow?”

Step 2: Observe and Research Before formulating the hypothesis, encourage your child to observe the world around them. If possible, read or watch videos about the topic to gather information. The idea is to get a general understanding of the subject.

Step 3: Keep it Simple For kids, it’s essential to keep the hypothesis straightforward and concise. Use language that is easy to understand and relatable to their age.

Step 4: Make a Predictable Statement Help your child frame their hypothesis as an “If… then…” statement. For example, “If I water a plant every day, then it will grow taller.”

Step 5: Ensure Testability Ensure that the hypothesis can be tested using simple experiments or observations. It should be something they can prove or disprove through hands-on activities.

Step 6: Avoid Certainty Teach kids that a hypothesis is not a definitive statement of fact but rather a best guess based on what they know. It’s okay if the hypothesis turns out to be wrong; the learning process is more important.

Step 7: Review and Refine After forming the initial hypothesis, review it with your child. Discuss if it can be made simpler or clearer. Refinement aids in better understanding and testing.

Step 8: Test the Hypothesis This is the fun part! Plan an experiment or set of observations to test the hypothesis. Whether the hypothesis is proven correct or not, the experience provides a learning opportunity.

Tips for Writing Hypothesis for Kids

• Encourage Curiosity : Always encourage your child to ask questions about the world around them. It’s the first step to formulating a hypothesis.
• Use Familiar Language : Use words that the child understands and can relate to. Avoid jargon or technical terms.
• Make it Fun : Turn the process of forming a hypothesis into a game or a storytelling session. This will keep kids engaged.
• Use Visual Aids : Kids often respond well to visuals. Drawing or using props can help in understanding and formulating the hypothesis.
• Stay Open-minded : It’s essential to teach kids that it’s okay if their hypothesis is wrong. The process of discovery and learning is what’s crucial.
• Practice Regularly : The more often kids practice forming hypotheses, the better they get at it. Use everyday situations as opportunities.
• Link to Real-life Scenarios : Relate the hypothesis to real-life situations or personal experiences. For instance, if discussing plants, you can relate it to a plant you have at home.
• Collaborate : Sometimes, two heads are better than one. Encourage group activities where kids can discuss and come up with hypotheses together.
• Encourage Documentation : Keeping a journal or notebook where they document their hypotheses and results can be a great learning tool.
• Celebrate Efforts : Regardless of whether the hypothesis was correct, celebrate the effort and the learning journey. This reinforces the idea that the process is more important than the outcome.

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Home » What is a Hypothesis – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

What is a Hypothesis – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Definition:

Hypothesis is an educated guess or proposed explanation for a phenomenon, based on some initial observations or data. It is a tentative statement that can be tested and potentially proven or disproven through further investigation and experimentation.

Hypothesis is often used in scientific research to guide the design of experiments and the collection and analysis of data. It is an essential element of the scientific method, as it allows researchers to make predictions about the outcome of their experiments and to test those predictions to determine their accuracy.

Types of Hypothesis

Types of Hypothesis are as follows:

Research Hypothesis

A research hypothesis is a statement that predicts a relationship between variables. It is usually formulated as a specific statement that can be tested through research, and it is often used in scientific research to guide the design of experiments.

Null Hypothesis

The null hypothesis is a statement that assumes there is no significant difference or relationship between variables. It is often used as a starting point for testing the research hypothesis, and if the results of the study reject the null hypothesis, it suggests that there is a significant difference or relationship between variables.

Alternative Hypothesis

An alternative hypothesis is a statement that assumes there is a significant difference or relationship between variables. It is often used as an alternative to the null hypothesis and is tested against the null hypothesis to determine which statement is more accurate.

Directional Hypothesis

A directional hypothesis is a statement that predicts the direction of the relationship between variables. For example, a researcher might predict that increasing the amount of exercise will result in a decrease in body weight.

Non-directional Hypothesis

A non-directional hypothesis is a statement that predicts the relationship between variables but does not specify the direction. For example, a researcher might predict that there is a relationship between the amount of exercise and body weight, but they do not specify whether increasing or decreasing exercise will affect body weight.

Statistical Hypothesis

A statistical hypothesis is a statement that assumes a particular statistical model or distribution for the data. It is often used in statistical analysis to test the significance of a particular result.

Composite Hypothesis

A composite hypothesis is a statement that assumes more than one condition or outcome. It can be divided into several sub-hypotheses, each of which represents a different possible outcome.

Empirical Hypothesis

An empirical hypothesis is a statement that is based on observed phenomena or data. It is often used in scientific research to develop theories or models that explain the observed phenomena.

Simple Hypothesis

A simple hypothesis is a statement that assumes only one outcome or condition. It is often used in scientific research to test a single variable or factor.

Complex Hypothesis

A complex hypothesis is a statement that assumes multiple outcomes or conditions. It is often used in scientific research to test the effects of multiple variables or factors on a particular outcome.

Applications of Hypothesis

Hypotheses are used in various fields to guide research and make predictions about the outcomes of experiments or observations. Here are some examples of how hypotheses are applied in different fields:

• Science : In scientific research, hypotheses are used to test the validity of theories and models that explain natural phenomena. For example, a hypothesis might be formulated to test the effects of a particular variable on a natural system, such as the effects of climate change on an ecosystem.
• Medicine : In medical research, hypotheses are used to test the effectiveness of treatments and therapies for specific conditions. For example, a hypothesis might be formulated to test the effects of a new drug on a particular disease.
• Psychology : In psychology, hypotheses are used to test theories and models of human behavior and cognition. For example, a hypothesis might be formulated to test the effects of a particular stimulus on the brain or behavior.
• Sociology : In sociology, hypotheses are used to test theories and models of social phenomena, such as the effects of social structures or institutions on human behavior. For example, a hypothesis might be formulated to test the effects of income inequality on crime rates.
• Business : In business research, hypotheses are used to test the validity of theories and models that explain business phenomena, such as consumer behavior or market trends. For example, a hypothesis might be formulated to test the effects of a new marketing campaign on consumer buying behavior.
• Engineering : In engineering, hypotheses are used to test the effectiveness of new technologies or designs. For example, a hypothesis might be formulated to test the efficiency of a new solar panel design.

How to write a Hypothesis

Here are the steps to follow when writing a hypothesis:

Identify the Research Question

The first step is to identify the research question that you want to answer through your study. This question should be clear, specific, and focused. It should be something that can be investigated empirically and that has some relevance or significance in the field.

Conduct a Literature Review

Before writing your hypothesis, it’s essential to conduct a thorough literature review to understand what is already known about the topic. This will help you to identify the research gap and formulate a hypothesis that builds on existing knowledge.

Determine the Variables

The next step is to identify the variables involved in the research question. A variable is any characteristic or factor that can vary or change. There are two types of variables: independent and dependent. The independent variable is the one that is manipulated or changed by the researcher, while the dependent variable is the one that is measured or observed as a result of the independent variable.

Formulate the Hypothesis

Based on the research question and the variables involved, you can now formulate your hypothesis. A hypothesis should be a clear and concise statement that predicts the relationship between the variables. It should be testable through empirical research and based on existing theory or evidence.

Write the Null Hypothesis

The null hypothesis is the opposite of the alternative hypothesis, which is the hypothesis that you are testing. The null hypothesis states that there is no significant difference or relationship between the variables. It is important to write the null hypothesis because it allows you to compare your results with what would be expected by chance.

Refine the Hypothesis

After formulating the hypothesis, it’s important to refine it and make it more precise. This may involve clarifying the variables, specifying the direction of the relationship, or making the hypothesis more testable.

Examples of Hypothesis

Here are a few examples of hypotheses in different fields:

• Psychology : “Increased exposure to violent video games leads to increased aggressive behavior in adolescents.”
• Biology : “Higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will lead to increased plant growth.”
• Sociology : “Individuals who grow up in households with higher socioeconomic status will have higher levels of education and income as adults.”
• Education : “Implementing a new teaching method will result in higher student achievement scores.”
• Marketing : “Customers who receive a personalized email will be more likely to make a purchase than those who receive a generic email.”
• Physics : “An increase in temperature will cause an increase in the volume of a gas, assuming all other variables remain constant.”
• Medicine : “Consuming a diet high in saturated fats will increase the risk of developing heart disease.”

Purpose of Hypothesis

The purpose of a hypothesis is to provide a testable explanation for an observed phenomenon or a prediction of a future outcome based on existing knowledge or theories. A hypothesis is an essential part of the scientific method and helps to guide the research process by providing a clear focus for investigation. It enables scientists to design experiments or studies to gather evidence and data that can support or refute the proposed explanation or prediction.

The formulation of a hypothesis is based on existing knowledge, observations, and theories, and it should be specific, testable, and falsifiable. A specific hypothesis helps to define the research question, which is important in the research process as it guides the selection of an appropriate research design and methodology. Testability of the hypothesis means that it can be proven or disproven through empirical data collection and analysis. Falsifiability means that the hypothesis should be formulated in such a way that it can be proven wrong if it is incorrect.

In addition to guiding the research process, the testing of hypotheses can lead to new discoveries and advancements in scientific knowledge. When a hypothesis is supported by the data, it can be used to develop new theories or models to explain the observed phenomenon. When a hypothesis is not supported by the data, it can help to refine existing theories or prompt the development of new hypotheses to explain the phenomenon.

When to use Hypothesis

Here are some common situations in which hypotheses are used:

• In scientific research , hypotheses are used to guide the design of experiments and to help researchers make predictions about the outcomes of those experiments.
• In social science research , hypotheses are used to test theories about human behavior, social relationships, and other phenomena.
• I n business , hypotheses can be used to guide decisions about marketing, product development, and other areas. For example, a hypothesis might be that a new product will sell well in a particular market, and this hypothesis can be tested through market research.

Characteristics of Hypothesis

Here are some common characteristics of a hypothesis:

• Testable : A hypothesis must be able to be tested through observation or experimentation. This means that it must be possible to collect data that will either support or refute the hypothesis.
• Falsifiable : A hypothesis must be able to be proven false if it is not supported by the data. If a hypothesis cannot be falsified, then it is not a scientific hypothesis.
• Clear and concise : A hypothesis should be stated in a clear and concise manner so that it can be easily understood and tested.
• Based on existing knowledge : A hypothesis should be based on existing knowledge and research in the field. It should not be based on personal beliefs or opinions.
• Specific : A hypothesis should be specific in terms of the variables being tested and the predicted outcome. This will help to ensure that the research is focused and well-designed.
• Tentative: A hypothesis is a tentative statement or assumption that requires further testing and evidence to be confirmed or refuted. It is not a final conclusion or assertion.
• Relevant : A hypothesis should be relevant to the research question or problem being studied. It should address a gap in knowledge or provide a new perspective on the issue.

Advantages of Hypothesis

Hypotheses have several advantages in scientific research and experimentation:

• Guides research: A hypothesis provides a clear and specific direction for research. It helps to focus the research question, select appropriate methods and variables, and interpret the results.
• Predictive powe r: A hypothesis makes predictions about the outcome of research, which can be tested through experimentation. This allows researchers to evaluate the validity of the hypothesis and make new discoveries.
• Facilitates communication: A hypothesis provides a common language and framework for scientists to communicate with one another about their research. This helps to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promotes collaboration.
• Efficient use of resources: A hypothesis helps researchers to use their time, resources, and funding efficiently by directing them towards specific research questions and methods that are most likely to yield results.
• Provides a basis for further research: A hypothesis that is supported by data provides a basis for further research and exploration. It can lead to new hypotheses, theories, and discoveries.
• Increases objectivity: A hypothesis can help to increase objectivity in research by providing a clear and specific framework for testing and interpreting results. This can reduce bias and increase the reliability of research findings.

Limitations of Hypothesis

Some Limitations of the Hypothesis are as follows:

• Limited to observable phenomena: Hypotheses are limited to observable phenomena and cannot account for unobservable or intangible factors. This means that some research questions may not be amenable to hypothesis testing.
• May be inaccurate or incomplete: Hypotheses are based on existing knowledge and research, which may be incomplete or inaccurate. This can lead to flawed hypotheses and erroneous conclusions.
• May be biased: Hypotheses may be biased by the researcher’s own beliefs, values, or assumptions. This can lead to selective interpretation of data and a lack of objectivity in research.
• Cannot prove causation: A hypothesis can only show a correlation between variables, but it cannot prove causation. This requires further experimentation and analysis.
• Limited to specific contexts: Hypotheses are limited to specific contexts and may not be generalizable to other situations or populations. This means that results may not be applicable in other contexts or may require further testing.
• May be affected by chance : Hypotheses may be affected by chance or random variation, which can obscure or distort the true relationship between variables.

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Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for some event or problem. For a scientific hypothesis, the scientific method requires that one can test it. [1] [2]

• 2 Statistics
• 3 Hypothesis Media
• 4 Related pages
• 5 References
• 6 Other websites

In the early 17th century, Cardinal Bellarmine gave a well known example of the older sense of the word in his warning to Galileo : that he must not treat the motion of the Earth as a reality, but merely as a hypothesis.

Today, a hypothesis refers to an idea that needs to be tested . A hypothesis needs more work by the researcher in order to check it. A tested hypothesis that works may become part of a theory —or become a theory itself. The testing should be an attempt to prove that the hypothesis is wrong. That is, there should be a way to falsify the hypothesis, at least in principle if not in practice.

People often call a hypothesis an "educated guess".

Experimenters may test and reject several hypotheses, before solving the problem or reaching a satisfactory theory.

A 'working hypothesis' is just a rough kind of hypothesis that is provisionally accepted as a basis for further research. [5] The hope is that a theory will be produced, even if the hypothesis ultimately fails. [6] [7]

Hypotheses are especially important in science. Several philosophers have said that without hypotheses, there could be no science. [8] In recent years, philosophers of science have tried to integrate the various approaches to testing hypotheses (and the scientific method in general), to form a more complete system. The point is that hypotheses are suggested ideas , which are then tested by experiments or observations .

In statistics , people talk about correlation : correlation is how closely related two events or phenomena are. A proposition (or hypothesis) that two events are related cannot be tested in the same way as a law of nature can be tested. An example would be to see if some drug is effective to treat a given medical condition. Even if there is a strong correlation that indicates that this is the case, some samples would still not fit the hypothesis.

There are two hypotheses in statistical tests, called the null hypothesis , often written as [math]\displaystyle{ H_0 }[/math] , and the alternative hypothesis , often written as [math]\displaystyle{ H_a }[/math] . [9] The null hypothesis states that there is no link between the phenomena, [10] and is usually assumed to be true until it can be proven wrong beyond a reasonable doubt. [11] The alternative hypothesis states that there is some kind of link. It is usually the opposite of the null hypothesis, and is what one would conclude if null hypothesis is rejected. [12] The alternative hypothesis may take several forms. It can be two-sided (for example: there is some effect, in a yet unknown direction) or one-sided (the direction of the supposed relation, positive or negative, is fixed in advance). [11]

Hypothesis Media

The hypothesis of Andreas Cellarius , showing the planetary motions in eccentric and epicyclical orbits .

Related pages

• Falsifiability
• Gaia hypothesis
• Null hypothesis
• Occam's razor
• Statistical hypothesis test
• Thought experiment
• ↑ The term comes from the Greek , hypotithenai meaning "to put under" or "to suppose".
• ↑ Bunge, Mario 1967. Scientific research I: the search for system . Berlin: Springer Verlag, Chapter 5, p222.
• ↑ Richard Feynman (1965) The character of physical law . p156
• ↑ Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine Eprint via Answers.com
• ↑ See in "hypothesis", Century Dictionary Supplement , v. 1, 1909, New York: Century Company. Reprinted, v. 11, p. 616 (via Internet Archive ) of the Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia , 1911.
• ↑ Schick, Theodore; Vaughn, Lewis (2002). How to think about weird things: critical thinking for a New Age . Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. ISBN   0-7674-2048-9 .
• ↑ Medawar P.B. & J.S. 1983. Aristotle to zoos: a philosophical dictionary of biology . Harvard University Press, p148. ISBN   0-674-04537-8
• ↑ "List of Probability and Statistics Symbols" . Math Vault . 2020-04-26 . Retrieved 2020-09-22 .
• ↑ or that the link does not have the form given by the alternative hypothesis
• ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Null and Alternative Hypotheses | Introduction to Statistics" . courses.lumenlearning.com . Retrieved 2020-09-22 .
• ↑ "Introductory Statistics: Null and Alternative Hypotheses" . opentextbc.ca . Archived from the original on June 11, 2021 . Retrieved September 22, 2020 .

Other websites

• Research and evaluation glossary
• Analysis and synthesis - on scientific method, based on a study by Bernhard Riemann from the Swedish Morphological Society

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Scientific Method For Kids With Examples

Kids have questions about the world around them every day, and there is so much to learn through experimentation with simple materials. You can begin using the scientific method with elementary kids. Below we’ll share with you how and when to introduce the scientific method, the steps of the scientific method, and some easy scientific method experiments. There are so many great ways to enjoy science projects with kids!

What Is The Scientific Method?

The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is put to the test with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity.

Sounds heavy… What in the world does that mean?!? It means you don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.

As children develop practices that involve creating, gathering data evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation.

Note: The use of the best Science and Engineering Practices is also relevant to the topic of using the scientific method. Read more here and see if it fits your science planning needs.

Can Young Kids Use the Scientific Method?

Kids are great scientists at any age, and can use the scientific method in context to what they are learning. It can be adapted for any age!

The scientific method is a valuable tool for introducing kids to a logical way to solve scientific problems. Scientists use the scientific method to study, learn, and come up with an answer!

The scientific method is a process that helps double-check that answers are correct and the correct results are obtained through careful planning. Sometimes the guesses and questions change as you run your experiments.

Kids can use the scientific method too on questions that are relevant to them!

Let’s break the scientific method for kids down into six parts, and you can quickly see how each can be incorporated into your next science experiment.

What Are The Steps In The Scientific Method?

• Make initial observations.
• Come up with a question of interest that is based on the observations.
• Develop a hypothesis or prediction to go along with the question.
• Experiment and test.
• Gather and record results of tests and experiments and draw conclusions.
• Share and discuss results.

Whoa… Wait A  Minute! That sounds like a lot for a young kid!

You are correct. Depending on your kid’s abilities, following all the scientific method steps precisely will not go well. Someone will get frustrated, bored, and turned off by just how cool science can be. We do not want that to happen!

Using The Scientific Method For Preschool and Kindergarten

Use the scientific method steps as a guideline in the back of your mind. You can cover most of the steps by talking with your kids about…

• What do they think will happen?
• What is happening ?
• What happened compared to what they thought would happen ?

No writing is required! It’s also best to pick pretty straightforward ideas that aren’t overly involved or complicated to set up and test. Kids always have burning questions and “what ifs.”

See if you can tackle their next “what if” using the scientific method by listening carefully to their conversations. You can even have them keep a journal with their “what if” questions for your next science time.

Learn more about Science Activities For Preschoolers and Kindergarten Science Experiments .

Now on to how to apply the scientific method for elementary kiddos and beyond.

Scientific Method Steps In Action

Learn more about the steps of the scientific method below, which are great for science at home with your kids or in the classroom! We have also included some simple scientific method experiments for you to enjoy.

Ice Science Experiments are perfect for this! Try these 3 today !

STEP 1: Make Observations

Tons of everyday activities would make for cool science experiments using the scientific method. Listen to what your kids talk about and see happening. My son noticed that ice melted pretty fast in his water.

Observation is simply noticing what’s happening through our senses or with tools like a magnifying glass. Observation is used to collect and record data, enabling scientists to construct and test hypotheses and theories.

Learn more about observations in science.

STEP 2: Come Up With A Question 

Your kids’ observations should lead to some sort of question. For my son and his ice observations, he came up with questions. Does ice melt faster in different liquids? His curiosity about what happens to the ice in liquids is a simple science experiment perfect for using the scientific method.

Next! Do some research and come up with ideas!

STEP 3: Develop A Prediction or Hypothesis

You have made your observations, you have your question, and now you need to make a prediction about what you think will happen.

A prediction is a guess at what might happen in an experiment based on observation or other information.

A hypothesis is not simply a guess! It’s a statement of what you believe will happen based on the information you have gathered.

My son hypothesizes that ice will melt faster in juice than in water.

STEP 4: Conduct An Experiment

We made a prediction that ice will melt faster in juice than it will in water, and now we have to test our hypothesis. We set up an experiment with a glass of juice, a glass of water, and an ice cube for each.

For the best experiments, only one thing should change! All the things that can be changed in a science experiment are called variables. There are three types of variables; independent, dependent, and controlled.

The independent variable is the one that is changed in the experiment and will affect the dependent variable. Here we will use different types of liquids to melt our ice cube in.

The dependent variable is the factor that is observed or measured in the experiment. This will be the melting of the ice cubes. Set up a stopwatch or set a time limit to observe the changes!

The controlled variable stays constant in the experiment. The liquids should be roughly the same temperature (as close as possible) for our ice melting experiment and measured to the same amount. So we left them out to come to room temperature. They could also be tested right out of the fridge!

You can find simple science experiments here with dependent and controlled variables.

STEP 5: Record Results and Draw Conclusions

Make sure to record what is happening as well as the results—note changes at specific time intervals or after one set time interval.

For example…

• Record when each ice cube is completely melted.
• Add drawings if you wish of the setup up and the end results.
• Was your prediction accurate? If it was inaccurate, record why.
• Write out a final conclusion to your experiment.

STEP 6: Communicate Your Results

This is the opportunity to talk about your hypothesis, experiment, results, and conclusion!

ALTERNATIVE IDEAS: Switch out an ice cube for a lollipop or change the liquids using vinegar and cooking oil.

Now you have gone through the steps of the scientific method, read on for more fun scientific method experiments to try!

Free printable scientific method worksheets!

Fun Scientific Method Experiments

Sink or float experiment.

A Sink or Float experiment is great for practicing the steps of the scientific method with younger kids.

Grab this FREE printable sink or float experiment

Here are a few of our favorite scientific method experiments, which are great for elementary-age kids . Of course, you can find tons more awesome and doable science projects for kids here!

Magic Milk Experiment

Start with demonstrating this delightful magic milk experiment. Then get kids to apply the steps of the scientific method by coming up with a question to investigate. What happens when you change the type of milk used?

What Dissolves In Water

Investigate  what solids dissolve in water  and what do not. Here’s a super fun science experiment for kids that’s very easy to set up! Learn about solutions, solutes, and solvents through experimenting with water and common kitchen ingredients.

Apple Browning Experiment

Investigate how to keep apples from turning brown with this apple oxidation experiment . What can you add to cut apples to stop or slow the oxidation process?

Freezing Water Experiment

Will it freeze? What happens to the freezing point of water when you add salt?

Viscosity Experiment

Learn about the viscosity of fluids with a simple  viscosity experiment . Grab some marbles and add them to different household liquids to find out which one will fall to the bottom first. 

Seed Germination Experiment

Set up a simple seed germination experiment .

Catapult Experiment

Make a simple popsicle stick catapult and use one of our experiment ideas to investigate from rubber band tension to changes in launch angle and more. How far can you fling your objects? Take measurements and find out.

Floating Orange

Investigate whether an orange floats or sinks in water, and what happens if you use different types of oranges. Learn about buoyancy and density with a simple ingredient from the kitchen, an orange.

Bread Mold Experiment

Grow mold on bread for science, and investigate how factors such as moisture, temperature, and air affect mold growth. 

Eggshell Strength Experiment

Test how strong an egg is with this eggshell strength experiment . Grab some eggs, and find out how much weight an egg can support.

Free Printable Science Fair Starter Guide

Are you looking to plan a science fair project, make a science fair board, or want an easy guide to set up science experiments?

Learn more about prepping for a science fair and grab this free printable science fair project pack here!

If you want a variety of science fair experiments with instructions, make sure to pick up a copy of our Science Project Pack in the shop.

Bonus STEM Projects For Kids

STEM activities include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As well as our kids science experiments, we have lots of fun STEM activities for you to try. Check out these STEM ideas below…

• Building Activities
• Engineering Projects For Kids
• What Is Engineering For Kids?
• Coding Activities For Kids
• STEM Worksheets
• Top 10 STEM Challenges For Kids

Printable Science Projects Pack

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

19 Comments

A great post and sure to help extend children’s thinking! I would like to download the 6 steps but the blue download button doesn’t seem to be working for me.

Thank you! All fixed. You should be able to download now!

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Hypothesis is a testable statement that explains what is happening or observed. It proposes the relation between the various participating variables. Hypothesis is also called Theory, Thesis, Guess, Assumption, or Suggestion. Hypothesis creates a structure that guides the search for knowledge.

In this article, we will learn what is hypothesis, its characteristics, types, and examples. We will also learn how hypothesis helps in scientific research.

What is Hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a suggested idea or plan that has little proof, meant to lead to more study. It’s mainly a smart guess or suggested answer to a problem that can be checked through study and trial. In science work, we make guesses called hypotheses to try and figure out what will happen in tests or watching. These are not sure things but rather ideas that can be proved or disproved based on real-life proofs. A good theory is clear and can be tested and found wrong if the proof doesn’t support it.

Hypothesis Meaning

A hypothesis is a proposed statement that is testable and is given for something that happens or observed.

• It is made using what we already know and have seen, and it’s the basis for scientific research.
• A clear guess tells us what we think will happen in an experiment or study.
• It’s a testable clue that can be proven true or wrong with real-life facts and checking it out carefully.
• It usually looks like a “if-then” rule, showing the expected cause and effect relationship between what’s being studied.

Characteristics of Hypothesis

Here are some key characteristics of a hypothesis:

• Testable: An idea (hypothesis) should be made so it can be tested and proven true through doing experiments or watching. It should show a clear connection between things.
• Specific: It needs to be easy and on target, talking about a certain part or connection between things in a study.
• Falsifiable: A good guess should be able to show it’s wrong. This means there must be a chance for proof or seeing something that goes against the guess.
• Logical and Rational: It should be based on things we know now or have seen, giving a reasonable reason that fits with what we already know.
• Predictive: A guess often tells what to expect from an experiment or observation. It gives a guide for what someone might see if the guess is right.
• Concise: It should be short and clear, showing the suggested link or explanation simply without extra confusion.
• Grounded in Research: A guess is usually made from before studies, ideas or watching things. It comes from a deep understanding of what is already known in that area.
• Flexible: A guess helps in the research but it needs to change or fix when new information comes up.
• Relevant: It should be related to the question or problem being studied, helping to direct what the research is about.
• Empirical: Hypotheses come from observations and can be tested using methods based on real-world experiences.

Sources of Hypothesis

Hypotheses can come from different places based on what you’re studying and the kind of research. Here are some common sources from which hypotheses may originate:

• Existing Theories: Often, guesses come from well-known science ideas. These ideas may show connections between things or occurrences that scientists can look into more.
• Observation and Experience: Watching something happen or having personal experiences can lead to guesses. We notice odd things or repeat events in everyday life and experiments. This can make us think of guesses called hypotheses.
• Previous Research: Using old studies or discoveries can help come up with new ideas. Scientists might try to expand or question current findings, making guesses that further study old results.
• Literature Review: Looking at books and research in a subject can help make guesses. Noticing missing parts or mismatches in previous studies might make researchers think up guesses to deal with these spots.
• Problem Statement or Research Question: Often, ideas come from questions or problems in the study. Making clear what needs to be looked into can help create ideas that tackle certain parts of the issue.
• Analogies or Comparisons: Making comparisons between similar things or finding connections from related areas can lead to theories. Understanding from other fields could create new guesses in a different situation.
• Hunches and Speculation: Sometimes, scientists might get a gut feeling or make guesses that help create ideas to test. Though these may not have proof at first, they can be a beginning for looking deeper.
• Technology and Innovations: New technology or tools might make guesses by letting us look at things that were hard to study before.
• Personal Interest and Curiosity: People’s curiosity and personal interests in a topic can help create guesses. Scientists could make guesses based on their own likes or love for a subject.

Types of Hypothesis

Here are some common types of hypotheses:

Simple Hypothesis

Complex hypothesis, directional hypothesis.

• Non-directional Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis (H0)

Alternative hypothesis (h1 or ha), statistical hypothesis, research hypothesis, associative hypothesis, causal hypothesis.

Simple Hypothesis guesses a connection between two things. It says that there is a connection or difference between variables, but it doesn’t tell us which way the relationship goes.

Complex Hypothesis tells us what will happen when more than two things are connected. It looks at how different things interact and may be linked together.

Directional Hypothesis says how one thing is related to another. For example, it guesses that one thing will help or hurt another thing.

Non-Directional Hypothesis

Non-Directional Hypothesis are the one that don’t say how the relationship between things will be. They just say that there is a connection, without telling which way it goes.

Null hypothesis is a statement that says there’s no connection or difference between different things. It implies that any seen impacts are because of luck or random changes in the information.

Alternative Hypothesis is different from the null hypothesis and shows that there’s a big connection or gap between variables. Scientists want to say no to the null hypothesis and choose the alternative one.

Statistical Hypotheis are used in math testing and include making ideas about what groups or bits of them look like. You aim to get information or test certain things using these top-level, common words only.

Research Hypothesis comes from the research question and tells what link is expected between things or factors. It leads the study and chooses where to look more closely.

Associative Hypotheis guesses that there is a link or connection between things without really saying it caused them. It means that when one thing changes, it is connected to another thing changing.

Causal Hypothesis are different from other ideas because they say that one thing causes another. This means there’s a cause and effect relationship between variables involved in the situation. They say that when one thing changes, it directly makes another thing change.

Hypothesis Examples

Following are the examples of hypotheses based on their types:

Simple Hypothesis Example

• Studying more can help you do better on tests.
• Getting more sun makes people have higher amounts of vitamin D.

Complex Hypothesis Example

• How rich you are, how easy it is to get education and healthcare greatly affects the number of years people live.
• A new medicine’s success relies on the amount used, how old a person is who takes it and their genes.

Directional Hypothesis Example

• Drinking more sweet drinks is linked to a higher body weight score.
• Too much stress makes people less productive at work.

Non-directional Hypothesis Example

• Drinking caffeine can affect how well you sleep.
• People often like different kinds of music based on their gender.
• The average test scores of Group A and Group B are not much different.
• There is no connection between using a certain fertilizer and how much it helps crops grow.

Alternative Hypothesis (Ha)

• Patients on Diet A have much different cholesterol levels than those following Diet B.
• Exposure to a certain type of light can change how plants grow compared to normal sunlight.
• The average smarts score of kids in a certain school area is 100.
• The usual time it takes to finish a job using Method A is the same as with Method B.
• Having more kids go to early learning classes helps them do better in school when they get older.
• Using specific ways of talking affects how much customers get involved in marketing activities.
• Regular exercise helps to lower the chances of heart disease.
• Going to school more can help people make more money.
• Playing violent video games makes teens more likely to act aggressively.
• Less clean air directly impacts breathing health in city populations.

Functions of Hypothesis

Hypotheses have many important jobs in the process of scientific research. Here are the key functions of hypotheses:

• Guiding Research: Hypotheses give a clear and exact way for research. They act like guides, showing the predicted connections or results that scientists want to study.
• Formulating Research Questions: Research questions often create guesses. They assist in changing big questions into particular, checkable things. They guide what the study should be focused on.
• Setting Clear Objectives: Hypotheses set the goals of a study by saying what connections between variables should be found. They set the targets that scientists try to reach with their studies.
• Testing Predictions: Theories guess what will happen in experiments or observations. By doing tests in a planned way, scientists can check if what they see matches the guesses made by their ideas.
• Providing Structure: Theories give structure to the study process by arranging thoughts and ideas. They aid scientists in thinking about connections between things and plan experiments to match.
• Focusing Investigations: Hypotheses help scientists focus on certain parts of their study question by clearly saying what they expect links or results to be. This focus makes the study work better.
• Facilitating Communication: Theories help scientists talk to each other effectively. Clearly made guesses help scientists to tell others what they plan, how they will do it and the results expected. This explains things well with colleagues in a wide range of audiences.
• Generating Testable Statements: A good guess can be checked, which means it can be looked at carefully or tested by doing experiments. This feature makes sure that guesses add to the real information used in science knowledge.
• Promoting Objectivity: Guesses give a clear reason for study that helps guide the process while reducing personal bias. They motivate scientists to use facts and data as proofs or disprovals for their proposed answers.
• Driving Scientific Progress: Making, trying out and adjusting ideas is a cycle. Even if a guess is proven right or wrong, the information learned helps to grow knowledge in one specific area.

How Hypothesis help in Scientific Research?

Researchers use hypotheses to put down their thoughts directing how the experiment would take place. Following are the steps that are involved in the scientific method:

• Initiating Investigations: Hypotheses are the beginning of science research. They come from watching, knowing what’s already known or asking questions. This makes scientists make certain explanations that need to be checked with tests.
• Formulating Research Questions: Ideas usually come from bigger questions in study. They help scientists make these questions more exact and testable, guiding the study’s main point.
• Setting Clear Objectives: Hypotheses set the goals of a study by stating what we think will happen between different things. They set the goals that scientists want to reach by doing their studies.
• Designing Experiments and Studies: Assumptions help plan experiments and watchful studies. They assist scientists in knowing what factors to measure, the techniques they will use and gather data for a proposed reason.
• Testing Predictions: Ideas guess what will happen in experiments or observations. By checking these guesses carefully, scientists can see if the seen results match up with what was predicted in each hypothesis.
• Analysis and Interpretation of Data: Hypotheses give us a way to study and make sense of information. Researchers look at what they found and see if it matches the guesses made in their theories. They decide if the proof backs up or disagrees with these suggested reasons why things are happening as expected.
• Encouraging Objectivity: Hypotheses help make things fair by making sure scientists use facts and information to either agree or disagree with their suggested reasons. They lessen personal preferences by needing proof from experience.
• Iterative Process: People either agree or disagree with guesses, but they still help the ongoing process of science. Findings from testing ideas make us ask new questions, improve those ideas and do more tests. It keeps going on in the work of science to keep learning things.

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Summary – Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a testable statement serving as an initial explanation for phenomena, based on observations, theories, or existing knowledge. It acts as a guiding light for scientific research, proposing potential relationships between variables that can be empirically tested through experiments and observations. The hypothesis must be specific, testable, falsifiable, and grounded in prior research or observation, laying out a predictive, if-then scenario that details a cause-and-effect relationship. It originates from various sources including existing theories, observations, previous research, and even personal curiosity, leading to different types, such as simple, complex, directional, non-directional, null, and alternative hypotheses, each serving distinct roles in research methodology. The hypothesis not only guides the research process by shaping objectives and designing experiments but also facilitates objective analysis and interpretation of data, ultimately driving scientific progress through a cycle of testing, validation, and refinement.

FAQs on Hypothesis

What is a hypothesis.

A guess is a possible explanation or forecast that can be checked by doing research and experiments.

What are Components of a Hypothesis?

The components of a Hypothesis are Independent Variable, Dependent Variable, Relationship between Variables, Directionality etc.

What makes a Good Hypothesis?

Testability, Falsifiability, Clarity and Precision, Relevance are some parameters that makes a Good Hypothesis

Can a Hypothesis be Proven True?

You cannot prove conclusively that most hypotheses are true because it’s generally impossible to examine all possible cases for exceptions that would disprove them.

How are Hypotheses Tested?

Hypothesis testing is used to assess the plausibility of a hypothesis by using sample data

Can Hypotheses change during Research?

Yes, you can change or improve your ideas based on new information discovered during the research process.

What is the Role of a Hypothesis in Scientific Research?

Hypotheses are used to support scientific research and bring about advancements in knowledge.

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Drake responds to Kendrick Lamar's 'paedophile' allegations as nasty rap feud escalates

The ongoing feud between two of rap's biggest stars escalated over the weekend as they traded diss tracks with increasingly severe personal attacks and allegations.

This past week, there's been a five-song volley between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, extending a long-running beef that dates back more than a decade but was reignited earlier this year .

Now, the music has taken a decidedly dark turn, featuring allegations of domestic violence, secret children, paedophilia, addiction and more.

Canadian rapper and commercial powerhouse Drake has fired the latest salvo, a new track titled The Heart Part 6, on which he responds to accusations of paedophilia made by Pulitzer-prize-winning Compton rapper Lamar.

"Drake is not a name that you gonna see on no sex offender list," he raps.

"If I was f***ing young girls, I promise I'd have been arrested/I'm way too famous for this shit you just suggested."

To fully appreciate the weight and context of who said what, let's walk through the recent time line of this explosive war of words that has set social media ablaze.

Kendrick Lamar goes after Drake in back-to-back songs

On April 30, Kendrick Lamar released Euphoria, a scathing 6-minute, multi-part attack on Drake made in retaliation to the latter's diss tracks Push Ups, and Taylor Made Freestyle.

The song addressed multiple talking points that have surfaced since Lamar first went after Drake on the US chart-topping song Like That by Future and Metro Boomin.

Lamar followed up Euphoria on Friday with 6:16 In LA, a woozy track in which he tauntingly suggested that insiders at Drake's record label OVO Sound were providing Lamar with leaked information.

"Have you ever thought that OVO was working for me? … / Everyone inside your team's whispering that you deserve it," Lamar raps over a lush sample of Al Green's What A Wonderful Thing Love Is — a strategic diss towards the fact that Drake's uncle, Mabon 'Teenie' Hodges, played on the track.

Drake fires back with Family Matters

On Friday night, Drake responded to the back-to-back diss tracks with Family Matters. In the 7-minute song, with multiple beat switches, he shot back at Lamar as well as other A-lister enemies, including The Weeknd and rappers A$AP Rocky and Rick Ross.

Most of the track's vitriol is focused on Lamar. "Kendrick just opened his mouth/Someone go hand him a Grammy right now," Drake mockingly spits.

Drake also replies to Lamar's attack on his qualities as a father ("You mentioned my seed, now deal with his dad/ I gotta go bad") and taunts Lamar by insinuating his cousin and collaborator Baby Keem ghostwrites for him ("K.Dot shit is only hitting hard when Baby Keem put his pen to it").

He also claims Kendrick contacted the estate of the late Tupac "2Pac" Shakur and begged them to get Drake's track Taylor Made Freestyle taken off the internet. (The track used an AI-generated fake of Shakur's voice, prompting 2Pac's estate to threaten legal action, and Drake to subsequently remove the track from the internet .)

Drake concludes Family Matters with his nastiest bombshell, alleging Lamar physically abuses his fiancee Whitney Alford and that one of their children was fathered by Kendrick's business partner, Dave Free.

"[You] hired a crisis management team to clean up the fact that you beat on your queen," he raps, and questions why Lamar and Alford aren't married when they've been engaged since 2015.

"I'm guessin' this wedding ain't happenin', right? / 'Cause we know the girls that you actually like / Your darkest secrets are comin' to light."

Family Matters was accompanied by a music video with symbolic footage of a black panel van being crushed — the same make and model seen on the cover of Lamar's breakout 2012 album good kid, M.A.A.D City.

Drake is also seen sporting a similar ring to one worn by Lamar's wife and dining with friends at New Ho King — a Toronto restaurant that's seen its business booming since it was namechecked in Kendrick Lamar's Euphoria.

Lamar takes the gloves off on Meet The Grahams

Before some fans had even finished listening to Family Matters, Lamar released a third diss track, titled Meet The Grahams, undercutting the attention on Drake's release less than an hour after it dropped.

Over a murky, fragmented soul beat, Lamar addresses each verse of the track to a member of Drake's family, beginning with his six-year-old son, Adonis Graham.

"Dear Adonis, I'm sorry that that man is your father," he raps in the opening bars.

"Let me be honest, it takes a man to be a man, your dad is not responsive / I look at him and wish your grandpa woulda wore a condom."

He then addresses Drake's parents, Sandi and Dennis Graham, labelling their son a "master manipulator" and a "sick man" with a "nympho fetish". Lamar also alleges Drake grooms young women, alluding to accusations that have swirled around the rapper for years.

The biggest revelation? Lamar alleges Drake has secretly fathered and is neglecting a young daughter, echoing the 2018 diss track from Pusha T that publicly revealed that Drake was "hiding" his son, Adonis.

The closing verse is directed at Drake himself, with Lamar concluding:

"You lied about your son, you lied about your daughter, huh You lied about them other kids that's out there hopin' that you come You lied about the only artist that can offer you some help F*** a rap battle, this a long life battle with yourself"

Lamar unleashes third diss track in 36 hours

Not giving Drake a chance to respond, the following morning (Sunday, May 5) Lamar unleashed yet another payload, a diss track titled Not Like Us.

Far lighter in tone and featuring a West Coast beat from producer Mustard, the track sees Lamar doubling down on accusations Drake is an alleged sexual predator and "paedophile".

The artwork for the single also depicts Drake's Toronto mansion, known colloquially as "The Embassy", plastered with sexual offender map markers.

The track also fires shots at some of Drake's OVO affiliates, including head of security Nessel "Chubbs" Beezer ("… the only one that get your hand-me-downs") and songwriter PartyNextDoor ("Party at the party playin' wit' his nose").

There's also a couplet referencing Drake's 2021 album Certified Lover Boy that targets Baka Not Nice, an OVO signee who was convicted of assault and accused of human trafficking charges:

"Baka got a weird case/Why is he around?/Certified Lover Boys, certified paedophiles".

Drake denies Lamar's claims in The Heart Part 6

Capping a very busy weekend, Drake released The Heart Part 6 — pinching its title from a long-running series of tracks Lamar started in 2010.

The Toronto rapper denies Lamar's allegations of paedophilia and sex offending.

"This [Jeffrey] Epstein angle was the shit I expected," raps Drake, referencing Lamar's 2022 song Mother I Sober .

"Ahh, wait a second, that's that one record where you say you got molested/ Aw, f*** me, I just made the whole connection," he continues.

"That's why these paedophile raps is s*** you so obsessed with, it's so excessive … I never been with no-one underage but now I understand why this is the angle you really mess with."

Regarding secretly fathering other children, Drake claims he intentionally planted false information in the hopes Lamar would use it as ammunition in his tracks ("We plotted for a week and then we fed you the information").

In a spoken-word outro, Drake notes: "I'm not gonna lie, this shit was some good exercise. It's good to get out, get the pen working." But he mocks Lamar for "triplin' down on some whole other bullshit …".

He concludes: "Everything in my shit is facts. I'm waitin' on you to return the favour."

Given how intense the back and forth has gotten, and the increasing speed at which the two are releasing new music to discredit the other, you can be sure there'll be a new chapter in the ongoing Kendrick and Drake saga soon enough.

• X (formerly Twitter)

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