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  • How to Write a Strong Hypothesis | Steps & Examples

How to Write a Strong Hypothesis | Steps & Examples

Published on May 6, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on November 20, 2023.

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 .

Example: Hypothesis

Daily apple consumption leads to fewer doctor’s visits.

Table of contents

What is a hypothesis, developing a hypothesis (with example), hypothesis examples, other interesting articles, 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 types of variables .

  • An independent variable is something the researcher changes or controls.
  • A dependent variable is something the researcher observes and measures.

If there are any control variables , extraneous variables , or confounding variables , be sure to jot those down as you go to minimize the chances that research bias  will affect your results.

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 ensure that you’re embarking on a relevant topic . This can also help you identify which variables you will study and what you think the relationships are between them. Sometimes, you’ll have to operationalize 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.

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

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.

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 .

  • H 0 : The number of lectures attended by first-year students has no effect on their final exam scores.
  • H 1 : The number of lectures attended by first-year students has a positive effect on their final exam scores.

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

  • Sampling methods
  • Simple random sampling
  • Stratified sampling
  • Cluster sampling
  • Likert scales
  • Reproducibility

 Statistics

  • Null hypothesis
  • Statistical power
  • Probability distribution
  • Effect size
  • Poisson distribution

Research bias

  • Optimism bias
  • Cognitive bias
  • Implicit bias
  • Hawthorne effect
  • Anchoring bias
  • Explicit bias

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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).

Null and alternative hypotheses are used in statistical hypothesis testing . The null hypothesis of a test always predicts no effect or no relationship between variables, while the alternative hypothesis states your research prediction of an effect or relationship.

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.

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Biology library

Course: biology library   >   unit 1, the scientific method.

  • Controlled experiments
  • The scientific method and experimental design

Introduction

  • Make an observation.
  • Ask a question.
  • Form a hypothesis , or testable explanation.
  • Make a prediction based on the hypothesis.
  • Test the prediction.
  • Iterate: use the results to make new hypotheses or predictions.

Scientific method example: Failure to toast

1. make an observation..

  • Observation: the toaster won't toast.

2. Ask a question.

  • Question: Why won't my toaster toast?

3. Propose a hypothesis.

  • Hypothesis: Maybe the outlet is broken.

4. Make predictions.

  • Prediction: If I plug the toaster into a different outlet, then it will toast the bread.

5. Test the predictions.

  • Test of prediction: Plug the toaster into a different outlet and try again.
  • If the toaster does toast, then the hypothesis is supported—likely correct.
  • If the toaster doesn't toast, then the hypothesis is not supported—likely wrong.

Logical possibility

Practical possibility, building a body of evidence, 6. iterate..

  • Iteration time!
  • If the hypothesis was supported, we might do additional tests to confirm it, or revise it to be more specific. For instance, we might investigate why the outlet is broken.
  • If the hypothesis was not supported, we would come up with a new hypothesis. For instance, the next hypothesis might be that there's a broken wire in the toaster.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, what is a hypothesis and how do i write one.

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General Education

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Think about something strange and unexplainable in your life. Maybe you get a headache right before it rains, or maybe you think your favorite sports team wins when you wear a certain color. If you wanted to see whether these are just coincidences or scientific fact, you would form a hypothesis, then create an experiment to see whether that hypothesis is true or not.

But what is a hypothesis, anyway? If you’re not sure about what a hypothesis is--or how to test for one!--you’re in the right place. This article will teach you everything you need to know about hypotheses, including: 

  • Defining the term “hypothesis” 
  • Providing hypothesis examples 
  • Giving you tips for how to write your own hypothesis

So let’s get started!

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What Is a Hypothesis?

Merriam Webster defines a hypothesis as “an assumption or concession made for the sake of argument.” In other words, a hypothesis is an educated guess . Scientists make a reasonable assumption--or a hypothesis--then design an experiment to test whether it’s true or not. Keep in mind that in science, a hypothesis should be testable. You have to be able to design an experiment that tests your hypothesis in order for it to be valid. 

As you could assume from that statement, it’s easy to make a bad hypothesis. But when you’re holding an experiment, it’s even more important that your guesses be good...after all, you’re spending time (and maybe money!) to figure out more about your observation. That’s why we refer to a hypothesis as an educated guess--good hypotheses are based on existing data and research to make them as sound as possible.

Hypotheses are one part of what’s called the scientific method .  Every (good) experiment or study is based in the scientific method. The scientific method gives order and structure to experiments and ensures that interference from scientists or outside influences does not skew the results. It’s important that you understand the concepts of the scientific method before holding your own experiment. Though it may vary among scientists, the scientific method is generally made up of six steps (in order):

  • Observation
  • Asking questions
  • Forming a hypothesis
  • Analyze the data
  • Communicate your results

You’ll notice that the hypothesis comes pretty early on when conducting an experiment. That’s because experiments work best when they’re trying to answer one specific question. And you can’t conduct an experiment until you know what you’re trying to prove!

Independent and Dependent Variables 

After doing your research, you’re ready for another important step in forming your hypothesis: identifying variables. Variables are basically any factor that could influence the outcome of your experiment . Variables have to be measurable and related to the topic being studied.

There are two types of variables:  independent variables and dependent variables. I ndependent variables remain constant . For example, age is an independent variable; it will stay the same, and researchers can look at different ages to see if it has an effect on the dependent variable. 

Speaking of dependent variables... dependent variables are subject to the influence of the independent variable , meaning that they are not constant. Let’s say you want to test whether a person’s age affects how much sleep they need. In that case, the independent variable is age (like we mentioned above), and the dependent variable is how much sleep a person gets. 

Variables will be crucial in writing your hypothesis. You need to be able to identify which variable is which, as both the independent and dependent variables will be written into your hypothesis. For instance, in a study about exercise, the independent variable might be the speed at which the respondents walk for thirty minutes, and the dependent variable would be their heart rate. In your study and in your hypothesis, you’re trying to understand the relationship between the two variables.

Elements of a Good Hypothesis

The best hypotheses start by asking the right questions . For instance, if you’ve observed that the grass is greener when it rains twice a week, you could ask what kind of grass it is, what elevation it’s at, and if the grass across the street responds to rain in the same way. Any of these questions could become the backbone of experiments to test why the grass gets greener when it rains fairly frequently.

As you’re asking more questions about your first observation, make sure you’re also making more observations . If it doesn’t rain for two weeks and the grass still looks green, that’s an important observation that could influence your hypothesis. You'll continue observing all throughout your experiment, but until the hypothesis is finalized, every observation should be noted.

Finally, you should consult secondary research before writing your hypothesis . Secondary research is comprised of results found and published by other people. You can usually find this information online or at your library. Additionally, m ake sure the research you find is credible and related to your topic. If you’re studying the correlation between rain and grass growth, it would help you to research rain patterns over the past twenty years for your county, published by a local agricultural association. You should also research the types of grass common in your area, the type of grass in your lawn, and whether anyone else has conducted experiments about your hypothesis. Also be sure you’re checking the quality of your research . Research done by a middle school student about what minerals can be found in rainwater would be less useful than an article published by a local university.

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Writing Your Hypothesis

Once you’ve considered all of the factors above, you’re ready to start writing your hypothesis. Hypotheses usually take a certain form when they’re written out in a research report.

When you boil down your hypothesis statement, you are writing down your best guess and not the question at hand . This means that your statement should be written as if it is fact already, even though you are simply testing it.

The reason for this is that, after you have completed your study, you'll either accept or reject your if-then or your null hypothesis. All hypothesis testing examples should be measurable and able to be confirmed or denied. You cannot confirm a question, only a statement! 

In fact, you come up with hypothesis examples all the time! For instance, when you guess on the outcome of a basketball game, you don’t say, “Will the Miami Heat beat the Boston Celtics?” but instead, “I think the Miami Heat will beat the Boston Celtics.” You state it as if it is already true, even if it turns out you’re wrong. You do the same thing when writing your hypothesis.

Additionally, keep in mind that hypotheses can range from very specific to very broad.  These hypotheses can be specific, but if your hypothesis testing examples involve a broad range of causes and effects, your hypothesis can also be broad.  

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The Two Types of Hypotheses

Now that you understand what goes into a hypothesis, it’s time to look more closely at the two most common types of hypothesis: the if-then hypothesis and the null hypothesis.

#1: If-Then Hypotheses

First of all, if-then hypotheses typically follow this formula:

If ____ happens, then ____ will happen.

The goal of this type of hypothesis is to test the causal relationship between the independent and dependent variable. It’s fairly simple, and each hypothesis can vary in how detailed it can be. We create if-then hypotheses all the time with our daily predictions. Here are some examples of hypotheses that use an if-then structure from daily life: 

  • If I get enough sleep, I’ll be able to get more work done tomorrow.
  • If the bus is on time, I can make it to my friend’s birthday party. 
  • If I study every night this week, I’ll get a better grade on my exam. 

In each of these situations, you’re making a guess on how an independent variable (sleep, time, or studying) will affect a dependent variable (the amount of work you can do, making it to a party on time, or getting better grades). 

You may still be asking, “What is an example of a hypothesis used in scientific research?” Take one of the hypothesis examples from a real-world study on whether using technology before bed affects children’s sleep patterns. The hypothesis read s:

“We hypothesized that increased hours of tablet- and phone-based screen time at bedtime would be inversely correlated with sleep quality and child attention.”

It might not look like it, but this is an if-then statement. The researchers basically said, “If children have more screen usage at bedtime, then their quality of sleep and attention will be worse.” The sleep quality and attention are the dependent variables and the screen usage is the independent variable. (Usually, the independent variable comes after the “if” and the dependent variable comes after the “then,” as it is the independent variable that affects the dependent variable.) This is an excellent example of how flexible hypothesis statements can be, as long as the general idea of “if-then” and the independent and dependent variables are present.

#2: Null Hypotheses

Your if-then hypothesis is not the only one needed to complete a successful experiment, however. You also need a null hypothesis to test it against. In its most basic form, the null hypothesis is the opposite of your if-then hypothesis . When you write your null hypothesis, you are writing a hypothesis that suggests that your guess is not true, and that the independent and dependent variables have no relationship .

One null hypothesis for the cell phone and sleep study from the last section might say: 

“If children have more screen usage at bedtime, their quality of sleep and attention will not be worse.” 

In this case, this is a null hypothesis because it’s asking the opposite of the original thesis! 

Conversely, if your if-then hypothesis suggests that your two variables have no relationship, then your null hypothesis would suggest that there is one. So, pretend that there is a study that is asking the question, “Does the amount of followers on Instagram influence how long people spend on the app?” The independent variable is the amount of followers, and the dependent variable is the time spent. But if you, as the researcher, don’t think there is a relationship between the number of followers and time spent, you might write an if-then hypothesis that reads:

“If people have many followers on Instagram, they will not spend more time on the app than people who have less.”

In this case, the if-then suggests there isn’t a relationship between the variables. In that case, one of the null hypothesis examples might say:

“If people have many followers on Instagram, they will spend more time on the app than people who have less.”

You then test both the if-then and the null hypothesis to gauge if there is a relationship between the variables, and if so, how much of a relationship. 

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4 Tips to Write the Best Hypothesis

If you’re going to take the time to hold an experiment, whether in school or by yourself, you’re also going to want to take the time to make sure your hypothesis is a good one. The best hypotheses have four major elements in common: plausibility, defined concepts, observability, and general explanation.

#1: Plausibility

At first glance, this quality of a hypothesis might seem obvious. When your hypothesis is plausible, that means it’s possible given what we know about science and general common sense. However, improbable hypotheses are more common than you might think. 

Imagine you’re studying weight gain and television watching habits. If you hypothesize that people who watch more than  twenty hours of television a week will gain two hundred pounds or more over the course of a year, this might be improbable (though it’s potentially possible). Consequently, c ommon sense can tell us the results of the study before the study even begins.

Improbable hypotheses generally go against  science, as well. Take this hypothesis example: 

“If a person smokes one cigarette a day, then they will have lungs just as healthy as the average person’s.” 

This hypothesis is obviously untrue, as studies have shown again and again that cigarettes negatively affect lung health. You must be careful that your hypotheses do not reflect your own personal opinion more than they do scientifically-supported findings. This plausibility points to the necessity of research before the hypothesis is written to make sure that your hypothesis has not already been disproven.

#2: Defined Concepts

The more advanced you are in your studies, the more likely that the terms you’re using in your hypothesis are specific to a limited set of knowledge. One of the hypothesis testing examples might include the readability of printed text in newspapers, where you might use words like “kerning” and “x-height.” Unless your readers have a background in graphic design, it’s likely that they won’t know what you mean by these terms. Thus, it’s important to either write what they mean in the hypothesis itself or in the report before the hypothesis.

Here’s what we mean. Which of the following sentences makes more sense to the common person?

If the kerning is greater than average, more words will be read per minute.

If the space between letters is greater than average, more words will be read per minute.

For people reading your report that are not experts in typography, simply adding a few more words will be helpful in clarifying exactly what the experiment is all about. It’s always a good idea to make your research and findings as accessible as possible. 

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Good hypotheses ensure that you can observe the results. 

#3: Observability

In order to measure the truth or falsity of your hypothesis, you must be able to see your variables and the way they interact. For instance, if your hypothesis is that the flight patterns of satellites affect the strength of certain television signals, yet you don’t have a telescope to view the satellites or a television to monitor the signal strength, you cannot properly observe your hypothesis and thus cannot continue your study.

Some variables may seem easy to observe, but if you do not have a system of measurement in place, you cannot observe your hypothesis properly. Here’s an example: if you’re experimenting on the effect of healthy food on overall happiness, but you don’t have a way to monitor and measure what “overall happiness” means, your results will not reflect the truth. Monitoring how often someone smiles for a whole day is not reasonably observable, but having the participants state how happy they feel on a scale of one to ten is more observable. 

In writing your hypothesis, always keep in mind how you'll execute the experiment.

#4: Generalizability 

Perhaps you’d like to study what color your best friend wears the most often by observing and documenting the colors she wears each day of the week. This might be fun information for her and you to know, but beyond you two, there aren’t many people who could benefit from this experiment. When you start an experiment, you should note how generalizable your findings may be if they are confirmed. Generalizability is basically how common a particular phenomenon is to other people’s everyday life.

Let’s say you’re asking a question about the health benefits of eating an apple for one day only, you need to realize that the experiment may be too specific to be helpful. It does not help to explain a phenomenon that many people experience. If you find yourself with too specific of a hypothesis, go back to asking the big question: what is it that you want to know, and what do you think will happen between your two variables?

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Hypothesis Testing Examples

We know it can be hard to write a good hypothesis unless you’ve seen some good hypothesis examples. We’ve included four hypothesis examples based on some made-up experiments. Use these as templates or launch pads for coming up with your own hypotheses.

Experiment #1: Students Studying Outside (Writing a Hypothesis)

You are a student at PrepScholar University. When you walk around campus, you notice that, when the temperature is above 60 degrees, more students study in the quad. You want to know when your fellow students are more likely to study outside. With this information, how do you make the best hypothesis possible?

You must remember to make additional observations and do secondary research before writing your hypothesis. In doing so, you notice that no one studies outside when it’s 75 degrees and raining, so this should be included in your experiment. Also, studies done on the topic beforehand suggested that students are more likely to study in temperatures less than 85 degrees. With this in mind, you feel confident that you can identify your variables and write your hypotheses:

If-then: “If the temperature in Fahrenheit is less than 60 degrees, significantly fewer students will study outside.”

Null: “If the temperature in Fahrenheit is less than 60 degrees, the same number of students will study outside as when it is more than 60 degrees.”

These hypotheses are plausible, as the temperatures are reasonably within the bounds of what is possible. The number of people in the quad is also easily observable. It is also not a phenomenon specific to only one person or at one time, but instead can explain a phenomenon for a broader group of people.

To complete this experiment, you pick the month of October to observe the quad. Every day (except on the days where it’s raining)from 3 to 4 PM, when most classes have released for the day, you observe how many people are on the quad. You measure how many people come  and how many leave. You also write down the temperature on the hour. 

After writing down all of your observations and putting them on a graph, you find that the most students study on the quad when it is 70 degrees outside, and that the number of students drops a lot once the temperature reaches 60 degrees or below. In this case, your research report would state that you accept or “failed to reject” your first hypothesis with your findings.

Experiment #2: The Cupcake Store (Forming a Simple Experiment)

Let’s say that you work at a bakery. You specialize in cupcakes, and you make only two colors of frosting: yellow and purple. You want to know what kind of customers are more likely to buy what kind of cupcake, so you set up an experiment. Your independent variable is the customer’s gender, and the dependent variable is the color of the frosting. What is an example of a hypothesis that might answer the question of this study?

Here’s what your hypotheses might look like: 

If-then: “If customers’ gender is female, then they will buy more yellow cupcakes than purple cupcakes.”

Null: “If customers’ gender is female, then they will be just as likely to buy purple cupcakes as yellow cupcakes.”

This is a pretty simple experiment! It passes the test of plausibility (there could easily be a difference), defined concepts (there’s nothing complicated about cupcakes!), observability (both color and gender can be easily observed), and general explanation ( this would potentially help you make better business decisions ).

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Experiment #3: Backyard Bird Feeders (Integrating Multiple Variables and Rejecting the If-Then Hypothesis)

While watching your backyard bird feeder, you realized that different birds come on the days when you change the types of seeds. You decide that you want to see more cardinals in your backyard, so you decide to see what type of food they like the best and set up an experiment. 

However, one morning, you notice that, while some cardinals are present, blue jays are eating out of your backyard feeder filled with millet. You decide that, of all of the other birds, you would like to see the blue jays the least. This means you'll have more than one variable in your hypothesis. Your new hypotheses might look like this: 

If-then: “If sunflower seeds are placed in the bird feeders, then more cardinals will come than blue jays. If millet is placed in the bird feeders, then more blue jays will come than cardinals.”

Null: “If either sunflower seeds or millet are placed in the bird, equal numbers of cardinals and blue jays will come.”

Through simple observation, you actually find that cardinals come as often as blue jays when sunflower seeds or millet is in the bird feeder. In this case, you would reject your “if-then” hypothesis and “fail to reject” your null hypothesis . You cannot accept your first hypothesis, because it’s clearly not true. Instead you found that there was actually no relation between your different variables. Consequently, you would need to run more experiments with different variables to see if the new variables impact the results.

Experiment #4: In-Class Survey (Including an Alternative Hypothesis)

You’re about to give a speech in one of your classes about the importance of paying attention. You want to take this opportunity to test a hypothesis you’ve had for a while: 

If-then: If students sit in the first two rows of the classroom, then they will listen better than students who do not.

Null: If students sit in the first two rows of the classroom, then they will not listen better or worse than students who do not.

You give your speech and then ask your teacher if you can hand out a short survey to the class. On the survey, you’ve included questions about some of the topics you talked about. When you get back the results, you’re surprised to see that not only do the students in the first two rows not pay better attention, but they also scored worse than students in other parts of the classroom! Here, both your if-then and your null hypotheses are not representative of your findings. What do you do?

This is when you reject both your if-then and null hypotheses and instead create an alternative hypothesis . This type of hypothesis is used in the rare circumstance that neither of your hypotheses is able to capture your findings . Now you can use what you’ve learned to draft new hypotheses and test again! 

Key Takeaways: Hypothesis Writing

The more comfortable you become with writing hypotheses, the better they will become. The structure of hypotheses is flexible and may need to be changed depending on what topic you are studying. The most important thing to remember is the purpose of your hypothesis and the difference between the if-then and the null . From there, in forming your hypothesis, you should constantly be asking questions, making observations, doing secondary research, and considering your variables. After you have written your hypothesis, be sure to edit it so that it is plausible, clearly defined, observable, and helpful in explaining a general phenomenon.

Writing a hypothesis is something that everyone, from elementary school children competing in a science fair to professional scientists in a lab, needs to know how to do. Hypotheses are vital in experiments and in properly executing the scientific method . When done correctly, hypotheses will set up your studies for success and help you to understand the world a little better, one experiment at a time.

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What’s Next?

If you’re studying for the science portion of the ACT, there’s definitely a lot you need to know. We’ve got the tools to help, though! Start by checking out our ultimate study guide for the ACT Science subject test. Once you read through that, be sure to download our recommended ACT Science practice tests , since they’re one of the most foolproof ways to improve your score. (And don’t forget to check out our expert guide book , too.)

If you love science and want to major in a scientific field, you should start preparing in high school . Here are the science classes you should take to set yourself up for success.

If you’re trying to think of science experiments you can do for class (or for a science fair!), here’s a list of 37 awesome science experiments you can do at home

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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What is a scientific hypothesis?

It's the initial building block in the scientific method.

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Hypothesis basics

What makes a hypothesis testable.

  • Types of hypotheses
  • Hypothesis versus theory

Additional resources

Bibliography.

A scientific hypothesis is a tentative, testable explanation for a phenomenon in the natural world. It's the initial building block in the scientific method . Many describe it as an "educated guess" based on prior knowledge and observation. While this is true, a hypothesis is more informed than a guess. While an "educated guess" suggests a random prediction based on a person's expertise, developing a hypothesis requires active observation and background research. 

The basic idea of a hypothesis is that there is no predetermined outcome. For a solution to be termed a scientific hypothesis, it has to be an idea that can be supported or refuted through carefully crafted experimentation or observation. This concept, called falsifiability and testability, was advanced in the mid-20th century by Austrian-British philosopher Karl Popper in his famous book "The Logic of Scientific Discovery" (Routledge, 1959).

A key function of a hypothesis is to derive predictions about the results of future experiments and then perform those experiments to see whether they support the predictions.

A hypothesis is usually written in the form of an if-then statement, which gives a possibility (if) and explains what may happen because of the possibility (then). The statement could also include "may," according to California State University, Bakersfield .

Here are some examples of hypothesis statements:

  • If garlic repels fleas, then a dog that is given garlic every day will not get fleas.
  • If sugar causes cavities, then people who eat a lot of candy may be more prone to cavities.
  • If ultraviolet light can damage the eyes, then maybe this light can cause blindness.

A useful hypothesis should be testable and falsifiable. That means that it should be possible to prove it wrong. A theory that can't be proved wrong is nonscientific, according to Karl Popper's 1963 book " Conjectures and Refutations ."

An example of an untestable statement is, "Dogs are better than cats." That's because the definition of "better" is vague and subjective. However, an untestable statement can be reworded to make it testable. For example, the previous statement could be changed to this: "Owning a dog is associated with higher levels of physical fitness than owning a cat." With this statement, the researcher can take measures of physical fitness from dog and cat owners and compare the two.

Types of scientific hypotheses

Elementary-age students study alternative energy using homemade windmills during public school science class.

In an experiment, researchers generally state their hypotheses in two ways. The null hypothesis predicts that there will be no relationship between the variables tested, or no difference between the experimental groups. The alternative hypothesis predicts the opposite: that there will be a difference between the experimental groups. This is usually the hypothesis scientists are most interested in, according to the University of Miami .

For example, a null hypothesis might state, "There will be no difference in the rate of muscle growth between people who take a protein supplement and people who don't." The alternative hypothesis would state, "There will be a difference in the rate of muscle growth between people who take a protein supplement and people who don't."

If the results of the experiment show a relationship between the variables, then the null hypothesis has been rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis, according to the book " Research Methods in Psychology " (​​BCcampus, 2015). 

There are other ways to describe an alternative hypothesis. The alternative hypothesis above does not specify a direction of the effect, only that there will be a difference between the two groups. That type of prediction is called a two-tailed hypothesis. If a hypothesis specifies a certain direction — for example, that people who take a protein supplement will gain more muscle than people who don't — it is called a one-tailed hypothesis, according to William M. K. Trochim , a professor of Policy Analysis and Management at Cornell University.

Sometimes, errors take place during an experiment. These errors can happen in one of two ways. A type I error is when the null hypothesis is rejected when it is true. This is also known as a false positive. A type II error occurs when the null hypothesis is not rejected when it is false. This is also known as a false negative, according to the University of California, Berkeley . 

A hypothesis can be rejected or modified, but it can never be proved correct 100% of the time. For example, a scientist can form a hypothesis stating that if a certain type of tomato has a gene for red pigment, that type of tomato will be red. During research, the scientist then finds that each tomato of this type is red. Though the findings confirm the hypothesis, there may be a tomato of that type somewhere in the world that isn't red. Thus, the hypothesis is true, but it may not be true 100% of the time.

Scientific theory vs. scientific hypothesis

The best hypotheses are simple. They deal with a relatively narrow set of phenomena. But theories are broader; they generally combine multiple hypotheses into a general explanation for a wide range of phenomena, according to the University of California, Berkeley . For example, a hypothesis might state, "If animals adapt to suit their environments, then birds that live on islands with lots of seeds to eat will have differently shaped beaks than birds that live on islands with lots of insects to eat." After testing many hypotheses like these, Charles Darwin formulated an overarching theory: the theory of evolution by natural selection.

"Theories are the ways that we make sense of what we observe in the natural world," Tanner said. "Theories are structures of ideas that explain and interpret facts." 

  • Read more about writing a hypothesis, from the American Medical Writers Association.
  • Find out why a hypothesis isn't always necessary in science, from The American Biology Teacher.
  • Learn about null and alternative hypotheses, from Prof. Essa on YouTube .

Encyclopedia Britannica. Scientific Hypothesis. Jan. 13, 2022. https://www.britannica.com/science/scientific-hypothesis

Karl Popper, "The Logic of Scientific Discovery," Routledge, 1959.

California State University, Bakersfield, "Formatting a testable hypothesis." https://www.csub.edu/~ddodenhoff/Bio100/Bio100sp04/formattingahypothesis.htm  

Karl Popper, "Conjectures and Refutations," Routledge, 1963.

Price, P., Jhangiani, R., & Chiang, I., "Research Methods of Psychology — 2nd Canadian Edition," BCcampus, 2015.‌

University of Miami, "The Scientific Method" http://www.bio.miami.edu/dana/161/evolution/161app1_scimethod.pdf  

William M.K. Trochim, "Research Methods Knowledge Base," https://conjointly.com/kb/hypotheses-explained/  

University of California, Berkeley, "Multiple Hypothesis Testing and False Discovery Rate" https://www.stat.berkeley.edu/~hhuang/STAT141/Lecture-FDR.pdf  

University of California, Berkeley, "Science at multiple levels" https://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/0_0_0/howscienceworks_19

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what statement about a hypothesis is incorrect

Guide: How to Say a Hypothesis Was Wrong

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on effectively expressing that a hypothesis was incorrect. Whether you are involved in scientific research, academic discussions, or everyday conversations, communicating the failure of a hypothesis can sometimes be challenging. In this guide, we will explore various formal and informal ways to convey this information, providing tips, examples, and possible regional variations along the way. So, let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Indicate a Hypothesis Was Wrong

1. explicitly stating the hypothesis was incorrect.

When adhering to a formal tone, it is essential to be straightforward in your communication. Clearly stating that the hypothesis was wrong can be an effective approach. For example:

“Our initial hypothesis has been proven incorrect.”

2. Using diplomatic language

In some cases, it may be necessary to soften the impact of stating a hypothesis was incorrect, particularly in sensitive or team-oriented environments. Using diplomatic language can be beneficial. Consider the following example:

“Our hypothesis did not yield the expected results as we had initially predicted, indicating an alternative outcome.”

3. Presenting contrary evidence

Another formal approach is to provide evidence that contradicts or challenges the hypothesis. By doing so, you objectively demonstrate that the hypothesis was incorrect. Here’s an example:

“New data analysis convincingly refutes our original hypothesis, indicating a need for further investigation.”

Informal Ways to Indicate a Hypothesis Was Wrong

1. acknowledging an unexpected outcome.

Informal conversations often allow for a more relaxed tone. When sharing that a hypothesis was wrong, it can be beneficial to acknowledge the unexpected outcome. Here’s an example:

“Well, it turns out our hypothesis was completely off. The results were quite the opposite of what we expected!”

2. Employing humor or light-heartedness

In less formal situations, injecting humor or light-heartedness can help to ease the potential discomfort of admitting a hypothesis was incorrect. Consider the following humorous example:

“We thought we had it all figured out, but our hypothesis ended up crashing and burning spectacularly!”

3. Sharing personal reflections

Informal settings sometimes provide space for personal reflections. Expressing how you personally feel about the hypothesis failure demonstrates a genuine response. Here’s an example:

“To be honest, I’m quite surprised our hypothesis didn’t hold true. It’s always a learning experience, though!”

Tips for Communicating the Failure of a Hypothesis

1. remain objective.

Regardless of the formality, it’s crucial to stay objective when communicating that a hypothesis was wrong. Remember, the focus should be on presenting evidence and analyzing the results, rather than personal judgments.

2. Provide contextual information

Adding contextual information about the research or experiment can help others understand the reasons behind the incorrect hypothesis. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the process and encourages further exploration.

3. Suggest alternative approaches

When expressing that a hypothesis was incorrect, it is valuable to propose alternative approaches or hypotheses. This demonstrates an open mindset and willingness to adapt, encouraging further investigation and collaboration.

4. Emphasize the importance of failure

Highlight the significance of failure in the scientific process. Explain that disproving a hypothesis is valuable as it helps refine theories, contribute to further knowledge, and encourages resilience in research and learning.

Final Thoughts

Effectively communicating that a hypothesis was wrong is crucial for scientific progress, academic discussions, and personal growth. Whether you opt for a formal or informal approach, remember to maintain a warm tone and consider the context and audience involved. By following the tips and examples provided in this guide, you can navigate conversations about incorrect hypotheses with confidence and professionalism.

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what statement about a hypothesis is incorrect

How to Say "My Hypothesis Was Wrong": A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to express that your hypothesis was incorrect. Admitting that you were wrong can be challenging, but it is an essential skill for growth and learning. In this guide, we will provide you with various formal and informal ways to convey this message, along with tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary. So let's dive in!

How to Say Your Hypothesis Was Wrong: A Comprehensive Guide

When conducting research or making educated guesses, it's essential to acknowledge that your hypothesis can sometimes be proven incorrect. Embracing this reality is an integral part of the scientific method and critical thinking. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express that your hypothesis was wrong, ranging from formal to informal tones. While regional variations may exist, we will focus on universal formulations to ensure broader applicability.

How to Say if Your Hypothesis was Correct

When conducting research or experiments, formulating a hypothesis is an integral part of the process. A hypothesis serves as a proposed explanation or prediction for a specific phenomenon or observation. Once you have conducted your study, it's vital to determine whether your hypothesis was correct or not. This guide will provide you with tips, examples, and strategies to express the outcome of your hypothesis. Whether you prefer a formal or informal approach, we've got you covered. So let's dive in and explore the various ways to convey if your hypothesis was proven correct.

Guide on How to Say a Hypothesis

Gaining a firm understanding of how to express a hypothesis is essential for researchers, students, and professionals across various fields. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or a scientific question that requires further investigation and testing. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express a hypothesis, providing helpful tips and examples along the way.

How to Say a Hypothesis is Correct: A Comprehensive Guide

In the scientific realm, formulating and testing hypotheses is a crucial aspect of research and experimentation. Once you have conducted your study and collected data, it becomes essential to evaluate the results and determine whether your hypothesis is correct. Expressing this conclusion requires precision and clarity, whether done formally or informally. In this guide, we will explore various ways to articulate that a hypothesis is correct, featuring tips, examples, and considerations for both formal and informal situations.

How to Say Hypothesis: A Guide to Formal and Informal Ways

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say the word "hypothesis." Whether you are looking for the formal or informal ways to express this term, we've got you covered. In this article, we will also provide a few tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations if necessary, to ensure you have a thorough understanding. So, let's dive right in!

How to Say Hypothesis in a Sentence: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to effectively use the word "hypothesis" in a sentence. Whether you are writing a formal academic paper or engaging in a casual conversation, we will provide you with various examples and tips to help you master the usage of this term. So let's dive in and explore the formal and informal ways to express a hypothesis in a sentence!

How to Say Hypothesis in Other Words

Welcome to this guide where we explore various ways to express the word "hypothesis" in different contexts, whether formal or informal. Understanding alternative phrases for "hypothesis" can help diversify your vocabulary and improve your communication skills. Let's delve into some useful alternatives, along with tips, examples, and regional variations where applicable.

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When meeting with a disproven or failed hypothesis , after having expended so much time and effort, precisely how should researchers respond? Responding well to a disproven or failed hypothesis is an essential component to scientific research . As a researcher, it helps to learn ‘ research resilience ’: the ability to carefully analyse, effectively document and broadly disseminate the failed hypotheses, all with an eye towards learning and future progress. This article explores common reasons why a hypothesis fails, as well as specific ways you can respond and lessons you can learn from this. 

Note : This article assumes that you are working on a hypothesis (not a null hypothesis): in other words, you are seeking to prove that the hypothesis is true, rather than to disprove it. 

Reasons why a hypothesis is disproven/fails

Hypotheses are disproved or fail for a number of reasons, including:

  • The researcher’s preconception is incorrect , which leads to a flawed and failed hypothesis.
  • The researcher’s findings are correct, but those findings aren’t relevant .
  • Data set/sample size may not be sufficiently large to yield meaningful results. (If interested, learn more about this here: The importance of having Large Sample Sizes for your research )
  • The hypothesis itself lies outside the realm of science . The hypothesis cannot be tested by experiments for which results have the potential to show that the idea is false.

Responding to a disproved hypothesis

After weeks or even months of intense thinking and experimenting, you have come to the conclusion that your hypothesis is disproven. So, what can you do to respond to such a disheartening realisation? Here are some practical steps you can take.

  • Analyse the hypothesis carefully, as well as your research.   Performing a rigorous, methodical ‘post-mortem’ evaluation of your hypothesis and experiments will enable you to learn from them and to effectively and efficiently share your reflections with others. Use the following questions to evaluate how the research was conducted: 
  • Did you conduct the experiment(s) correctly? 
  • Was the study sufficiently powered to truly provide a definitive answer?
  • Would a larger, better powered study – possibly conducted collaboratively with other research centres – be necessary, appropriate or helpful? 
  • Would altering the experiment — or conducting different experiments — more appropriately answer your hypothesis? 
  • Share the disproven hypothesis, and your experiments and analysis, with colleagues. Sharing negative data can help to interpret positive results from related studies and can aid you to adjust your experimental design .
  • Consider the possibility that the hypothesis was not an attempt at gaining true scientific understanding, but rather, was a measure of a prevailing bias .

Positive lessons to be gained from a disproved hypothesis

Even the most successful, creative and thoughtful researchers encounter failed hypotheses. What makes them stand out is their ability to learn from failure. The following considerations may assist you to learn and gain from failed hypotheses:

  • Failure can be beneficial if it leads directly toward future exploration.
  • Does the failed hypothesis definitively close the door on further research? If so, such definitive knowledge is progress.
  • Does the failed hypothesis simply point to the need to wait for a future date when more refined experiments or analysis can be conducted? That knowledge, too, is useful. 
  • ‘Atomising’ (breaking down and dissecting) the reasoning behind the conceptual foundation of the failed hypothesis may uncover flawed yet correctable thinking in how the hypothesis was developed. 
  • Failure leads to investigation and creativity in the pursuit of viable alternative hypotheses, experiments and statistical analyses. Better theoretical or experimental models often arise out of the ashes of a failed hypothesis, as do studies with more rigorously attained evidence (such as larger-scale, low-bias meta-analyses ). 

Considering a post-hoc analysis

A failed hypothesis can then prompt you to conduct a post-hoc analysis. (If interested, learn more about it here: Significance and use of Post-hoc Analysis studies )

All is not lost if you conclude you have a failed hypothesis. Remember: A hypothesis can’t be right unless it can be proven wrong.  Developing research resilience will reward you with long-term success.

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A hypothesis can’t be right unless it can be proven wrong

Image of Charles Rock, PhD, (right) and Jiangwei Yao, PhD.

Charles Rock, PhD, (right) and Jiangwei Yao, PhD, recently reviewed Richard Harris’ book about scientific research, titled "Rigor Mortis: How Sloppy Science Creates Worthless Cures, Crushes Hope, and Wastes Billions." Now, Rock and Yao address specific issues raised in Harris’ book and offer solutions or tips to help avoid the pitfalls identified in the book.

“That (your hypothesis) is not only not right; it is not even wrong.” Wolfgang Pauli (Nobel Prize in Physics, 1945)

A hypothesis is the cornerstone of the scientific method.

It is an educated guess about how the world works that integrates knowledge with observation.

Everyone appreciates that a hypothesis must be testable to have any value, but there is a much stronger requirement that a hypothesis must meet.

A hypothesis is considered scientific only if there is the possibility to disprove the hypothesis.

The proof lies in being able to disprove

A hypothesis or model is called falsifiable if it is possible to conceive of an experimental observation that disproves the idea in question. That is, one of the possible outcomes of the designed experiment must be an answer, that if obtained, would disprove the hypothesis.

Our daily horoscopes are good examples of something that isn’t falsifiable. A scientist cannot disprove that a Piscean may get a surprise phone call from someone he or she hasn’t heard from in a long time. The statement is intentionally vague. Even if our Piscean didn’t get a phone call, the prediction cannot be false because he or she may get a phone call. They may not.

A good scientific hypothesis is the opposite of this. If there is no experimental test to disprove the hypothesis, then it lies outside the realm of science.

Scientists all too often generate hypotheses that cannot be tested by experiments whose results have the potential to show that the idea is false.

Three types of experiments proposed by scientists

  • Type 1 experiments are the most powerful. Type 1 experimental outcomes include a possible negative outcome that would falsify, or refute, the working hypothesis. It is one or the other.
  • Type 2 experiments are very common, but lack punch. A positive result in a type 2 experiment is consistent with the working hypothesis, but the negative or null result does not address the validity of the hypothesis because there are many explanations for the negative result. These call for extrapolation and semantics.
  • Type 3 experiments are those experiments whose results may be consistent with the hypothesis, but are useless because regardless of the outcome, the findings are also consistent with other models. In other words, every result isn’t informative.

Formulate hypotheses in such a way that you can prove or disprove them by direct experiment.

Science advances by conducting the experiments that could potentially disprove our hypotheses.

Increase the efficiency and impact of your science by testing clear hypotheses with well-designed experiments.

For more on the challenges in experimental science , read our review of Richard Harris’  Rigor Mortis: How Sloppy Science Creates Worthless Cures, Crushes Hope, and Wastes Billions.

A researcher’s look at Rigor Mortis: Are motivators and incentives to find a cure hurting scientific research?

A researcher’s look at Rigor Mortis: Are motivators and incentives to find a cure hurting scientific research?

St. Jude researchers take a look at Rigor Mortis, Richard Harris’ exposé of how the drive to find results hampers scientific progress.

About the author

Charles Rock, PhD

Charles Rock, PhD, was a member of the Department of Infectious Diseases and later the Department of Host-Microbe Interactions at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital until his passing in 2023.  Learn about Dr. Rock's research career .

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  • Which is a characteristic of pseudoscience or bad science? a. Publishes in a peer-reviewed journal b. Is repeatable c. Considers evidence for and against a hypothesis d. Includes personal experiences as data Which is a characteristic of pseudoscience or bad science? a) Considers evidence for and against a hypothesis B)Includes personal experiences as data c) srepeatable d) Publishes in a peer-reviewed journal Make a scientific observation about the world around you and construct a question to address the observation. State a hypothesis too.
  • According to the scientific method, a good hypothesis must Who was mary lyon? Clearly explain mary lyon hypothesis using the cat as example. Predictions are statements about the evidence you might expect if a hypothesis was supported.   Question 13 options:   True   False
  • Which statement is NOT true regarding how the term "theory" is used in science? A. In science, a theory is an explanation of observations that address a wide range of phenomena. B. Scientific theories are able to be tested and refuted. C. In science, a theory is an educated guess without supporting evidence. D. Scientific theories are supported by multiple lines of evidence. Compare and contrast science to pseudoscience.  What are the key differences between both subjects and how can you tell them apart?  Explain your answer in 2-3 sentences. Evaluate the validity of a hypothesis using a chi square test
  • Which finding would have disprove virchows hypothesis Which sentence best describes the logic of scientific inquiry?(A) If I generate a testable hypothesis, tests and observationswill support it.(B) If my prediction is correct, it will lead to a testablehypothesis.(C) If my observations are accurate, they will support myhypothesis.(D) If my hypothesis is correct, I can expect certain test results. help, please from the scenario, come up with a hypothesis and experiment to test out the hypothesis

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  3. 🏷️ Formulation of hypothesis in research. How to Write a Strong

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  1. HOW TO FORMULATE OBJECTIVES & HYPOTHESIS WITH AN EXAMPLE

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COMMENTS

  1. Bios 1063 Test 1 Questions From Connect Hws&Quizzes

    Which statement about a hypothesis is incorrect? a. It can be proven false. b. It can be proven true. c. It is a tentative explanation. d. It must be testable to be useful. e. It is based on previous knowledge.

  2. CHAPTER 1 THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF LIFE Flashcards

    A) It is a general way of answering questions with evidence. B) It is a framework to consider ideas in a repeatable way. C) It begins with observations. D) It does not apply to problems encountered in everyday life. E) It enables the testing of ideas., 10) Which statement about a hypothesis is incorrect? A) It can be proven true.

  3. How to Write a Strong Hypothesis

    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. If a first-year student starts attending more lectures, then their exam scores will improve.

  4. Chapter 1-4 Review Flashcards

    Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Which statement about a hypothesis is incorrect?, The concentration of salts in blood remains steady, regardless of a person's diet. This situation best illustrates, Organisms that exact energy from nonliving environmental resources are called- and more.

  5. The scientific method (article)

    At the core of biology and other sciences lies a problem-solving approach called the scientific method. The scientific method has five basic steps, plus one feedback step: Make an observation. Ask a question. Form a hypothesis, or testable explanation. Make a prediction based on the hypothesis. Test the prediction.

  6. Scientific hypothesis

    hypothesis. science. scientific hypothesis, an idea that proposes a tentative explanation about a phenomenon or a narrow set of phenomena observed in the natural world. The two primary features of a scientific hypothesis are falsifiability and testability, which are reflected in an "If…then" statement summarizing the idea and in the ...

  7. What Is a Hypothesis and How Do I Write One?

    This is an excellent example of how flexible hypothesis statements can be, as long as the general idea of "if-then" and the independent and dependent variables are present. #2: Null Hypotheses. Your if-then hypothesis is not the only one needed to complete a successful experiment, however. You also need a null hypothesis to test it against.

  8. What is a scientific hypothesis?

    Bibliography. A scientific hypothesis is a tentative, testable explanation for a phenomenon in the natural world. It's the initial building block in the scientific method. Many describe it as an ...

  9. Guide: How to Say a Hypothesis Was Wrong

    1. Explicitly stating the hypothesis was incorrect. When adhering to a formal tone, it is essential to be straightforward in your communication. Clearly stating that the hypothesis was wrong can be an effective approach. For example: "Our initial hypothesis has been proven incorrect.". 2.

  10. Failure of a Hypothesis: Alternative Explanations for Evidence

    A hypothesis is derived in order to measure the truth of a statement and research project, and can often be wrong or fail. Learn more about what to do with a failed hypothesis, as well as ...

  11. What do we do if a hypothesis fails?

    Hypotheses are disproved or fail for a number of reasons, including: The researcher's preconception is incorrect, which leads to a flawed and failed hypothesis. The researcher's findings are correct, but those findings aren't relevant. Data set/sample size may not be sufficiently large to yield meaningful results.

  12. A hypothesis can't be right unless it can be proven wrong

    The statement is intentionally vague. Even if our Piscean didn't get a phone call, the prediction cannot be false because he or she may get a phone call. They may not. A good scientific hypothesis is the opposite of this. If there is no experimental test to disprove the hypothesis, then it lies outside the realm of science.

  13. Biology 1700 Chapter 1 Flashcards

    Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Cells with a nucleus are called _____; cells without a nucleus are called _____., Which one of the following statements about hypothesis is incorrect: A.) a collection of related hypotheses that endured repeated testing is called a theory B.) All of the above statements about hypotheses are correct C.) Hypotheses make predictions ...

  14. Solved Which statement is incorrect about a hypothesis?

    Transcribed image text: Which statement is incorrect about a hypothesis? Select one: O a. It must be testable O b. It should be falsifiable or could be disproven O c. It can be proven O d. Experimental evidence is required to support a hypothesis Oe. It is one step in the scientific process used to explain natural phenomena.

  15. SOLVED: Which statement is incorrect about hypothesis ...

    This is a hypothesis is not a process to explain this phenomenon, so the incorrect statement is the option e that says it is 1 step in the scientific process used to explain natural phenomenon. This is not a process. This is a proposition that needs scientific processes to prove or disprove it.

  16. Answered: Which statement about a hypothesis is…

    Which statement about a hypothesis is incorrect? 1. It must be testable to be useful 2. It is a tentative explanation 3. It can be proven true 4. It can be unsupported by the data 5. It is based on the previous knowledge. Which statement about a hypothesis is incorrect? 1.

  17. Non-Majors Biology Chapters 1 and 2 practice quiz practice

    Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Which statement about a hypothesis is incorrect? A. It can be proven true. B. It is based on previous knowledge. C. It can be proven false. D. It is a tentative explanation. E. It must be testable to be useful., Glucose is A. an atom. B. a tissue. C. a cell. D. a biosphere. E. a molecule., Which of the following questions cannot ...

  18. Which one of the following statements about hypothesis is incorrect: A

    The incorrect statement is option E. Hypotheses that provide reasonable explanations still need to be tested to validate their accuracy and reliability. Testing is a crucial step in the scientific process to ensure that hypotheses are supported by evidence and can withstand scrutiny .

  19. Which statement about a hypothesis is incorrect?

    So, the incorrect statement about a hypothesis is that "It can be proven true." Hypotheses are testable explanations based on existing knowledge, but they cannot be definitively proven true due to the nature of scientific inquiry. Instead, they are subject to testing, refinement, and potential modification as new evidence and insights emerge.

  20. Solved Which of the following statements about hypothesis

    Which of the following statements about hypothesis tests is INCORRECT? a. The claim can be either H0 or H1. b. In a one-tailed test, H1 involves either ">" or "<", but not "≠". c. If the test statistic lies in the rejection region, we reject the claim. d. H0 must always include equality.

  21. Solved 1: Which of the following statements about the

    Math. Statistics and Probability. Statistics and Probability questions and answers. 1: Which of the following statements about the hypothesis testing process is incorrect? A. Hypothesis testing is a procedure that uses sample evidence (data) and probability theory to decide whether to reject or fail to reject a hypothesis. B. A decision rule is ...