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Definition of hypothesis

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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 4 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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Dictionary definition of hypothesis

An educated guess or a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or a pattern of observations. "The experiment yielded results that supported the initial hypothesis ."

Detailed meaning of hypothesis

It is a statement that can be tested through scientific experimentation or further observation. In scientific research, a hypothesis is used as a starting point for an investigation, and it serves as a basis for designing experiments and collecting data to either support or disprove it. A hypothesis typically consists of two parts: the independent variable, which is the factor being tested, and the dependent variable, which is the effect that is being observed. The hypothesis states the expected relationship between the two variables. For example, if a scientist wants to test the effect of a new drug on blood pressure, the independent variable would be the drug and the dependent variable would be the blood pressure. The hypothesis in this case would be "The new drug will lower blood pressure" A hypothesis is a crucial step in the scientific method as it guides the research and helps to focus on a specific question or problem. The results of the research and experimentation can support or disprove the hypothesis , and it can lead to new discoveries and knowledge. In summary, a hypothesis is an educated guess or proposed explanation for a phenomenon or a pattern of observations, it's a statement that can be tested through scientific experimentation or further observation, it's a crucial step in the scientific method that guides the research and helps to focus on a specific question or problem.

Example sentences containing hypothesis

1. The scientist formulated a hypothesis to explain the observed phenomenon. 2. The hypothesis proposed by the researcher challenged the existing theories in the field. 3. The students conducted experiments to test their hypothesis about plant growth. 4. The hypothesis stated that increased exposure to sunlight would improve mood. 5. The team developed a hypothesis to investigate the effects of a new drug on cancer cells. 6. The hypothesis suggested that regular exercise would lead to improved cognitive function.

History and etymology of hypothesis

The noun ' hypothesis ' draws its linguistic lineage from the combination of two ancient Greek elements. The first part, 'hypo,' originates from the Greek word 'hupo,' meaning 'under' or 'beneath.' The second component, 'thesis,' derives from 'tithēmi,' meaning 'to place' or 'to put forth.' In the context of scientific inquiry and philosophical discourse, the term ' hypothesis ' embodies the notion of putting forth an educated guess or proposition that lies beneath the surface of empirical observation. It signifies a preliminary and testable explanation for a phenomenon or a pattern of observations. Thus, the etymology of ' hypothesis ' underscores its foundational role in the systematic process of scientific inquiry, where ideas are posited as a starting point for further investigation and analysis.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun hypothesis :

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Further usage examples of hypothesis

1. The scientist's hypothesis about the origins of the universe sparked a lively debate among colleagues. 2. The study aimed to confirm or refute the hypothesis that caffeine enhances athletic performance. 3. The researchers gathered data to support their hypothesis on the relationship between sleep and memory. 4. The hypothesis proposed that increased levels of pollution would lead to a decline in air quality. 5. The hypothesis suggested that exposure to violent media would lead to increased aggression in children. 6. The scientists revised their hypothesis based on the new evidence they gathered. 7. The study failed to confirm the hypothesis , leading the researchers to reconsider their approach. 8. The hypothesis provided a framework for the investigation, guiding the research process. 9. The scientist presented a compelling hypothesis that challenged conventional wisdom. 10. The hypothesis proposed that higher levels of stress would negatively affect decision-making abilities. 11. The researcher's hypothesis about the effects of music on productivity generated significant interest. 12. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that a specific diet would improve cardiovascular health. 13. The scientist formulated a hypothesis to test in the laboratory. 14. Her hypothesis about the market trends proved accurate. 15. We need evidence to support or refute this hypothesis . 16. The hypothesis was the starting point for the research project. 17. The hypothesis suggests a link between two variables. 18. He proposed an intriguing hypothesis for the mysterious phenomenon. 19. The hypothesis was based on years of careful observation. 20. The team's hypothesis challenged established scientific beliefs. 21. To validate the hypothesis , experiments were meticulously designed. 22. The hypothesis explained the unexpected results of the study. 23. Researchers are now testing the hypothesis with real-world data. 24. The success of the mission hinged on the accuracy of the initial hypothesis .

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TOEFL 5, Analytical and Interpretive, Inquiry and Insight, Insight and Intelligence

conjecture,postulate,premise,proposition,suggestion,supposition,thesis

hunch,proposal

Synonyms for hypothesis

Quiz categories containing hypothesis.

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theory, fact, certainty, knowledge

eb68db_80f17f7a153340fd98f74a39f7c06f32.mp3

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• Education Resources Information Center - Understanding Hypotheses, Predictions, Laws, and Theories
• Simply Psychology - Research Hypothesis: Definition, Types, & Examples
• Cornell University - The Learning Strategies Center - Hypothesis
• Washington State University - Developing a Hypothesis
• Verywell Mind - Forming a Good Hypothesis for Scientific Research
• BCCampus Publishing - Research Methods for the Social Sciences: An Introduction - Hypotheses

hypothesis , something supposed or taken for granted, with the object of following out its consequences (Greek hypothesis , “a putting under,” the Latin equivalent being suppositio ).

In planning a course of action, one may consider various alternatives , working out each in detail. Although the word hypothesis is not typically used in this case, the procedure is virtually the same as that of an investigator of crime considering various suspects. Different methods may be used for deciding what the various alternatives may be, but what is fundamental is the consideration of a supposal as if it were true, without actually accepting it as true. One of the earliest uses of the word in this sense was in geometry . It is described by Plato in the Meno .

The most important modern use of a hypothesis is in relation to scientific investigation . A scientist is not merely concerned to accumulate such facts as can be discovered by observation: linkages must be discovered to connect those facts. An initial puzzle or problem provides the impetus , but clues must be used to ascertain which facts will help yield a solution. The best guide is a tentative hypothesis, which fits within the existing body of doctrine. It is so framed that, with its help, deductions can be made that under certain factual conditions (“initial conditions”) certain other facts would be found if the hypothesis were correct.

The concepts involved in the hypothesis need not themselves refer to observable objects. However, the initial conditions should be able to be observed or to be produced experimentally, and the deduced facts should be able to be observed. William Harvey ’s research on circulation in animals demonstrates how greatly experimental observation can be helped by a fruitful hypothesis. While a hypothesis can be partially confirmed by showing that what is deduced from it with certain initial conditions is actually found under those conditions, it cannot be completely proved in this way. What would have to be shown is that no other hypothesis would serve. Hence, in assessing the soundness of a hypothesis, stress is laid on the range and variety of facts that can be brought under its scope. Again, it is important that it should be capable of being linked systematically with hypotheses which have been found fertile in other fields.

If the predictions derived from the hypothesis are not found to be true, the hypothesis may have to be given up or modified. The fault may lie, however, in some other principle forming part of the body of accepted doctrine which has been utilized in deducing consequences from the hypothesis. It may also lie in the fact that other conditions, hitherto unobserved, are present beside the initial conditions, affecting the result. Thus the hypothesis may be kept, pending further examination of facts or some remodeling of principles. A good illustration of this is to be found in the history of the corpuscular and the undulatory hypotheses about light .

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hypothesis noun

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What does the noun hypothesis mean?

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun hypothesis , two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the noun hypothesis ?

How is the noun hypothesis pronounced?

British english, u.s. english, where does the noun hypothesis come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun hypothesis is in the late 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for hypothesis is from 1596, in the writing of Earl of Essex.

hypothesis is a borrowing from Greek.

Etymons: Greek ὑπόθεσις .

Nearby entries

• hypothecarious, adj. 1726–
• hypothecary, adj. 1656–
• hypothecate, v. 1693–
• hypothecation, n. 1681–
• hypothecative, adj. 1856–
• hypothecator, n. 1828–
• hypothecium, n. 1866–
• hypothenar, adj. 1706–
• hypothermia, n. 1886–
• hypothermic, adj. 1898–
• hypothesis, n. 1596–
• hypothesist, n. 1788–
• hypothesize, v. 1738–
• hypothesizer, n. 1833–
• hypothetic, adj. & n. a1680–
• hypothetical, adj. & n. 1588–
• hypothetically, adv. 1628–
• hypothetico-deductive, adj. 1912–
• hypothetico-deductively, adv. 1953–
• hypothetico-disjunctive, adj. & n. a1856–
• hypothetist, n. 1852–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for hypothesis, n..

hypothesis, n. was first published in 1899; not yet revised.

hypothesis, n. was last modified in July 2023.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into hypothesis, n. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1899)

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Citation details

Factsheet for hypothesis, n., browse entry.

• 1.1 Etymology
• 1.2 Pronunciation
• 1.3.1 Synonyms
• 1.3.2 Derived terms
• 1.3.3 Translations
• 2.1 Etymology
• 2.2 Pronunciation
• 2.3.1 Declension

Recorded since 1596, from Middle French hypothese , from Late Latin hypothesis , from Ancient Greek ὑπόθεσις ( hupóthesis , “ base, basis of an argument, supposition ” , literally “ a placing under ” ) , itself from ὑποτίθημι ( hupotíthēmi , “ I set before, suggest ” ) , from ὑπό ( hupó , “ below ” ) + τίθημι ( títhēmi , “ I put, place ” ) .

Pronunciation

• ( UK ) IPA ( key ) : /haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/ , /hɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/ , /həˈpɒθɪsɪs/ , /-əsəs/ , /-əsɪs/
• ( US ) IPA ( key ) : /haɪˈpɑː.θə.sɪs/

hypothesis ( plural hypotheses )

• 2001 September 27, Terrie E. Moffitt, Avshalom Caspi, Michael Rutter, Phil A. Silva, Sex Differences in Antisocial Behaviour: Conduct Disorder, Delinquency, and Violence in the Dunedin Longitudinal Study ‎ [1] , Cambridge University Press , →ISBN , page 151 : This hypothesis goes by many names, including group resistence, the threshold effect, and the gender paradox. Because the hypothesis holds such wide appeal, it is worth revisiting the logic behind it. The hypothesis is built on the factual observation that fewer females than males act antisocially.
• 2005 , Ronald H. Pine, http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/intelligent_design_or_no_model_creationism , 15 October 2005: Far too many of us have been taught in school that a scientist, in the course of trying to figure something out, will first come up with a " hypothesis " (a guess or surmise—not necessarily even an "educated" guess). ... [But t]he word " hypothesis " should be used, in science, exclusively for a reasoned, sensible, knowledge-informed explanation for why some phenomenon exists or occurs. An hypothesis can be as yet untested; can have already been tested; may have been falsified; may have not yet been falsified, although tested; or may have been tested in a myriad of ways countless times without being falsified; and it may come to be universally accepted by the scientific community. An understanding of the word " hypothesis ," as used in science, requires a grasp of the principles underlying Occam's Razor and Karl Popper's thought in regard to " falsifiability "—including the notion that any respectable scientific hypothesis must, in principle, be "capable of" being proven wrong (if it should, in fact, just happen to be wrong), but none can ever be proved to be true. One aspect of a proper understanding of the word " hypothesis ," as used in science, is that only a vanishingly small percentage of hypotheses could ever potentially become a theory.
• ( general ) An assumption taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation .
• ( grammar ) The antecedent of a conditional statement .
• supposition
• educated guess
• See also Thesaurus:supposition

Derived terms

• alternative hypothesis
• aquatic ape hypothesis
• Avogadro's hypothesis
• conspiracy hypothesis
• continuum hypothesis
• cosmic censorship hypothesis
• documentary hypothesis
• efficient market hypothesis
• ergodic hypothesis
• expectations hypothesis
• Fisher hypothesis
• Gaia hypothesis
• generalized continuum hypothesis
• God hypothesis
• Griesbach hypothesis
• hypothesize
• hypothetical
• hypothetically
• induction hypothesis
• inductive hypothesis
• interface hypothesis
• just-world hypothesis
• level-ordering hypothesis
• mafia hypothesis
• Medea hypothesis
• Monro-Kellie hypothesis
• null hypothesis
• Omphalos hypothesis
• Out of India hypothesis
• ovulatory shift hypothesis
• permanent income hypothesis
• Prout's hypothesis
• Rare Earth hypothesis
• Red Queen hypothesis
• Riemann hypothesis
• Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
• Schinzel's hypothesis H
• sexy son hypothesis
• simulation hypothesis
• swoon hypothesis
• trickle-down hypothesis
• trickle down hypothesis
• Wellhausen's hypothesis
• working hypothesis
• zombie hypothesis

Translations

Borrowed from Ancient Greek ὑπόθεσις ( hupóthesis , “ hypothesis ” , noun ) .

• ( Classical Latin ) IPA ( key ) : /hyˈpo.tʰe.sis/ , [hʏˈpɔt̪ʰɛs̠ɪs̠]
• ( modern Italianate Ecclesiastical ) IPA ( key ) : /iˈpo.te.sis/ , [iˈpɔːt̪es̬is]

hypothesis   f ( genitive hypothesis or hypotheseōs or hypothesios ) ; third declension

1 Found sometimes in Medieval and New Latin.

• There is also genitive plural hypotheseōn .
• The genitive singular is also spelled hypotheseωs and the genitive plural hypotheseωn .

• English terms derived from Proto-Indo-European
• English terms derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰeh₁-
• English terms borrowed from Middle French
• English terms derived from Middle French
• English terms derived from Late Latin
• English terms derived from Ancient Greek
• English 4-syllable words
• English terms with IPA pronunciation
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• English lemmas
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• English countable nouns
• English nouns with irregular plurals
• en:Sciences
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• Latin terms borrowed from Ancient Greek
• Latin terms derived from Ancient Greek
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• Latin feminine nouns in the third declension
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• First Online: 01 January 2023
• Cite this reference work entry

• Martin W. Bauer 2  

168 Accesses

The word “hypothesis” is of ancient Greek origin and composed of two parts: “hypo” for “under,” and “thesis” for “to put there”; in Latin, this translated “to suppose” or “supposition”; made up of “sub” [under] and “positum” [put there]. It refers to something that we put there, maybe to start with, maybe to stay with us as an installation. Hence in modern English we say “ let us hypothesize, suppose,” or “let us put it that … .,” and then we start the argument by developing implications and reaching conclusions. The term “hypothesis” marks a space of possibilities in several ways. Firstly, it is the uncertain starting point from which firmer conclusions might be drawn. Public reasoning examines how, from uncertain hypotheses, neither true nor false, we can nevertheless reach useful conclusions. Secondly, the hypothesis is the end point of a logical process of firming up on reality through scientific enquiry. Scientific methodology makes hypothesis testing the gold standard...

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Popper, K. R. (1972). Conjectures and refutations (4th revised ed.). London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.

Prinz, W. (2012). Open minds: The social making of agency and intentionality . Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Psillos, S. (2011). An explorer upon untrodden ground: Peirce on abduction. In Handbook of the history of logic (Vol. 10, pp. 117–151). Elsevier North Holland.

Rescher, H. (1964). Hypothetical reasoning . Amsterdam: North-Holland.

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Suppes, P. (1983). Heuristics and the axiomatic method. In R. Groner et al. (Eds.), Methods of heuristics (pp. 79–88). Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers.

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Bauer, M.W. (2022). Hypothesis. In: Glăveanu, V.P. (eds) The Palgrave Encyclopedia of the Possible. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-90913-0_193

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Definition of hypothesis noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

• formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis
• build/construct/create/develop a simple/theoretical/mathematical model
• develop/establish/provide/use a theoretical/conceptual framework/an algorithm
• advance/argue/develop the thesis that…
• explore an idea/a concept/a hypothesis
• make a prediction/an inference
• base a prediction/your calculations on something
• investigate/evaluate/accept/challenge/reject a theory/hypothesis/model
• design an experiment/a questionnaire/a study/a test
• do research/an experiment/an analysis
• make observations/calculations
• take/record measurements
• carry out/conduct/perform an experiment/a test/a longitudinal study/observations/clinical trials
• run an experiment/a simulation/clinical trials
• repeat an experiment/a test/an analysis
• replicate a study/the results/the findings
• observe/study/examine/investigate/assess a pattern/a process/a behavior
• fund/support the research/project/study
• seek/provide/get/secure funding for research
• collect/gather/extract data/information
• yield data/evidence/similar findings/the same results
• analyze/examine the data/soil samples/a specimen
• consider/compare/interpret the results/findings
• fit the data/model
• confirm/support/verify a prediction/a hypothesis/the results/the findings
• prove a conjecture/hypothesis/theorem
• draw/make/reach the same conclusions
• read/review the records/literature
• describe/report an experiment/a study
• present/publish/summarize the results/findings
• present/publish/read/review/cite a paper in a scientific journal

Join our community to access the latest language learning and assessment tips from Oxford University Press!

• 2 [ uncountable ] guesses and ideas that are not based on certain knowledge synonym speculation It would be pointless to engage in hypothesis before we have the facts.

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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."

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put something off

to decide or arrange to delay an event or activity until a later time or date

Like a bull in a china shop: talking about people who are clumsy

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| | | | | | | My Wordlists Legacy activities       Wordsmyth     Standard   Lookup History hypotheses a proposed explanation that accounts for observed phenomena or known facts and that can be used to guide further investigation. , , a proposition assumed to be true for the purposes of a particular argument; premise. , , , , , in logic, the first member of a conditional proposition. , , Subscriber feature hypothesist (n.) See   Subscribe for ad-free Wordsmyth and more hypothetical (adj.) "founded on or characterized by a hypothesis, conjectural," 1580s, from Latinized form of Greek hypothetikos "pertaining to a hypothesis," from hypothesis (see hypothesis ). Hypothetic (1670s) is less common. Related: Hypothetically . Entries linking to hypothetical 1590s, "a particular statement;" 1650s, "a proposition, assumed and taken for granted, used as a premise," from French hypothese and directly from Late Latin hypothesis , from Greek hypothesis "base, groundwork, foundation," hence in extended use "basis of an argument, supposition," literally "a placing under," from hypo- "under" (see hypo- ) + thesis "a placing, proposition" (from reduplicated form of PIE root *dhe- "to set, put"). A term in logic; narrower scientific sense is from 1640s. Trends of hypothetical More to explore, share hypothetical. updated on October 09, 2020 Trending words 2 . research 3 . philadelphia 6 . authority 7 . algorithm 9 . geography Dictionary entries near hypothetical hypothermia hypothesise hypothesize hypothetical English (English) 简体中文 (Chinese) Deutsch (German) Español (Spanish) Français (French) Italiano (Italian) 日本語 (Japanese) 한국어 (Korean) Português (Portuguese) 繁體中文 (Chinese) Daily Crossword Word Puzzle Word Finder Word of the Day Synonym of the Day Word of the Year Language stories All featured Gender and sexuality All pop culture Writing hub Grammar essentials Commonly confused All writing tips Pop culture Writing tips Advertisement [ hahy- poth - uh -sis , hi- ] 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. a proposition assumed as a premise in an argument. the antecedent of a conditional proposition. a mere assumption or guess. / haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs / a suggested explanation for a group of facts or phenomena, either accepted as a basis for further verification ( working hypothesis ) or accepted as likely to be true Compare theory an assumption used in an argument without its being endorsed; a supposition an unproved theory; a conjecture / hī-pŏth ′ ĭ-sĭs / , Plural hypotheses hī-pŏth ′ ĭ-sēz′ A statement that explains or makes generalizations about a set of facts or principles, usually forming a basis for possible experiments to confirm its viability. plur. hypotheses (heye- poth -uh-seez) In science, a statement of a possible explanation for some natural phenomenon. A hypothesis is tested by drawing conclusions from it; if observation and experimentation show a conclusion to be false, the hypothesis must be false. ( See scientific method and theory .) Derived Forms hyˈpothesist , noun Other Words From hy·pothe·sist noun counter·hy·pothe·sis noun plural counterhypotheses subhy·pothe·sis noun plural subhypotheses Word History and Origins Origin of hypothesis 1 Synonym Study Example sentences. Though researchers have struggled to understand exactly what contributes to this gender difference, Dr. Rohan has one hypothesis. The leading hypothesis for the ultimate source of the Ebola virus, and where it retreats in between outbreaks, lies in bats. In 1996, John Paul II called the Big Bang theory “more than a hypothesis.” To be clear: There have been no double-blind or controlled studies that conclusively confirm this hair-loss hypothesis. The bacteria-driven-ritual hypothesis ignores the huge diversity of reasons that could push someone to perform a religious ritual. And remember it is by our hypothesis the best possible form and arrangement of that lesson. Taken in connection with what we know of the nebulæ, the proof of Laplace's nebular hypothesis may fairly be regarded as complete. What has become of the letter from M. de St. Mars, said to have been discovered some years ago, confirming this last hypothesis? To admit that there had really been any communication between the dead man and the living one is also an hypothesis. "I consider it highly probable," asserted Aunt Maria, forgetting her Scandinavian hypothesis. Related Words explanation interpretation proposition supposition : an idea or theory that is not proven but that leads to further study or discussion Full Definition of HYPOTHESIS Examples of hypothesis. In contrast to Bingham's hypothesis that Machu Picchu was the birthplace of the first Inca and the hearth area of the Inca civilization, current scholars believe that the city was built as a country estate … —Roger Balm, Focus On Geography , Spring 2004 Campus veterans marvel at all the poolside apartments that have sprung up since Georgia popped the income cap off its merit awards. Professors are testing their hypothesis that instead of increasing college enrollment, the state's $1.7 billion scholarship program has been a blessing for the automobile industry—since so many families roll the savings into buying new cars. —Greg Winter, New York Times , 31 Oct. 2002 Isaac Newton initially argued against a parabolic orbit for the … comet of 1680, preferring the hypothesis of two independent comets, one for the inbound and one for the outbound leg. However, Newton later showed that the orbit of the comet could indeed be fit by a parabola. — “ Physics and Chemistry of Comets, ” Daniel C. Boice and Walter Huebner in Encyclopedia of the Solar System Paul R. Weissman et al., editors , 1999 As stated, our working hypothesis suggests a straightforward way to look for evidence that would confirm or disconfirm it: can you predict what is omitted and what is included in alphabetic representations? —Timothy Shopen and Joseph M. Williams, Standards and Dialects in English , 1980 [+] more [-] hide Origin of HYPOTHESIS Related to hypothesis, synonym discussion of hypothesis, definition of hypothesis for kids, medical definition of hypothesis, learn more about hypothesis. accretionary hypothesis autotroph hypothesis granular hypothesis heterotroph hypothesis nebular hypothesis null hypothesis planetesimal hypothesis Prout's hypothesis Sapir-Whorf hypothesis tetrahedral hypothesis Thomson's hypothesis unitarian hypothesis Wegener hypothesis Whorfian hypothesis working hypothesis age and area concept Alvarez theory micellar theory Seen & Heard What made you want to look up hypothesis ? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible). Spanish Central Learner's ESL Dictionary WordCentral for Kids Visual Dictionary SCRABBLE ® Word Finder Merriam-Webster's Unabridged Dictionary Britannica English - Arabic Translation Nglish - Spanish-English Translation Advertising Info Dictionary API Privacy Policy Terms of Use About Our Ads Browser Tools The Open Dictionary Browse the Dictionary Browse the Thesaurus Browse the Spanish-English Dictionary Browse the Medical Dictionary Skip to Content Skip to Footer Please enable JavaScript for this site to work properly. The "Ge" Hypothesis Quick summary. The Greek root word ge , commonly used in the English prefix geo- , means “earth.” This Greek root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including ge ology, ge ography, and ge ometry. The Greek root word ge is easily recalled through the English word ge ology, which is the study of the “earth.” The Greek root word ge and English prefix geo- mean “earth.” Soon you’ll be saying “golly gee whiz” when you find out the number of words in English that contain this Greek root! Since Earth is our home, it would make sense for humans to study that home. Geo logy is the study of the physical or solid “Earth.” Geo logists are those scientists who study that solid “Earth.” The study of geo graphy, on the other hand, deals with the lands of our “Earth,” including the boundaries between and features of those lands and the people who inhabit all of Earth’s different countries. The measurement of the “Earth” or geo metry was born when the Greek mathematician Euclid decided he needed a way to measure his planet. Not to be outdone by Euclid, Greek astronomers such as Aristarchus proposed a heliocentric model of the Universe which radically stated that the Earth revolved around the sun, which went completely against the commonly held belief of a geo centric model where the “Earth” was the center of the Universe around which all other celestial bodies revolved. The notions of peri ge e and apo ge e came later, when it was discovered that the “Earth” does not revolve around the sun in a perfect circle, but rather travels through space in an ellipse; this advancement enabled astronomers to realize that “Earth” has a peri ge e in its orbit when it is closest to the sun, and a corresponding apo ge e, or point in “Earth’s” orbit when it’s furthest away from the sun. Mother “Earth” was known as Ga ia to the ancient Greeks. Her name was made popular in the 1970s via the Ga ia Hypothesis, which suggests that living organisms and inorganic matter interact to keep planet “Earth” healthy. Ironically, a man named Ge orge Wald spoke at the first Ga ia conference; the name Ge orge, which comes from the Greek word “farmer,” was so formed because a “farmer” is someone who works with the “earth” to grow things. The state of Ge orgia, or etymologically an area on the map for “farmers,” was named after King Ge orge the II of Britain, who most likely was never a “farmer!” And so here ends our exploration of the Greek root word ge and English prefix geo- , a linguistic journey which has taken us around the “Earth” and beyond! geology : study of the physical or solid “Earth” geologist : one who studies the solid parts of the “Earth” geography : study of the nations and peoples of the “Earth” geometry : mathematics which measures the features of the “Earth” geocentric : of an “Earth”-centered Universe Gaia : in Greek mythology, the original “Earth” Mother George : from the Greek word for “farmer,” or worker in the “earth” Georgia : land of “farmers,” an eponym based upon King George II of Britain Related Rootcasts The fascinating parts of words. Morphology is the study of how words are put together by using morphemes, which include prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Parsing the different morphemes in a word reveals meaning and part of speech. For instance, the word “invention” includes the prefix in- + the root vent + the suffix -ion , from which is formed the noun “invention.” Etymology: Word Origins Etymology is that part of linguistics that studies word origins. English vocabulary words are formed from many different sources, especially Latin and Greek. By determining the origins of the morphemes in English words, one is better able to remember and determine the dictionary definitions of words. Differentiated vocabulary for your students is just a click away. We use cookies! 🍪 We use cookies to provide you with the best online experience. By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use . Get Started Hi there! Tell us a little bit about yourself to begin. I'm an educator looking to use Membean at my school or district. I'm a parent looking for my kid(s) to use Membean. I'm interested in: Select... Homeschooling Independent Learning I'm an individual wanting to study for a test or to improve my vocabulary. I'm studying for: Select... SAT GRE Personal Use EquiTrends: Equivalence Testing for Pre-Trends in Difference-in-Differences Designs Testing for parallel trends is crucial in the Difference-in-Differences framework. To this end, this package performs equivalence testing in the context of Difference-in-Differences estimation. It allows users to test if pre-treatment trends in the treated group are “equivalent” to those in the control group. Here, “equivalence” means that rejection of the null hypothesis implies that a function of the pre-treatment placebo effects (maximum absolute, average or root mean squared value) does not exceed a pre-specified threshold below which trend differences are considered negligible. The package is based on the theory developed in Dette & Schumann (2024) < doi:10.1080/07350015.2024.2308121 >. Version: 1.0.0 Depends: R (≥ 3.5.0) Imports: , , , , , (≥ 1.0.12), , stats, LinkingTo: , , Suggests: (≥ 3.0.0) Published: 2024-09-03 DOI: Author: Ties Bos [aut, cre], Martin Schumann [ctb] Maintainer: Ties Bos <tc.bos at student.maastrichtuniversity.nl> BugReports: License: + file URL: NeedsCompilation: yes Materials: CRAN checks: Documentation: Reference manual: Package source: Windows binaries: r-devel: , r-release: , r-oldrel: macOS binaries: r-release (arm64): , r-oldrel (arm64): , r-release (x86_64): , r-oldrel (x86_64): Please use the canonical form https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=EquiTrends to link to this page. 115 IMAGES Hypothesis Examples 13 Different Types of Hypothesis (2024) Marketing Research Hypothesis Examples : Research questions hypotheses Hypothesis Hypothesis What Does Hypothesis Mean VIDEO What Is A Hypothesis? HYPOTHESIS in 3 minutes for UPSC ,UGC NET and others How To Formulate The Hypothesis/What is Hypothesis? What does hypothesis mean? What is a Hypothesis? Testing of hypothesis| Null and alternate Hypothesis COMMENTS hypothesis hypothesis. (n.) 1590s, "a particular statement;" 1650s, "a proposition, assumed and taken for granted, used as a premise," from French hypothese and directly from Late Latin hypothesis, from Greek hypothesis "base, groundwork, foundation," hence in extended use "basis of an argument, supposition," literally "a placing under," from hypo- "under ... 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 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 Detailed meaning of hypothesis It is a statement that can be tested through scientific experimentation or further observation. In scientific research, a hypothesis is used as a starting point for an investigation, and it serves as a basis for designing experiments and collecting data to either support or disprove it. Hypothesis theorem. hypothesis, something supposed or taken for granted, with the object of following out its consequences (Greek hypothesis, "a putting under," the Latin equivalent being suppositio). Discussion with Kara Rogers of how the scientific model is used to test a hypothesis or represent a theory Kara Rogers, senior biomedical sciences ... hypothesis, n. meanings, etymology and more The earliest known use of the noun hypothesis is in the late 1500s. OED's earliest evidence for hypothesis is from 1596, in the writing of Earl of Essex. hypothesis is a borrowing from Greek. Etymons: Greek ὑπόθεσις. See etymology. hypotheses hypothesis (n.) 1590s, "a particular statement;" 1650s, "a proposition, assumed and taken for granted, used as a premise," from French hypothese and directly from Late Latin hypothesis, from Greek hypothesis "base, groundwork, foundation," hence in extended use "basis of an argument, supposition," literally "a placing under," from hypo- "under ... hypothesis hypothesis (plural hypotheses) ( sciences) Used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. As a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation. Compare to theory, and quotation given there. HYPOTHESIS HYPOTHESIS definition: 1. an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved…. Learn more. hypothesis noun Collocations Scientific research Scientific research Theory. formulate/ advance a theory/ hypothesis; build/ construct/ create/ develop a simple/ theoretical/ mathematical model; develop/ establish/ provide/ use a theoretical/ conceptual framework; advance/ argue/ develop the thesis that…; explore an idea/ a concept/ a hypothesis; make a prediction/ an inference Hypothesis Definition. The word "hypothesis" is of ancient Greek origin and composed of two parts: "hypo" for "under," and "thesis" for "to put there"; in Latin, this translated "to suppose" or "supposition"; made up of "sub" [under] and "positum" [put there]. It refers to something that we put there, maybe to start ... hypothesis noun 1 [countable] an idea or explanation of something that is based on a few known facts but that has not yet been proved to be true or correct synonym theory to formulate/confirm a hypothesis a hypothesis about the function of dreams There is little evidence to support these hypotheses. Topic Collocations Scientific Research theory. formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis Hypothesis Definition & Meaning Hypothesis definition: An unproved theory, proposition, supposition, etc. tentatively accepted to explain certain facts or (working hypothesis) to provide a basis for further investigation, argument, etc. 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 definition and meaning 3 meanings: 1. a suggested explanation for a group of facts or phenomena, either accepted as a basis for further verification.... Click for more definitions. HYPOTHESIS HYPOTHESIS meaning: 1. an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved…. Learn more. Definition of hypothesis HYPOTHESIS meaning: a suggested explanation for something that has not yet been proved to be true. Learn more. A Brief History of the Hypothesis Scientists are commonly taught to frame their experiments with a "hypothesis"—an idea or postulate that must be phrased as a statement of fact, so that it can be subjected to falsification. The hypothesis is constructed in advance of the experiment; it is therefore unproven in its original form. The very idea of "proof" of a ... Definition of HYPOTHESIS definition 2: a proposition assumed to be true for the purposes of a particular argument; premise. Let's start out with the hypothesis that these kinds of tests are fair. synonyms: premise, proposition, supposition. similar words: assumption, axiom, postulate, presumption. definition 3: in logic, the first member of a conditional proposition. hypothetical hypothetical (adj.) hypothetical. (adj.) "founded on or characterized by a hypothesis, conjectural," 1580s, from Latinized form of Greek hypothetikos "pertaining to a hypothesis," from hypothesis (see hypothesis ). Hypothetic (1670s) is less common. Related: Hypothetically. HYPOTHESIS Definition & Meaning Hypothesis definition: . See examples of HYPOTHESIS used in a sentence. Hypothesis In contrast to Bingham's hypothesis that Machu Picchu was the birthplace of the first Inca and the hearth area of the Inca civilization, current scholars believe that the city was built as a country estate … —Roger Balm, Focus On Geography, Spring 2004 Campus veterans marvel at all the poolside apartments that have sprung up since Georgia popped the income cap off its merit awards. Rootcast: The "Ge" Hypothesis The "Ge" Hypothesis. The Greek root word ge and English prefix geo- mean "earth.". Soon you'll be saying "golly gee whiz" when you find out the number of words in English that contain this Greek root! Since Earth is our home, it would make sense for humans to study that home. Geo logy is the study of the physical or solid "Earth.". CRAN: Package EquiTrends Here, "equivalence" means that rejection of the null hypothesis implies that a function of the pre-treatment placebo effects (maximum absolute, average or root mean squared value) does not exceed a pre-specified threshold below which trend differences are considered negligible. The package is based on the theory developed in Dette ... assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis