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How to Write a Strong Hypothesis | Guide & Examples

How to Write a Strong Hypothesis | Guide & Examples

Published on 6 May 2022 by Shona McCombes .

A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested by scientific research. If you want to test a relationship between two or more variables, you need to write hypotheses before you start your experiment or data collection.

What is a hypothesis, developing a hypothesis (with example), hypothesis examples, frequently asked questions about writing hypotheses.

A hypothesis states your predictions about what your research will find. It is a tentative answer to your research question that has not yet been tested. For some research projects, you might have to write several hypotheses that address different aspects of your research question.

A hypothesis is not just a guess – it should be based on existing theories and knowledge. It also has to be testable, which means you can support or refute it through scientific research methods (such as experiments, observations, and statistical analysis of data).

Variables in hypotheses

Hypotheses propose a relationship between two or more variables . An independent variable is something the researcher changes or controls. A dependent variable is something the researcher observes and measures.

In this example, the independent variable is exposure to the sun – the assumed cause . The dependent variable is the level of happiness – the assumed effect .

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Step 1: ask a question.

Writing a hypothesis begins with a research question that you want to answer. The question should be focused, specific, and researchable within the constraints of your project.

Step 2: Do some preliminary research

Your initial answer to the question should be based on what is already known about the topic. Look for theories and previous studies to help you form educated assumptions about what your research will find.

At this stage, you might construct a conceptual framework to identify which variables you will study and what you think the relationships are between them. Sometimes, you’ll have to operationalise more complex constructs.

Step 3: Formulate your hypothesis

Now you should have some idea of what you expect to find. Write your initial answer to the question in a clear, concise sentence.

Step 4: Refine your hypothesis

You need to make sure your hypothesis is specific and testable. There are various ways of phrasing a hypothesis, but all the terms you use should have clear definitions, and the hypothesis should contain:

The relevant variables
The specific group being studied
The predicted outcome of the experiment or analysis

Step 5: Phrase your hypothesis in three ways

To identify the variables, you can write a simple prediction in if … then form. The first part of the sentence states the independent variable and the second part states the dependent variable.

In academic research, hypotheses are more commonly phrased in terms of correlations or effects, where you directly state the predicted relationship between variables.

If you are comparing two groups, the hypothesis can state what difference you expect to find between them.

Step 6. Write a null hypothesis

If your research involves statistical hypothesis testing , you will also have to write a null hypothesis. The null hypothesis is the default position that there is no association between the variables. The null hypothesis is written as H 0 , while the alternative hypothesis is H 1 or H a .

Hypothesis testing is a formal procedure for investigating our ideas about the world using statistics. It is used by scientists to test specific predictions, called hypotheses , by calculating how likely it is that a pattern or relationship between variables could have arisen by chance.

A hypothesis is not just a guess. It should be based on existing theories and knowledge. It also has to be testable, which means you can support or refute it through scientific research methods (such as experiments, observations, and statistical analysis of data).

A research hypothesis is your proposed answer to your research question. The research hypothesis usually includes an explanation (‘ x affects y because …’).

A statistical hypothesis, on the other hand, is a mathematical statement about a population parameter. Statistical hypotheses always come in pairs: the null and alternative hypotheses. In a well-designed study , the statistical hypotheses correspond logically to the research hypothesis.

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5.2 - writing hypotheses.

The first step in conducting a hypothesis test is to write the hypothesis statements that are going to be tested. For each test you will have a null hypothesis ($H_0$) and an alternative hypothesis ($H_a$).

When writing hypotheses there are three things that we need to know: (1) the parameter that we are testing (2) the direction of the test (non-directional, right-tailed or left-tailed), and (3) the value of the hypothesized parameter.

At this point we can write hypotheses for a single mean ($\mu$), paired means($\mu_d$), a single proportion ($p$), the difference between two independent means ($\mu_1-\mu_2$), the difference between two proportions ($p_1-p_2$), a simple linear regression slope ($\beta$), and a correlation ($\rho$).
The research question will give us the information necessary to determine if the test is two-tailed (e.g., "different from," "not equal to"), right-tailed (e.g., "greater than," "more than"), or left-tailed (e.g., "less than," "fewer than").
The research question will also give us the hypothesized parameter value. This is the number that goes in the hypothesis statements (i.e., $\mu_0$ and $p_0$). For the difference between two groups, regression, and correlation, this value is typically 0.

Hypotheses are always written in terms of population parameters (e.g., $p$ and $\mu$). The tables below display all of the possible hypotheses for the parameters that we have learned thus far. Note that the null hypothesis always includes the equality (i.e., =).

Learn How To Write A Hypothesis For Your Next Research Project!

Undoubtedly, research plays a crucial role in substantiating or refuting our assumptions. These assumptions act as potential answers to our questions. Such assumptions, also known as hypotheses, are considered key aspects of research. In this blog, we delve into the significance of hypotheses. And provide insights on how to write them effectively. So, let’s dive in and explore the art of writing hypotheses together.

Table of Contents

What is a Hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a crucial starting point in scientific research. It is an educated guess about the relationship between two or more variables. In other words, a hypothesis acts as a foundation for a researcher to build their study.

Here are some examples of well-crafted hypotheses:

Increased exposure to natural sunlight improves sleep quality in adults.

A positive relationship between natural sunlight exposure and sleep quality in adult individuals.

Playing puzzle games on a regular basis enhances problem-solving abilities in children.

Engaging in frequent puzzle gameplay leads to improved problem-solving skills in children.

Students and improved learning hecks.

S tudents using online paper writing service platforms (as a learning tool for receiving personalized feedback and guidance) will demonstrate improved writing skills. (compared to those who do not utilize such platforms).

The use of APA format in research papers.

Using the APA format helps students stay organized when writing research papers. Organized students can focus better on their topics and, as a result, produce better quality work.

The Building Blocks of a Hypothesis

To better understand the concept of a hypothesis, let’s break it down into its basic components:

Variables . A hypothesis involves at least two variables. An independent variable and a dependent variable. The independent variable is the one being changed or manipulated, while the dependent variable is the one being measured or observed.
Relationship : A hypothesis proposes a relationship or connection between the variables. This could be a cause-and-effect relationship or a correlation between them.
Testability : A hypothesis should be testable and falsifiable, meaning it can be proven right or wrong through experimentation or observation.

Types of Hypotheses

When learning how to write a hypothesis, it’s essential to understand its main types. These include; alternative hypotheses and null hypotheses. In the following section, we explore both types of hypotheses with examples.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1)

This kind of hypothesis suggests a relationship or effect between the variables. It is the main focus of the study. The researcher wants to either prove or disprove it. Many research divides this hypothesis into two subsections:

Directional

This type of H1 predicts a specific outcome. Many researchers use this hypothesis to explore the relationship between variables rather than the groups.

Non-directional

You can take a guess from the name. This type of H1 does not provide a specific prediction for the research outcome.

Here are some examples for your better understanding of how to write a hypothesis.

Consuming caffeine improves cognitive performance. (This hypothesis predicts that there is a positive relationship between caffeine consumption and cognitive performance.)
Aerobic exercise leads to reduced blood pressure. (This hypothesis suggests that engaging in aerobic exercise results in lower blood pressure readings.)
Exposure to nature reduces stress levels among employees. (Here, the hypothesis proposes that employees exposed to natural environments will experience decreased stress levels.)
Listening to classical music while studying increases memory retention. (This hypothesis speculates that studying with classical music playing in the background boosts students’ ability to retain information.)
Early literacy intervention improves reading skills in children. (This hypothesis claims that providing early literacy assistance to children results in enhanced reading abilities.)
Time management in nursing students. ( Students who use a nursing research paper writing service have more time to focus on their studies and can achieve better grades in other subjects. )

Null Hypothesis (H0)

A null hypothesis assumes no relationship or effect between the variables. If the alternative hypothesis is proven to be false, the null hypothesis is considered to be true. Usually a null hypothesis shows no direct correlation between the defined variables.

Here are some of the examples

The consumption of herbal tea has no effect on sleep quality. (This hypothesis assumes that herbal tea consumption does not impact the quality of sleep.)
The number of hours spent playing video games is unrelated to academic performance. (Here, the null hypothesis suggests that no relationship exists between video gameplay duration and academic achievement.)
Implementing flexible work schedules has no influence on employee job satisfaction. (This hypothesis contends that providing flexible schedules does not affect how satisfied employees are with their jobs.)
Writing ability of a 7th grader is not affected by reading editorial example. ( There is no relationship between reading an editorial example and improving a 7th grader’s writing abilities.)
The type of lighting in a room does not affect people’s mood. (In this null hypothesis, there is no connection between the kind of lighting in a room and the mood of those present.)
The use of social media during break time does not impact productivity at work. (This hypothesis proposes that social media usage during breaks has no effect on work productivity.)

As you learn how to write a hypothesis, remember that aiming for clarity, testability, and relevance to your research question is vital. By mastering this skill, you’re well on your way to conducting impactful scientific research. Good luck!

Importance of a Hypothesis in Research

A well-structured hypothesis is a vital part of any research project for several reasons:

It provides clear direction for the study by setting its focus and purpose.
It outlines expectations of the research, making it easier to measure results.
It helps identify any potential limitations in the study, allowing researchers to refine their approach.

In conclusion, a hypothesis plays a fundamental role in the research process. By understanding its concept and constructing a well-thought-out hypothesis, researchers lay the groundwork for a successful, scientifically sound investigation.

How to Write a Hypothesis?

Here are five steps that you can follow to write an effective hypothesis.

Step 1: Identify Your Research Question

The first step in learning how to compose a hypothesis is to clearly define your research question. This question is the central focus of your study and will help you determine the direction of your hypothesis.

Step 2: Determine the Variables

When exploring how to write a hypothesis, it’s crucial to identify the variables involved in your study. You’ll need at least two variables:

Independent variable : The factor you manipulate or change in your experiment.
Dependent variable : The outcome or result you observe or measure, which is influenced by the independent variable.

Step 3: Build the Hypothetical Relationship

In understanding how to compose a hypothesis, constructing the relationship between the variables is key. Based on your research question and variables, predict the expected outcome or connection. This prediction should be specific, testable, and, if possible, expressed in the “If…then” format.

Step 4: Write the Null Hypothesis

When mastering how to write a hypothesis, it’s important to create a null hypothesis as well. The null hypothesis assumes no relationship or effect between the variables, acting as a counterpoint to your primary hypothesis.

Step 5: Review Your Hypothesis

Finally, when learning how to compose a hypothesis, it’s essential to review your hypothesis for clarity, testability, and relevance to your research question. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure it provides a solid basis for your study.

In conclusion, understanding how to write a hypothesis is crucial for conducting successful scientific research. By focusing on your research question and carefully building relationships between variables, you will lay a strong foundation for advancing research and knowledge in your field.

Hypothesis vs. Prediction: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the differences between a hypothesis and a prediction is crucial in scientific research. Often, these terms are used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and functions. This segment aims to clarify these differences and explain how to compose a hypothesis correctly, helping you improve the quality of your research projects.

Hypothesis: The Foundation of Your Research

A hypothesis is an educated guess about the relationship between two or more variables. It provides the basis for your research question and is a starting point for an experiment or observational study.

The critical elements for a hypothesis include:

Specificity: A clear and concise statement that describes the relationship between variables.
Testability: The ability to test the hypothesis through experimentation or observation.

To learn how to write a hypothesis, it’s essential to identify your research question first and then predict the relationship between the variables.

Prediction: The Expected Outcome

A prediction is a statement about a specific outcome you expect to see in your experiment or observational study. It’s derived from the hypothesis and provides a measurable way to test the relationship between variables.

Here’s an example of how to write a hypothesis and a related prediction:

Hypothesis: Consuming a high-sugar diet leads to weight gain.
Prediction: People who consume a high-sugar diet for six weeks will gain more weight than those who maintain a low-sugar diet during the same period.

Key Differences Between a Hypothesis and a Prediction

While a hypothesis and prediction are both essential components of scientific research, there are some key differences to keep in mind:

A hypothesis is an educated guess that suggests a relationship between variables, while a prediction is a specific and measurable outcome based on that hypothesis.
A hypothesis can give rise to multiple experiment or observational study predictions.

To conclude, understanding the differences between a hypothesis and a prediction, and learning how to write a hypothesis, are essential steps to form a robust foundation for your research. By creating clear, testable hypotheses along with specific, measurable predictions, you lay the groundwork for scientifically sound investigations.

Here’s a wrap-up for this guide on how to write a hypothesis. We’re confident this article was helpful for many of you. We understand that many students struggle with writing their school research . However, we hope to continue assisting you through our blog tutorial on writing different aspects of academic assignments.

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How to Write a Hypothesis [31 Tips + Examples]

Writing hypotheses can seem tricky, but it’s essential for a solid scientific inquiry.

Here is a quick summary of how to write a hypothesis:

Write a hypothesis by clearly defining your research question, identifying independent and dependent variables, formulating a measurable prediction, and ensuring it can be tested through experimentation. Include an “if…then” statement for clarity.

I’ve crafted dozens in my research, from basic biology experiments to business marketing strategies.

Let me walk you through how to write a solid hypothesis, step by step.

Writing a Hypothesis: The Basics

Notebook and scientific diagrams glow amidst dramatic lighting -- How to Write a Hypothesis

Table of Contents

A hypothesis is a statement predicting the relationship between variables based on observations and existing knowledge. To craft a good hypothesis:

Identify variables – Determine the independent and dependent variables involved.
Predict relationships – Predict the interaction between these variables.
Test the statement – Ensure the hypothesis is testable and falsifiable.

A solid hypothesis guides your research and sets the foundation for your experiment.

31 Tips for Writing a Hypothesis

There are at least 31 tips to write a good hypothesis.

Keep reading to learn every tip plus three examples to make sure that you can instantly apply it to your writing.

Tip 1: Start with a Clear Research Question

A clear research question ensures your hypothesis is targeted.

Identify the broad topic you’re curious about, then refine it to a specific question.
Use guiding questions like “What impact does variable X have on variable Y?”
How does fertilizer affect plant growth?
Does social media influence mental health in teens?
Can personalized ads increase customer engagement?

Tip 2: Do Background Research

Research helps you understand current knowledge and any existing gaps.

Review scholarly articles, reputable websites, and textbooks.
Focus on understanding the relationships between variables in existing research.
Academic journals like ScienceDirect or JSTOR.
Google Scholar.
Reputable news articles.

Tip 3: Identify Independent and Dependent Variables

The independent variable is what you change or control. The dependent variable is what you measure.

Clearly define these variables to make your hypothesis precise.
Think of different factors that could be influencing your dependent variable.
Type of fertilizer (independent) and plant growth (dependent).
Amount of screen time (independent) and anxiety levels (dependent).
Marketing strategies (independent) and customer engagement (dependent).

Tip 4: Make Your Hypothesis Testable

A hypothesis must be measurable and falsifiable.

Ensure your hypothesis can be supported or refuted through data collection.
Include numerical variables or qualitative changes to ensure measurability.
“Increasing screen time will increase anxiety levels in teenagers.”
“Using fertilizer X will yield higher crop productivity.”
“A/B testing marketing strategies will show higher engagement with personalized ads.”

Tip 5: Be Specific and Concise

Keep your hypothesis straightforward and to the point.

Avoid vague terms that could mislead or cause confusion.
Clearly outline what you’re measuring and how the variables interact.
“Replacing chemical fertilizers with organic ones will result in slower plant growth.”
“A social media break will decrease anxiety in high school students.”
“Ads targeting user preferences will boost click-through rates by 10%.”

Tip 6: Choose Simple Language

Use simple, understandable language to ensure clarity.

Avoid jargon and overly complex terms that could confuse readers.
Make the hypothesis comprehensible to non-experts in the field.
“Organic fertilizer will reduce plant growth.”
“High schoolers will feel less anxious after a social media detox.”
“Targeted ads will increase customer engagement.”

Tip 7: Formulate a Null Hypothesis

A null hypothesis assumes no relationship between variables.

Create a counterpoint to your main hypothesis, asserting that there is no effect.
This allows you to compare results directly and identify statistical significance.
“Fertilizer type will not affect plant growth.”
“Social media use will not influence anxiety.”
“Targeted ads will not affect customer engagement.”

Tip 8: State Alternative Hypotheses

Provide alternative hypotheses to explore other plausible relationships.

They offer a contingency plan if your primary hypothesis is not supported.
These should still align with your research question and measurable variables.
“Fertilizer X will only affect plant growth if used in specific soil types.”
“Social media might impact anxiety only in certain age groups.”
“Customer engagement might only improve with highly personalized ads.”

Tip 9: Use “If…Then” Statements

“If…then” statements simplify the cause-and-effect structure.

The “if” clause identifies the independent variable, while “then” identifies the dependent.
It makes your hypothesis easier to understand and directly testable.
“If plants receive organic fertilizer, then their growth rate will slow.”
“If teens stop using social media, then their anxiety will decrease.”
“If ads are personalized, then click-through rates will increase.”

Tip 10: Avoid Assumptions

Don’t assume the audience understands your variables or relationships.

Clearly define terms and relationships to avoid misinterpretation.
Provide background context where necessary for clarity.
Define “anxiety” as a feeling of worry or unease.
Specify “plant growth” as the height and health of plants.
Describe “personalized ads” as ads matching user preferences.

Tip 11: Review Existing Literature

Previous research offers insights into forming a hypothesis.

Conduct a thorough literature review to identify trends and gaps.
Use these studies to refine and build upon your hypothesis.
Studies showing a link between screen time and anxiety.
Research on organic versus chemical fertilizers.
Customer behavior analysis in different marketing channels.

Tip 12: Consider Multiple Variables

Hypotheses with multiple variables can offer deeper insights.

Explore combinations of independent and dependent variables to see their relationships.
Plan experiments accordingly to distinguish separate effects.
Studying fertilizer type and soil composition effects on plant growth.
Testing social media use frequency and content type on anxiety.
Analyzing marketing strategies combined with product preferences.

Tip 13: Review Ethical Considerations

Ethics are essential for trustworthy research.

Avoid hypotheses that could cause harm to participants or the environment.
Seek approval from relevant ethical boards or committees.
Avoiding experiments causing undue stress to teenagers.
Preventing chemical contamination when testing fertilizers.
Respecting privacy with personalized ads.

Tip 14: Test with Pilot Studies

Small-scale pilot studies test feasibility and refine hypotheses.

Use them to identify potential issues and adjust before full-scale research.
Ensure pilot tests align with ethical standards.
Testing different fertilizer types on small plant samples.
Trying brief social media breaks with a small group of teens.
Conducting A/B tests on ad personalization with a subset of customers.

Tip 15: Build Hypotheses on Existing Theories

Existing theories provide strong foundations.

Use established frameworks to develop or refine your hypothesis.
Testing theoretical predictions can yield meaningful data.
Applying agricultural theories on soil and crop management.
Using psychology theories on screen addiction and mental health.
Referencing marketing theories like consumer behavior analysis.

Tip 16: Address Real-World Problems

Solve real-world problems through practical hypotheses.

Make sure your research question has relevant, impactful applications.
Focus on everyday challenges where actionable insights can help.
Testing new eco-friendly farming methods.
Reducing anxiety by improving digital wellbeing.
Improving marketing ROI with personalized strategies.

Tip 17: Aim for Clear, Measurable Outcomes

The results should be easy to measure and interpret.

Quantify your dependent variable or use defined qualitative measures.
Avoid overly broad or ambiguous outcomes.
Measuring plant growth as a percentage change in height.
Quantifying anxiety levels through standard surveys.
Tracking click-through rates as a percentage of total views.

Tip 18: Stay Open to Unexpected Results

Not all hypotheses yield expected results.

Be open to learning new insights, even if they contradict your prediction.
Unexpected findings often reveal unique, significant knowledge.
Unexpected fertilizer types boosting growth differently than anticipated.
Screen time affecting anxiety differently across various age groups.
Targeted ads backfiring with specific customer segments.

Tip 19: Keep Hypotheses Relevant

Ensure your hypothesis aligns with the purpose of your research.

Avoid straying from the original question or focusing on tangential issues.
Stick to the research scope to ensure accurate and meaningful data.
Focus on a specific type of fertilizer for plant growth.
Restrict studies to relevant age groups for anxiety research.
Keep marketing hypotheses within the same target customer segment.

Tip 20: Collaborate with Peers

Collaboration strengthens hypothesis development.

Work with colleagues or mentors for valuable feedback.
Peer review helps identify flaws or assumptions in your hypothesis.
Reviewing hypothesis clarity with a lab partner.
Sharing research plans with a mentor to refine focus.
Engaging in academic peer-review groups.

Tip 21: Re-evaluate Hypotheses Periodically

Revising hypotheses ensures relevance.

Update based on new literature, data, or technological advances.
A dynamic approach keeps your research current.
Refining fertilizer studies with recent organic farming research.
Adjusting social media hypotheses for new platforms like TikTok.
Modifying marketing hypotheses based on changing customer preferences.

Tip 22: Develop Compelling Visuals

Illustrating hypotheses can help communicate relationships effectively.

Use diagrams or flowcharts to show how variables interact visually.
Infographics make it easier for others to grasp your research concept.
A flowchart showing fertilizer effects on different plant growth stages.
Diagrams illustrating social media use and its psychological impact.
Infographics depicting how various marketing strategies boost engagement.

Tip 23: Refine Your Data Collection Plan

A solid data collection plan is vital for a testable hypothesis.

Determine the best ways to measure your dependent variable.
Ensure your data collection tools are reliable and accurate.
Using a ruler and image analysis software to measure plant height.
Designing standardized surveys to assess anxiety levels consistently.
Setting up click-through tracking with analytics software.

Tip 24: Focus on Logical Progression

Ensure your hypothesis logically follows your research question.

The relationship between variables should naturally flow from your observations.
Avoid logical leaps that might confuse your reasoning.
Predicting plant growth after observing effects of different fertilizers.
Linking anxiety to social media use based on screen time studies.
Connecting ad personalization with customer behavior data.

Tip 25: Test Against Diverse Samples

Testing across diverse samples ensures broader applicability.

Avoid drawing conclusions from overly narrow sample groups.
Try to include different demographics or subgroups in your testing.
Testing fertilizer effects on multiple plant species.
Including different age groups in anxiety research.
Experimenting with personalized ads across varied customer segments.

Tip 26: Use Control Groups

Control groups provide a baseline for comparison.

Compare your test group with a control group under unchanged conditions.
This allows you to isolate the effect of your independent variable.
Comparing plant growth with organic versus no fertilizer.
Testing anxiety levels with and without social media breaks.
Comparing personalized ads with general marketing content.

Tip 27: Consider Practical Constraints

Work within realistic constraints for your resources and timeline.

Assess the feasibility of testing your hypothesis.
Modify the hypothesis if the required testing is unmanageable.
Reducing fertilizer types to a manageable number for testing.
Shortening social media detox periods to realistic durations.
Targeting only specific marketing strategies to optimize testing.

Tip 28: Recognize Bias Risks

Biases can skew hypothesis formation.

Acknowledge your assumptions and how they may affect your research.
Minimize biases by clearly defining and measuring variables.
Avoiding assumptions that organic fertilizer is inherently better.
Ensuring survey questions don’t lead to specific anxiety outcomes.
Testing marketing strategies objectively without favoring any method.

Tip 29: Prepare for Peer Review

Peer review ensures your hypothesis holds up to scrutiny.

Provide a clear rationale for why your hypothesis is sound.
Address potential criticisms to strengthen your research.
Showing your plant growth study builds on existing fertilizer research.
Demonstrating social media anxiety links through data and literature.
Supporting your marketing hypotheses with solid behavioral data.

Tip 30: Create a Research Proposal

A proposal outlines your hypothesis, methodology, and significance.

It ensures your hypothesis is clear and your methods are well-thought-out.
Proposals also help secure funding or institutional approval.
A proposal for fertilizer studies linking plant growth and soil health.
Research plans connecting social media habits to anxiety measures.
Marketing proposals tying customer behavior to personalized advertising.

Tip 31: Document Your Findings

Recording findings helps validate or challenge your hypothesis.

Document the methodology, data, and conclusions clearly.
This allows others to verify, replicate, or expand on your work.
Recording fertilizer effects on plant height in different soil types.
Survey results linking social media use with anxiety levels.
Click-through data proving personalized ads’ impact on engagement.

Check out this really good video about how to write a hypothesis:

Hypothesis Examples for Different Situations

Let’s look at some examples of how to write a hypothesis in different circumstances.

Marketing Analysis : “If personalized ads are shown to our target demographic, then click-through rates will increase by at least 10%.”
Process Improvement : “If automated workflows replace manual data entry, then task completion times will decrease by 20%.”
Product Development : “If adding a chatbot feature to our app increases customer support efficiency, then user satisfaction will improve by 15%.”
Biology Experiment : “If students grow plants with different fertilizers, then the organic fertilizer will result in slower growth compared to the chemical fertilizer.”
Psychology Research : “If high school students take a break from social media, then their levels of anxiety will decrease.”
Environmental Study : “If a controlled forest area is exposed to a certain pollutant, then the local plant species will show signs of damage within two weeks.”

Professional Contacts

Medical Research : “If a novel treatment method is applied to patients with chronic illness, then their recovery rate will increase significantly compared to standard treatment.”
Technology Research : “If machine learning algorithms analyze big data sets, then the accuracy of predictive models will surpass traditional data analysis.”
Engineering Project : “If new composite materials replace standard components in bridge construction, then the resulting structure will be more durable.”

Super Personal

Gardening Experiment : “If different types of compost are used in home gardens, then plants receiving homemade compost will yield the most produce.”
Fitness Routine : “If consistent strength training is combined with a high-protein diet, then muscle mass will increase more than with diet alone.”
Cooking Techniques : “If searing is added before baking, then the resulting roast will retain more moisture.”

Final Thoughts: How to Write a Hypothesis

Crafting hypotheses is both a science and an art. It’s about channeling curiosity into testable questions that propel meaningful discovery.

Each well-thought-out hypothesis is a stepping stone that could lead to the breakthrough you’ve been seeking.

Stay curious and let your research journey unfold.

The Easy Way to Create Resources for TpT

Looking for a guide on how to make creating teaching resources easy? Would you like to be able to churn out top sellers in a snap with minimal work? Well, I’ve got a secret for you. Are you ready to read about the easy way to create TpT resources? Lean in close…

You ready? *whispers* There is no easy way.

Sorry for the disappointment, but it’s true. Unfortunately the only way to create great resources is through a LOT of hard work. However, I do have some tips that will make it a *little* bit easier. (See, the title isn’t totally click-bait.) So, here we go.

Make What People Need

This might seem simple, but really, the best resources fill a need. There’s no point in making a resource that’s already been made. However, if you can find a void and fill it, you’ll likely find success. That means don’t copy someone’s idea and don’t create the one million version of something that already out there. Instead, find your niche and create something that teachers really need.

You might be thinking, “Cool, but how do I know what people need?” Well, first, think about what YOU need. What resources are you missing? Second, ask! Ask your teacher friends at your school and ask your followers. I’m sure there are many things they wish they had.

Aesthetics and Details Matter

I’m not talking about needing to make “cute” resources. But, it is important to create well designed resources. You want to invest in your work because people won’t value your work if YOU don’t value you work. So, look for high quality clip art and graphics, and purchase commercial use STUDENT FRIENDLY fonts (if it’s cute but impossible to read, steer clear). Spend some time playing around with your resources so you create a general “feel” to your work. Proofread your resources for typos and have someone else proofread it as well.

Also, you can’t cut corners if you expect people to purchase your resource. Take the time to create clear and concise thumbnails and previews. Print out and try every activity you create. This is an excellent way to see if it actually works how you expect it to.

Get in Front of Your Audience

In today’s sea of TpT, there are many, many other fish for teachers to choose from. That means that marketing is not an option. You don’t have to use every marketing channel, especially not at first, but you do need to market somewhere. Between the options: pinterest, facebook, instagram, email, twitter, and blogging, my advice is to start with two. First, I’d start with a blog because that’s a space you are in complete control of. Then, I’d pick one social media channel and do it well. As you build up more and more blog posts with helpful ideas (not just selling your resources), and you get comfortable with promoting on the social media platform you started with, you can add one more thing at a time. It’s better to do a couple things well than everything poorly.

Integrity Matters

“With integrity you have nothing to fear since you have nothing to hide.- Zig Ziglar

Even though some people choose to get to the top by making questionable choices, I highly recommend steering clear from shady practices. Besides the fact that it’s icky and rude, you can get in expensive legal trouble. Steer clear of trademark and copyright violations. And I mean “steer clear like you saw a parent at the liquor store and you have a cart full of wine on a Saturday at 9am” steer clear. Let’s keep it really simple. You can’t legally create resources based on most popular movies, games, TV shows, or books. (A book study might be okay, but you’ll need permission from the author.) If you’re not sure, you probably can’t use it.

On the same thread, don’t be a copycat. Browsing TpT resources to help “inspire” you is a great way to “accidentally” copy someone. Imitation is NOT the sincerest form of flattery. It IS the quickest way to get slapped with a DMCA and really make another teacher-author angry. Taking someone else’s resource and “tweaking it” or “adding your own spin” is essentially copying. It’s icky. So, just don’t do it.

Lastly, when it comes to pricing, value your work. If you could be The Dollar Tree or you could be Macy’s, which would you want to be? You (hopefully) put a lot of time, effort, and thought into your resources, so you should value them as such. I think of it this way. Yes, our resources are bought by teachers, and of course, I want to provide them with value at a reasonable price. However, creating resources takes time, money, and effort. Essentially, when a teacher is purchasing a resource from your store, it’s saving them the time it would have taken for her to create that activity on her own. That’s valuable. So, price fairly, but don’t under value your work.

Consistency is Key

Success is the sum of small efforts – repeated day in and day out. Robert Collier

Listen, just like Rome, success as a teacher-author is not built in a day. Start with quality resources, and go from there. There will be ups and downs, so just keep plugging along. You don’t want to ping pong around from popular thing to popular thing. Instead, keep making the resources you know teachers need. And don’t compare yourself with others. Everyone’s journey is different, and as cliche as it sounds, comparison really is the thief of joy.

Use the Buddy System

Okay, so not quite like the “let’s not get left on the farm” field trip buddy system. Instead, one of the easiest ways to make creating resources easier is to find a partner and create resources together! If you’re struggling to find the time to create, you’re in a slump, you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to do it all, or you just would like a partner in crime (but like, not actual crime), creating collaboratively with another teacher author might be the perfect solution.

Although I continue to create resources on my own, Jen from Teaching in the Tongass and I paired up a few years ago and began creating resources together. It’s been a fantastic way to learn new skills, create resources faster, and motivate each other. Since it’s been a successful experience for us, we created a free facebook group to help other teacher authors find a partner, as well as ask questions about the why and how of creating shared teaching resources. We’ve also created a no BS, step by step guide on how to create collaboratively that you can find right here .

If you’re new to TpT and feeling overwhelmed, finding a partner is a great way to divide the work so it’s not so overwhelming. If you’ve been on TpT for a while, but want to try something new, or just don’t have enough time in the day to complete all of the resources you have in your brain, creating together with a partner is a great way to work faster, smarter, and more efficiently. And, if it seems like working together might be complicated, don’t worry. We’ve made getting started so easy with the Creating Collaboratively course that includes an editable workbook and 10 video to watch at your own pace. If you’re looking for my number one way to make creating resources easier, working with a partner is it.

If you’re ready to get thoughtful about your business, I have a free worksheet to help you get thinking. Click the picture below to join the Creating Collaboratively Facebook Group, and download it for free.

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Two little kids, a boy and girl, holding blocks over their eyes text "25 plus simple home learning activities for prek to first grade

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End of year words from a student to a teacher

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How to Write a Teachers Pay Teachers Description that Sells! (TpT U Lesson 5)

Hi and welcome back!

This is Lesson 5 of my Tpt Sellers University Series. These articles walk you through starting a Teachers Pay Teachers store step-by-step. So far we’ve covered whether or not selling on Tpt is for you, how to start a store , choosing your niche , creating your first resource , and creating a title, cover and preview . Now it’s time to actually post your product!

The important steps to uploading your Teachers Pay Teachers resource are the title and the description. Writing an effective description is known as copywriting, the art of writing sales copy. An effective TpT resource will inform a potential seller of both the benefits and features of your product. If you do this well your lesson will have a much higher conversion rate, which means it will sell more often.

How to title your resource

The title for your lesson should do the following:

Be as desciptive as possible
Use all the space provided
Highlight any differentiation

It should Not:

Be overly general

I’ve covered this in previous posts, but it’s really important to do your research on TpT before you list your product.

What would a teacher type in the search bar if they wanted what you have to sell? Ask teacher-friends what they would search. There are often many names for the same item and it’s hard to see the forest through the trees.

Also, try to identify a unique feature of your resource and include it in the title. Is it for English language learners, a simulation, gamified, scaffolded? Any way you can differentiate will help.

If you’re a female, what do you call the vessel that you keep your wallet and keys in (guys, you can try this, too)? Is is a purse, a bag, a pocketbook, a sachel, a clutch, a tote? Same thing, many names.

You need long tail keywords in your title. That simply means using a multi-word description. Instead of titling a resource World War 1 Lesson , Causes of World War 1 Simulation or Effects of World War 1 Primary Source Analysis is much better.

Try different titles and see how many results show up in Teachers Pay Teachers. If you get hundreds rather than thousands you’re warm. If you can get it under a hundred you’re on fire!

The steps to effective descriptions

Here’s the thing with descriptions: most teachers will NOT read the whole thing. After all, they’re on TpT because they don’t have any time and are willing to spend their hard-earned money to purchase done-for-you lessons.

However — however — you need to write the description as if every potential customer will pour over each word. There will be some who do.

Create a Google doc and start writing everything you can about your product. What exactly is in it, how long is it, what grades is it appropriate for, how long should it take to implement, what kind of activities are included?

“But, Joan, there’s a place to indicate appropriate grades and lesson duration!” Don’t care, say it again. They may not read it one place but notice it in another.

Have you ever read reviews on an Amazon product? Some of them are ridiculous! “I gave it 2 stars because the bowl was much smaller than I expected.” Then you look at the listing and it says in the Title AND description the exact measurement AND has a picture of someone holding the bowl to show perspective.

That’s who you’re writing for.

It is much better to take the time to CYA (you know what tht stands for I hope) than to get even 1 poor review. This is especially true with a new resource. If one of your first couple of reviews is bad forgetaboutit; it goes straight to the TpT home for washed up resources.

“BE THOROUGH, LEAVE NOTHING OUT”

How to write the first paragraph.

Your first few lines are crucial. That’s because the TpT algorithm uses both your title and first paragraph to check for relevance during a search.

So if a teacher searches for quadratic equations worksheet for 9th grade the TpT computer brain will serve up all resources with any of those terms. The lessons that most closely match the query will show up at the top.

There are other ranking factors that effect the results as well, such as reviews. You can’t do anything about the fact that you don’t have any yet, but you can do your best to use as many keywords as possible.

So if you titled your lesson Quadratic Equations Student Activity , then in the first few sentences use synonyms. “This worksheet includes problems with varying levels of difficulties to support all your learners.”

One caveat: don’t “stuff” your first paragraph with so many keywords that it’s awkward to read. You’re writing for the algorithm but also for a human.

Are you doing okay? This will become second nature as you progress. You’re learning completely new marketing skills unlike “normal” teachers ever encounter. You don’t learn this in teacher college.

It’s kind of fun, I swear!

Wordsmithing Your Description

Once you’re brainstormed all the details of your product and carefully compiled the first paragraph it’s time to write the rest of the listing.

Use clear, concise language. I’m always annoyed when shopping for a TpT resource (I buy them ALL the time!) and the description is unnecessarily folksy and wordy. “Hey, teacher, get to the point and leave out the blahblahblah!”

For example, “my students enjoyed the gallery walk because I placed the documents in the hallway rather than in the class. It felt more like an adventure than simply being in the classroom.” That’s fine for social media or a blog post, not for a description.

Formatting Your Description

Once you’ve gotten all the words down it’s time for the formatting. The main idea when formatting your listing is NOT to have a block of text.

Teachers Pay Teachers allows you to bold words, use italics, and underline. Use them all.

And skip spaces between parts of your listing. White space is important for ease of reading. Make lists with bullet points.

If you’re really savvy you can add html to add emojis and other eye catching tidbits. I haven’t taken the time to do that as of yet and you don’t really need to.

Don’t forget Other Important Information

In addition to outlining the actual resource don’t forget to include everything and anything that may be pertinent to a buyer.

What grades is lesson appropriate for? I’ve read several times that the TpT algorithm does not like more than 4 grades listed. The exception, of course, are things like clip art, bulletin board decorations, etc.

How long should the resource take to complete? I’ve seen negative reviews with comments like, “my class was finished with this activity in only 10 minutes.” It’s okay to sell a short assignment, but make it very clear.

What is included? Is there a PowerPoint or Google slide deck (or both)? How about a student handout? An answer key for the teacher? Is it digital, print or both? Is there any ancillary supplies needed for the lesson (colored pencils, scissors, etc.) Add all of this information to your listing (ad your preview).

Add-ons that Make a Difference

Can you add a digital version of a print product or vice versa? If it’s possible you just added to your buyer pool.

Creating an answer key, even for resources that are seemingly easy, is always a good idea. Even if you save the teacher 5-10 minutes of having to read and answer the questions himself it’s appreciated and they will remember you and your store.

How about differentiating? Can you modify your resource to support English language learners and students with learning challenges? Again, this will make you stand out.

You’re not buying a drill, you’re buying a hole

I know, I know, you’re sick of me and all my, “add this, write that, yadda, yadda, yadda” by now. But I would be remiss not to discuss sales psychology for a minute.

When someone goes to Home Depot to buy an electric drill they don’t want a drill. They want a hole in their wall in order to hang a picture. If they’re buying a toaster oven they don’t want an oven; you guessed it — they want delicious golden toast or crispy hot pizza.

A world-class salesman, Elmer Wheeler, a hundred years ago said, “don’t sell the steak, sell the sizzle.” This is the difference between descriptors and benefits.

Yes, a buyer must know all of the details of what they’re buying. But you should also sell the benefit. “No prep lesson”, “modified to support all your students”, “engaging and rigorous”, “your administration will be impressed if they observe this lesson,” none of these phrases describe details of the resource. They do, however, list some of the benefits of buying your product.

So be sure to include a couple of benefits in your description (without adding too much fluff)

You’ve spend a lot of time creating an awesome resource for teachers; it’s just as important to do the same for your listing.

Once you’ve crafted an amazing listing you can use all or part of it over and over again. I’m currently working on a series of lessons that are similar in nature. It literally takes me 5 minutes to list each because I’m only changing a few words.

So, fellow teacher author, it’s now time to celebrate! You have created a resource to help other teachers, designed a cover and preview and crafted an effective listing.

Treat yourself to an ice cream when the truck comes by, or with a nice glass of wine, or your favorite Netflix show that you’ve been missing thanks to all this TpT stuff!

Take a day or 2 off.

Then get back to work. Make another resource, and another and another. The “magic” number that’s thrown around is 50. I know that’s a long way off, but you’re on your way.

In order to not burn out and quit it really is important to celebrate every step along the way. Your first product listed, enjoy it. Your 10th resource done and up on TpT, time for another celebration. Again for your first sale, and your 10th and your first payment into your PayPal account.

Final thought: Don’t worry about marketing, social media, Pinterest or anything else for a while. Just make each resource a little better than the one before.

What are you planning to do with your profits? Don’t forget to imagine that, too!

Warmest wishes, Joan

Teach and Thrive

A Bronx, NY veteran high school social studies teacher who has learned most of what she has learned through trial and error and error and error.... and wants to save others that pain.