definition of a hypothesis for kid

What is a Hypothesis? - Simple Explanation for Kids

Learn about what a hypothesis is with this easy-to-understand explanation tailored for children. Discover how scientists make guesses to understand the world better.

Alright kiddo, imagine we are detectives, and we want to solve a mystery about the world around us. A hypothesis is like a special guess that detectives (or in this case, scientists) make to find out why something happens.

Let's say you wonder why plants grow. You might guess, 'I think plants grow because they get water.' That's your hypothesis! It's your best idea right now for why plants grow.

But hold on! Having a hypothesis isn't the end. We need to test it to see if it's true. So, you could water some plants and see if they grow. If they do, your guess was right. If they don't, you need a new hypothesis.

A hypothesis isn't always right, and that's okay! It's like trying different keys to open a treasure chest. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right one, and each try teaches you something new.

So, a hypothesis is a smart guess we make to help solve a mystery about our world by testing it out. And guess what? Even grown-up scientists do this, just like you. Cool, right?

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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

Dictionary Entries Near hypothesis

hypothermia

hypothesize

Cite this Entry

“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothesis. Accessed 14 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of hypothesis, medical definition, medical definition of hypothesis, more from merriam-webster on hypothesis.

Nglish: Translation of hypothesis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of hypothesis for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypothesis

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Hypothesis For Kids

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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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-->   Every time you read about doing an experiment or starting a science fair project, it always says you need a hypothesis.  How do you write a hypothesis?  What is it?  How do you come up with a good hypothesis?       of Your Favorite Company! 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. Notes to Parents: Every parent must use their own judgment in choosing which activities are safe for their own children.  While Science Kids at Home makes every effort to provide activity ideas that are safe and fun for children it is your responsibility to choose the activities that are safe in your own home. Science Kids at Home has checked the external web links on this page that we created.  We believe these links provide interesting information that is appropriate for kids.  However, the internet is a constantly changing place and these links may not work or the external web site may have changed.  We also have no control over the "Ads by Google" links, but these should be related to kids science and crafts.  You are responsible for supervising your own children.  If you ever find a link that you feel is inappropriate, please let us know. Kids Science Gifts   Science Experiments   Science Fair Projects   Science Topics   Creative Kids Blog Kids Crafts   Privacy Policy   Copyright © 2016 Science Kids at Home, all rights reserved. Process Science Thermometers Balance Scales Length Measurement Hand Lenses Data Sheets Using Diagrams Draw Conclusions Observation vs. Inference Identify and Control Variables Using Graphs Time Measurement Liquid Measurement Reading Levels Hypotheses are statements that predict an outcome and provide a potential explanation for an experiment, based on prior knowledge. By using the resources below, students will learn about this important science skill and practice making good hypotheses. Print Unit Resource List PDF Project Unit Resource List Unit Resource List Quick Reads What Is a Hypothesis? Print What Is a Hypothesis? PDF Project What Is a Hypothesis? Printable Resources Preview What Is a Hypothesis? 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Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences Bipolar Disorder Therapy Center When To See a Therapist Types of Therapy Best Online Therapy Best Couples Therapy Managing Stress Sleep and Dreaming Understanding Emotions Self-Improvement Healthy Relationships Student Resources Personality Types Sweepstakes Guided Meditations Verywell Mind Insights 2024 Verywell Mind 25 Mental Health in the Classroom Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Crisis Support How to Write a Great Hypothesis Hypothesis Definition, Format, Examples, and Tips Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz The Scientific Method Hypothesis Format Falsifiability of a hypothesis. Operationalization Hypothesis Types Hypotheses examples. Collecting Data A hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables. It is a specific, testable prediction about what you expect to happen in a study. It is a preliminary answer to your question that helps guide the research process. Consider a study designed to examine the relationship between sleep deprivation and test performance. The hypothesis might be: "This study is designed to assess the hypothesis that sleep-deprived people will perform worse on a test than individuals who are not sleep-deprived." At a Glance A hypothesis is crucial to scientific research because it offers a clear direction for what the researchers are looking to find. This allows them to design experiments to test their predictions and add to our scientific knowledge about the world. This article explores how a hypothesis is used in psychology research, how to write a good hypothesis, and the different types of hypotheses you might use. The Hypothesis in the Scientific Method In the scientific method , whether it involves research in psychology, biology, or some other area, a hypothesis represents what the researchers think will happen in an experiment. The scientific method involves the following steps: Forming a question Performing background research Creating a hypothesis Designing an experiment Collecting data Analyzing the results Drawing conclusions Communicating the results The hypothesis is a prediction, but it involves more than a guess. Most of the time, the hypothesis begins with a question which is then explored through background research. At this point, researchers then begin to develop a testable hypothesis. Unless you are creating an exploratory study, your hypothesis should always explain what you  expect  to happen. In a study exploring the effects of a particular drug, the hypothesis might be that researchers expect the drug to have some type of effect on the symptoms of a specific illness. In psychology, the hypothesis might focus on how a certain aspect of the environment might influence a particular behavior. Remember, a hypothesis does not have to be correct. While the hypothesis predicts what the researchers expect to see, the goal of the research is to determine whether this guess is right or wrong. When conducting an experiment, researchers might explore numerous factors to determine which ones might contribute to the ultimate outcome. In many cases, researchers may find that the results of an experiment  do not  support the original hypothesis. When writing up these results, the researchers might suggest other options that should be explored in future studies. In many cases, researchers might draw a hypothesis from a specific theory or build on previous research. For example, prior research has shown that stress can impact the immune system. So a researcher might hypothesize: "People with high-stress levels will be more likely to contract a common cold after being exposed to the virus than people who have low-stress levels." In other instances, researchers might look at commonly held beliefs or folk wisdom. "Birds of a feather flock together" is one example of folk adage that a psychologist might try to investigate. The researcher might pose a specific hypothesis that "People tend to select romantic partners who are similar to them in interests and educational level." Elements of a Good Hypothesis So how do you write a good hypothesis? When trying to come up with a hypothesis for your research or experiments, ask yourself the following questions: Is your hypothesis based on your research on a topic? Can your hypothesis be tested? Does your hypothesis include independent and dependent variables? Before you come up with a specific hypothesis, spend some time doing background research. Once you have completed a literature review, start thinking about potential questions you still have. Pay attention to the discussion section in the  journal articles you read . Many authors will suggest questions that still need to be explored. How to Formulate a Good Hypothesis To form a hypothesis, you should take these steps: Collect as many observations about a topic or problem as you can. Evaluate these observations and look for possible causes of the problem. Create a list of possible explanations that you might want to explore. After you have developed some possible hypotheses, think of ways that you could confirm or disprove each hypothesis through experimentation. This is known as falsifiability. In the scientific method ,  falsifiability is an important part of any valid hypothesis. In order to test a claim scientifically, it must be possible that the claim could be proven false. Students sometimes confuse the idea of falsifiability with the idea that it means that something is false, which is not the case. What falsifiability means is that  if  something was false, then it is possible to demonstrate that it is false. One of the hallmarks of pseudoscience is that it makes claims that cannot be refuted or proven false. The Importance of Operational Definitions A variable is a factor or element that can be changed and manipulated in ways that are observable and measurable. However, the researcher must also define how the variable will be manipulated and measured in the study. Operational definitions are specific definitions for all relevant factors in a study. This process helps make vague or ambiguous concepts detailed and measurable. For example, a researcher might operationally define the variable " test anxiety " as the results of a self-report measure of anxiety experienced during an exam. A "study habits" variable might be defined by the amount of studying that actually occurs as measured by time. These precise descriptions are important because many things can be measured in various ways. Clearly defining these variables and how they are measured helps ensure that other researchers can replicate your results. Replicability One of the basic principles of any type of scientific research is that the results must be replicable. Replication means repeating an experiment in the same way to produce the same results. By clearly detailing the specifics of how the variables were measured and manipulated, other researchers can better understand the results and repeat the study if needed. Some variables are more difficult than others to define. For example, how would you operationally define a variable such as aggression ? For obvious ethical reasons, researchers cannot create a situation in which a person behaves aggressively toward others. To measure this variable, the researcher must devise a measurement that assesses aggressive behavior without harming others. The researcher might utilize a simulated task to measure aggressiveness in this situation. Hypothesis Checklist Does your hypothesis focus on something that you can actually test? Does your hypothesis include both an independent and dependent variable? Can you manipulate the variables? Can your hypothesis be tested without violating ethical standards? The hypothesis you use will depend on what you are investigating and hoping to find. Some of the main types of hypotheses that you might use include: Simple hypothesis : This type of hypothesis suggests there is a relationship between one independent variable and one dependent variable. Complex hypothesis : This type suggests a relationship between three or more variables, such as two independent and dependent variables. Null hypothesis : This hypothesis suggests no relationship exists between two or more variables. Alternative hypothesis : This hypothesis states the opposite of the null hypothesis. Statistical hypothesis : This hypothesis uses statistical analysis to evaluate a representative population sample and then generalizes the findings to the larger group. Logical hypothesis : This hypothesis assumes a relationship between variables without collecting data or evidence. A hypothesis often follows a basic format of "If {this happens} then {this will happen}." One way to structure your hypothesis is to describe what will happen to the  dependent variable  if you change the  independent variable . The basic format might be: "If {these changes are made to a certain independent variable}, then we will observe {a change in a specific dependent variable}." A few examples of simple hypotheses: "Students who eat breakfast will perform better on a math exam than students who do not eat breakfast." "Students who experience test anxiety before an English exam will get lower scores than students who do not experience test anxiety."​ "Motorists who talk on the phone while driving will be more likely to make errors on a driving course than those who do not talk on the phone." "Children who receive a new reading intervention will have higher reading scores than students who do not receive the intervention." Examples of a complex hypothesis include: "People with high-sugar diets and sedentary activity levels are more likely to develop depression." "Younger people who are regularly exposed to green, outdoor areas have better subjective well-being than older adults who have limited exposure to green spaces." Examples of a null hypothesis include: "There is no difference in anxiety levels between people who take St. John's wort supplements and those who do not." "There is no difference in scores on a memory recall task between children and adults." "There is no difference in aggression levels between children who play first-person shooter games and those who do not." Examples of an alternative hypothesis: "People who take St. John's wort supplements will have less anxiety than those who do not." "Adults will perform better on a memory task than children." "Children who play first-person shooter games will show higher levels of aggression than children who do not."  Collecting Data on Your Hypothesis Once a researcher has formed a testable hypothesis, the next step is to select a research design and start collecting data. The research method depends largely on exactly what they are studying. There are two basic types of research methods: descriptive research and experimental research. Descriptive Research Methods Descriptive research such as  case studies ,  naturalistic observations , and surveys are often used when  conducting an experiment is difficult or impossible. These methods are best used to describe different aspects of a behavior or psychological phenomenon. Once a researcher has collected data using descriptive methods, a  correlational study  can examine how the variables are related. This research method might be used to investigate a hypothesis that is difficult to test experimentally. Experimental Research Methods Experimental methods  are used to demonstrate causal relationships between variables. In an experiment, the researcher systematically manipulates a variable of interest (known as the independent variable) and measures the effect on another variable (known as the dependent variable). Unlike correlational studies, which can only be used to determine if there is a relationship between two variables, experimental methods can be used to determine the actual nature of the relationship—whether changes in one variable actually  cause  another to change. The hypothesis is a critical part of any scientific exploration. It represents what researchers expect to find in a study or experiment. In situations where the hypothesis is unsupported by the research, the research still has value. Such research helps us better understand how different aspects of the natural world relate to one another. It also helps us develop new hypotheses that can then be tested in the future. Thompson WH, Skau S. On the scope of scientific hypotheses .  R Soc Open Sci . 2023;10(8):230607. doi:10.1098/rsos.230607 Taran S, Adhikari NKJ, Fan E. Falsifiability in medicine: what clinicians can learn from Karl Popper [published correction appears in Intensive Care Med. 2021 Jun 17;:].  Intensive Care Med . 2021;47(9):1054-1056. doi:10.1007/s00134-021-06432-z Eyler AA. Research Methods for Public Health . 1st ed. Springer Publishing Company; 2020. doi:10.1891/9780826182067.0004 Nosek BA, Errington TM. What is replication ?  PLoS Biol . 2020;18(3):e3000691. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.3000691 Aggarwal R, Ranganathan P. Study designs: Part 2 - Descriptive studies .  Perspect Clin Res . 2019;10(1):34-36. doi:10.4103/picr.PICR_154_18 Nevid J. Psychology: Concepts and Applications. Wadworth, 2013. By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book." Español NEW 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). Related pages Falsifiability Thought experiment This page was last modified on 16 October 2023, at 16:53. Suggest an edit . What is Hypothesis? Definition, Meaning, Characteristics, Sources Post last modified: 10 January 2022 Reading time: 18 mins read Post category: Research Methodology What is Hypothesis? Hypothesis is a prediction of the outcome of a study. Hypotheses are drawn from theories and research questions or from direct observations. In fact, a research problem can be formulated as a hypothesis. To test the hypothesis we need to formulate it in terms that can actually be analysed with statistical tools. As an example, if we want to explore whether using a specific teaching method at school will result in better school marks (research question), the hypothesis could be that the mean school marks of students being taught with that specific teaching method will be higher than of those being taught using other methods. In this example, we stated a hypothesis about the expected differences between groups. Other hypotheses may refer to correlations between variables. Table of Content 1 What is Hypothesis? 2 Hypothesis Definition 3 Meaning of Hypothesis 4.1 Conceptual Clarity 4.2 Need of empirical referents 4.3 Hypothesis should be specific 4.4 Hypothesis should be within the ambit of the available research techniques 4.5 Hypothesis should be consistent with the theory 4.6 Hypothesis should be concerned with observable facts and empirical events 4.7 Hypothesis should be simple 5.1 Observation 5.2 Analogies 5.4 State of Knowledge 5.5 Culture 5.6 Continuity of Research 6.1 Null Hypothesis 6.2 Alternative Hypothesis Thus, to formulate a hypothesis, we need to refer to the descriptive statistics (such as the mean final marks), and specify a set of conditions about these statistics (such as a difference between the means, or in a different example, a positive or negative correlation). The hypothesis we formulate applies to the population of interest. The null hypothesis makes a statement that no difference exists (see Pyrczak, 1995, pp. 75-84). Hypothesis Definition A hypothesis is ‘a guess or supposition as to the existence of some fact or law which will serve to explain a connection of facts already known to exist.’ – J. E. Creighton & H. R. Smart Hypothesis is ‘a proposition not known to be definitely true or false, examined for the sake of determining the consequences which would follow from its truth.’ – Max Black Hypothesis is ‘a proposition which can be put to a test to determine validity and is useful for further research.’ – W. J. Goode and P. K. Hatt A hypothesis is a proposition, condition or principle which is assumed, perhaps without belief, in order to draw out its logical consequences and by this method to test its accord with facts which are known or may be determined. – Webster’s New International Dictionary of the English Language (1956) Meaning of Hypothesis From the above mentioned definitions of hypothesis, its meaning can be explained in the following ways. At the primary level, a hypothesis is the possible and probable explanation of the sequence of happenings or data. Sometimes, hypothesis may emerge from an imagination, common sense or a sudden event. Hypothesis can be a probable answer to the research problem undertaken for study. 4. Hypothesis may not always be true. It can get disproven. In other words, hypothesis need not always be a true proposition. Hypothesis, in a sense, is an attempt to present the interrelations that exist in the available data or information. Hypothesis is not an individual opinion or community thought. Instead, it is a philosophical means which is to be used for research purpose. Hypothesis is not to be considered as the ultimate objective; rather it is to be taken as the means of explaining scientifically the prevailing situation. The concept of hypothesis can further be explained with the help of some examples. Lord Keynes, in his theory of national income determination, made a hypothesis about the consumption function. He stated that the consumption expenditure of an individual or an economy as a whole is dependent on the level of income and changes in a certain proportion. Later, this proposition was proved in the statistical research carried out by Prof. Simon Kuznets. Matthus, while studying the population, formulated a hypothesis that population increases faster than the supply of food grains. Population studies of several countries revealed that this hypothesis is true. Validation of the Malthus’ hypothesis turned it into a theory and when it was tested in many other countries it became the famous Malthus’ Law of Population. It thus emerges that when a hypothesis is tested and proven, it becomes a theory. The theory, when found true in different times and at different places, becomes the law. Having understood the concept of hypothesis, few hypotheses can be formulated in the areas of commerce and economics. Population growth moderates with the rise in per capita income. Sales growth is positively linked with the availability of credit. Commerce education increases the employability of the graduate students. High rates of direct taxes prompt people to evade taxes. Good working conditions improve the productivity of employees. Advertising is the most effecting way of promoting sales than any other scheme. Higher Debt-Equity Ratio increases the probability of insolvency. Economic reforms in India have made the public sector banks more efficient and competent. Foreign direct investment in India has moved in those sectors which offer higher rate of profit. There is no significant association between credit rating and investment of fund. Characteristics of Hypothesis Not all the hypotheses are good and useful from the point of view of research. It is only a few hypotheses satisfying certain criteria that are good, useful and directive in the research work undertaken. The characteristics of such a useful hypothesis can be listed as below: Conceptual Clarity Need of empirical referents, hypothesis should be specific, hypothesis should be within the ambit of the available research techniques, hypothesis should be consistent with the theory, hypothesis should be concerned with observable facts and empirical events, hypothesis should be simple. The concepts used while framing hypothesis should be crystal clear and unambiguous. Such concepts must be clearly defined so that they become lucid and acceptable to everyone. How are the newly developed concepts interrelated and how are they linked with the old one is to be very clear so that the hypothesis framed on their basis also carries the same clarity. A hypothesis embodying unclear and ambiguous concepts can to a great extent undermine the successful completion of the research work. A hypothesis can be useful in the research work undertaken only when it has links with some empirical referents. Hypothesis based on moral values and ideals are useless as they cannot be tested. Similarly, hypothesis containing opinions as good and bad or expectation with respect to something are not testable and therefore useless. For example, ‘current account deficit can be lowered if people change their attitude towards gold’ is a hypothesis encompassing expectation. In case of such a hypothesis, the attitude towards gold is something which cannot clearly be described and therefore a hypothesis which embodies such an unclean thing cannot be tested and proved or disproved. In short, the hypothesis should be linked with some testable referents. For the successful conduction of research, it is necessary that the hypothesis is specific and presented in a precise manner. Hypothesis which is general, too ambitious and grandiose in scope is not to be made as such hypothesis cannot be easily put to test. A hypothesis is to be based on such concepts which are precise and empirical in nature. A hypothesis should give a clear idea about the indicators which are to be used. For example, a hypothesis that economic power is increasingly getting concentrated in a few hands in India should enable us to define the concept of economic power. It should be explicated in terms of measurable indicator like income, wealth, etc. Such specificity in the formulation of a hypothesis ensures that the research is practicable and significant. While framing the hypothesis, the researcher should be aware of the available research techniques and should see that the hypothesis framed is testable on the basis of them. In other words, a hypothesis should be researchable and for this it is important that a due thought has been given to the methods and techniques which can be used to measure the concepts and variables embodied in the hypothesis. It does not however mean that hypotheses which are not testable with the available techniques of research are not to be made. If the problem is too significant and therefore the hypothesis framed becomes too ambitious and complex, it’s testing becomes possible with the development of new research techniques or the hypothesis itself leads to the development of new research techniques. A hypothesis must be related to the existing theory or should have a theoretical orientation. The growth of knowledge takes place in the sequence of facts, hypothesis, theory and law or principles. It means the hypothesis should have a correspondence with the existing facts and theory. If the hypothesis is related to some theory, the research work will enable us to support, modify or refute the existing theory. Theoretical orientation of the hypothesis ensures that it becomes scientifically useful. According to Prof. Goode and Prof. Hatt, research work can contribute to the existing knowledge only when the hypothesis is related with some theory. This enables us to explain the observed facts and situations and also verify the framed hypothesis. In the words of Prof. Cohen and Prof. Nagel, “hypothesis must be formulated in such a manner that deduction can be made from it and that consequently a decision can be reached as to whether it does or does not explain the facts considered.” If the research work based on a hypothesis is to be successful, it is necessary that the later is as simple and easy as possible. An ambition of finding out something new may lead the researcher to frame an unrealistic and unclear hypothesis. Such a temptation is to be avoided. Framing a simple, easy and testable hypothesis requires that the researcher is well acquainted with the related concepts. Sources of Hypothesis Hypotheses can be derived from various sources. Some of the sources is given below: Observation State of knowledge, continuity of research. Hypotheses can be derived from observation from the observation of price behavior in a market. For example the relationship between the price and demand for an article is hypothesized. Analogies are another source of useful hypotheses. Julian Huxley has pointed out that casual observations in nature or in the framework of another science may be a fertile source of hypotheses. For example, the hypotheses that similar human types or activities may be found in similar geophysical regions come from plant ecology. This is one of the main sources of hypotheses. It gives direction to research by stating what is known logical deduction from theory lead to new hypotheses. For example, profit / wealth maximization is considered as the goal of private enterprises. From this assumption various hypotheses are derived’. An important source of hypotheses is the state of knowledge in any particular science where formal theories exist hypotheses can be deduced. If the hypotheses are rejected theories are scarce hypotheses are generated from conception frameworks. Another source of hypotheses is the culture on which the researcher was nurtured. Western culture has induced the emergence of sociology as an academic discipline over the past decade, a large part of the hypotheses on American society examined by researchers were connected with violence. This interest is related to the considerable increase in the level of violence in America. The continuity of research in a field itself constitutes an important source of hypotheses. The rejection of some hypotheses leads to the formulation of new ones capable of explaining dependent variables in subsequent research on the same subject. Null and Alternative Hypothesis Null hypothesis. The hypothesis that are proposed with the intent of receiving a rejection for them are called Null Hypothesis . This requires that we hypothesize the opposite of what is desired to be proved. For example, if we want to show that sales and advertisement expenditure are related, we formulate the null hypothesis that they are not related. Similarly, if we want to conclude that the new sales training programme is effective, we formulate the null hypothesis that the new training programme is not effective, and if we want to prove that the average wages of skilled workers in town 1 is greater than that of town 2, we formulate the null hypotheses that there is no difference in the average wages of the skilled workers in both the towns. Since we hypothesize that sales and advertisement are not related, new training programme is not effective and the average wages of skilled workers in both the towns are equal, we call such hypotheses null hypotheses and denote them as H 0 . Alternative Hypothesis Rejection of null hypotheses leads to the acceptance of alternative hypothesis . The rejection of null hypothesis indicates that the relationship between variables (e.g., sales and advertisement expenditure) or the difference between means (e.g., wages of skilled workers in town 1 and town 2) or the difference between proportions have statistical significance and the acceptance of the null hypotheses indicates that these differences are due to chance. As already mentioned, the alternative hypotheses specify that values/relation which the researcher believes hold true. The alternative hypotheses can cover a whole range of values rather than a single point. The alternative hypotheses are denoted by H 1 . 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You Might Also Like What is measure of dispersion, what is research methodology, what is measure of central tendency, data analysis in research, steps in questionnaire design, types of charts used in data analysis, types of errors affecting research design, what is sample size determination, formula, determining,, types of hypotheses, measures of relationship, leave a reply cancel reply. You must be logged in to post a comment. World's Best Online Courses at One Place We’ve spent the time in finding, so you can spend your time in learning Digital Marketing Personal Growth Development | | | | | | | My Wordlists Legacy activities Advanced Dictionary         Wordsmyth     Lookup History hypothesizes, hypothesizing, hypothesized to form a hypothesis; make an informed guess; theorize. , , , , ,   to assert as a hypothesis; assume; theorize. , , hypothesizer (n.) Subscribe for ad-free Wordsmyth and more Look up a word, learn it forever. Other forms: hypotheses In science, a hypothesis is an idea or explanation that you then test through study and experimentation. Outside science, a theory or guess can also be called a hypothesis . A hypothesis is something more than a wild guess but less than a well-established theory. In science, a hypothesis needs to go through a lot of testing before it gets labeled a theory. In the non-scientific world, the word is used a lot more loosely. A detective might have a hypothesis about a crime, and a mother might have a hypothesis about who spilled juice on the rug. Anyone who uses the word hypothesis is making a guess. noun a tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena “a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory” synonyms: possibility , theory see more see less types: show 17 types... hide 17 types... hypothetical a hypothetical possibility, circumstance, statement, proposal, situation, etc. gemmule the physically discrete element that Darwin proposed as responsible for heredity framework , model , theoretical account a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process conjecture , speculation a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence) assumption , supposal , supposition a hypothesis that is taken for granted historicism a theory that social and cultural events are determined by history computer simulation , simulation (computer science) the technique of representing the real world by a computer program conclusion an intuitive assumption base , basis , cornerstone , foundation , fundament , groundwork the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained mean sun a theoretical sun that moves along the celestial equator at a constant speed and completes its annual course in the same amount of time the real sun takes at variable speeds Copernican system (astronomy) Copernicus' astronomical model in which the Earth rotates around the sun Ptolemaic system (astronomy) Ptolemy's model of the universe with the Earth at the center M-theory (particle physics) a theory that involves an eleven-dimensional universe in which the weak and strong forces and gravity are unified and to which all the string theories belong string theory (particle physics) a theory that postulates that subatomic particles are one-dimensional strings given , precondition , presumption an assumption that is taken for granted basic assumption , constatation , self-evident truth an assumption that is basic to an argument stochastic process a statistical process involving a number of random variables depending on a variable parameter (which is usually time) type of: concept , conception , construct an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances noun a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations see more see less type of: proposal something proposed (such as a plan or assumption) noun a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence synonyms: conjecture , guess , speculation , supposition , surmisal , surmise see more see less types: divination successful conjecture by unusual insight or good luck type of: opinion , view a message expressing a belief about something; the expression of a belief that is held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof Vocabulary lists containing hypothesis How can you perform well on the reading section of the SAT if you don’t fully understand the language being used in the directions and in the questions? Learn this list of 25 words that are based on our analysis of the words likely to appear in question stems, answer options, and test directions. Following our Roadmap to the SAT ? Head back to see what else you should be learning this week. Looking to build your vocabulary? Then practice this list of 100 "top words" — the kind that used to be tested on the SAT before 2016. If you're a high school student prepping for the SAT, check out Vocabulary.com's Roadmap to the SAT , which focuses on the vocabulary you'll need to ace today's SAT test. Here are 68 Tier 2 words that are likely to be found on the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) ELA exams for 6th - 11th grades. These words may show up in the reading passages, but you are more likely to encounter them in the test questions and possible answers. Sign up now (it’s free!) Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.. 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   has more on: Research and evaluation glossary Analysis and synthesis - on scientific method, based on a study by Bernhard Riemann from the Swedish Morphological Society Cambridge Dictionary +Plus Meaning of hypothesis in English Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio abstraction accepted wisdom afterthought anthropocentrism determinist non-dogmatic non-empirical social Darwinism supersensible the domino theory hypothesis | American Dictionary Hypothesis | business english, examples of hypothesis, translations of hypothesis. Get a quick, free translation! Word of the Day a small bed for a baby or young child with high bars around the sides so that the child cannot fall out Treasure troves and endless supplies (Words and phrases meaning ‘source’) Learn more with +Plus Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}} Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English English–Dutch Dutch–English English–French French–English English–German German–English English–Indonesian Indonesian–English English–Italian Italian–English English–Japanese Japanese–English English–Norwegian Norwegian–English English–Polish Polish–English English–Portuguese Portuguese–English English–Spanish Spanish–English English–Swedish Swedish–English Dictionary +Plus Word Lists English    Noun American    Noun Business    Noun Translations All translations To add hypothesis to a word list please sign up or log in. Add hypothesis to one of your lists below, or create a new one. {{message}} Something went wrong. There was a problem sending your report. 336 COMMENTS hypothesis The meaning of hypothesis. Definition of hypothesis. Best online English dictionaries for children, with kid-friendly definitions, integrated thesaurus for kids, images, and animations. Spanish and Chinese language support available Hypothesis Lesson for Kids: Definition & Examples Problem 1. a) There is a positive relationship between the length of a pendulum and the period of the pendulum. This is a prediction that can be tested by various experiments. Problem 2. c) Diets ... What is a Hypothesis? A hypothesis is like a special guess that detectives (or in this case, scientists) make to find out why something happens. Let's say you wonder why plants grow. You might guess, 'I think plants grow because they get water.'. That's your hypothesis! It's your best idea right now for why plants grow. But hold on! Having a hypothesis isn't the end. What is a hypothesis kid definition? Unlocking Curiosity: Discovering the Power of Hypotheses with Our Kid-Friendly Definition! 🚀🔍 Dive into the world of science with our exciting video! Join... How to Write a Hypothesis: Lesson for Kids Follow this easy formula to write a strong hypothesis: If (I do this), then (this will happen). We call this an if - then statement. Here are some examples of an if - then statement: If I use ... Hypothesis Lesson for Kids: Definition & Examples Short Summary. Before you do your next science experiment, remember to make a hypothesis first. Think about everything you know about the items in your experiment, then make an educated guess ... What is an example hypothesis for kids? Unlock the secrets of science with this fun and educational video! Join us as we explore an example hypothesis for kids - 'If I water my plants every day, th... Hypothesis Definition & Meaning The meaning of HYPOTHESIS is an assumption or concession made for the sake of argument. How to use hypothesis in a sentence. The Difference Between Hypothesis and Theory Synonym Discussion of Hypothesis. hypothesis hypothesis: a prediction or educated guess that can be tested and can be used to guide further study. hypothesize: to form a hypothesis; make an informed guess; theorize. Hypothesis For Kids 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 ... science fair project 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. Science A-Z Hypotheses Grades 3-4 Process Science Unit Hypotheses are statements that predict an outcome and provide a potential explanation for an experiment, based on prior knowledge. By using the resources below, students will learn about this important science skill and practice making good hypotheses. Overview Resources. Print Unit Resource List PDF Project Unit Resource List. Hypothesis: Definition, Examples, and Types A hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables. It is a specific, testable prediction about what you expect to happen in a study. It is a preliminary answer to your question that helps guide the research process. Consider a study designed to examine the relationship between sleep deprivation and test ... 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. How to Write a Hypothesis: Lesson for Kids A hypothesis is a type of educated guess or prediction about a scientific phenomenon, which is a vital part of the scientific method. ... Scientific Inquiry Lesson for Kids: Process & Definition ... How To Write A Hypothesis Step Three - Outline your hypothesis - Frame it as a cause and effect, like "if X is done, then Y will happen.". Make a prediction as to what will happen. You will also need to consider the ethics of what you are doing carefully. Step Four - Do the legwork - Conduct your research, go out into the field and investigate. What is Hypothesis? Definition, Meaning, Characteristics, Sources Hypothesis is a prediction of the outcome of a study. Hypotheses are drawn from theories and research questions or from direct observations. In fact, a research problem can be formulated as a hypothesis. To test the hypothesis we need to formulate it in terms that can actually be analysed with statistical tools. hypothesize Definition of hypothesize. Best online English dictionaries for children, with kid-friendly definitions, integrated thesaurus for kids, images, and animations. Spanish and Chinese language support available ... definition: to assert as a hypothesis; assume; theorize. The scientist hypothesized that the treatment would affect the plants' rate of ... Hypothesis In science, a hypothesis is an idea or explanation that you then test through study and experimentation. Outside science, a theory or guess can also be called a hypothesis. Hypothesis Facts for Kids 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 Definition & Meaning Hypothesis definition: a proposition, or set of propositions, set forth as an explanation for the occurrence of some specified group of phenomena, either asserted merely as a provisional conjecture to guide investigation (working hypothesis ) or accepted as highly probable in the light of established facts.. See examples of HYPOTHESIS used in a sentence. HYPOTHESIS HYPOTHESIS definition: 1. an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved…. Learn more. assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis