Difference between revisions of "Hypothesis"

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A '''hypothesis''' is an educated guess that a scientist makes in order to explain an observed phenomenon.  A properly stated hypothesis is testable, meaning that someone could design an experiment or seek additional evidence to disprove its claim.  A hypothesis that undergoes many tests and yet remains a valid explanation becomes a [[theory]].
A '''hypothesis''' is an educated guess that a scientist makes in order to explain an observed phenomenon.  A properly stated hypothesis is testable, meaning that someone could design an experiment or seek additional evidence to disprove its claim.  A hypothesis that undergoes many tests and yet remains a valid explanation becomes a [[theory]].


Ideally, a stated hypothesis should be accompanied by the "null hypothesis", a prediction of what would occur if the hypothesis is not true.  Tests should be conducted of both the hypothesis and its null hypothesis.
Ideally, a stated hypothesis should be accompanied by the "null hypothesis", a prediction of what would occur if the hypothesis is ''not'' true.  Tests should be conducted of both the hypothesis and its null hypothesis.


[[Category: Science]]
[[Category: Science]]

Latest revision as of 19:02, 30 January 2015

A hypothesis is an educated guess that a scientist makes in order to explain an observed phenomenon. A properly stated hypothesis is testable, meaning that someone could design an experiment or seek additional evidence to disprove its claim. A hypothesis that undergoes many tests and yet remains a valid explanation becomes a theory.

Ideally, a stated hypothesis should be accompanied by the "null hypothesis", a prediction of what would occur if the hypothesis is not true. Tests should be conducted of both the hypothesis and its null hypothesis.