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hypothesis

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Definition

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. It is a statement of the relationship between two or more variables. For example, the hypothesis that "plants need water to grow" states that the variable "plant height" is dependent on the variable "water amount."

Hypotheses are typically developed after careful observation and experimentation. They are then tested through further experimentation to see if they are supported by evidence. If a hypothesis is supported by evidence, it becomes a theory.

In a science class, hypotheses are often used to guide experiments. By testing a hypothesis, scientists can learn more about the world around them and develop new theories.

Here are some steps involved in developing and testing a hypothesis:

  • Observe the phenomenon. What is happening? What are the important variables?
  • Form a hypothesis. What is the possible explanation for the phenomenon?
  • Test the hypothesis. Design an experiment to test the hypothesis.
  • Collect data. Gather data to see if the hypothesis is supported.
  • Analyze the data. Do the results support the hypothesis?
  • Draw conclusions. What do the results mean? Do they support the hypothesis? If not, what other explanations are possible?

Hypotheses are an important part of the scientific process. They allow scientists to make predictions about the world and to test those predictions. By testing hypotheses, scientists can learn more about the world around them and develop new theories.

How can the word be used?

The scientist made a hypothetical calculation to determine the possible impact of climate change.

hypothesis

Different forms of the word

Noun: A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. It is a statement that can be tested to see if it is true or false.

Adjective: Hypothetical means "based on or involving a hypothesis". For example, a hypothetical situation is one that is not real but is used to explore a possible outcome.

Verb: To hypothesise is to form a hypothesis. For example, the scientist hypothesised that the new drug would be effective in treating cancer.

Etymology

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. It is a statement that can be tested to see if it is true or false. A hypothesis is not just a guess. It is a carefully considered explanation that is based on evidence and logic.

Question

What is a hypothesis?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the concept of a hypothesis in scientific research and its role in the scientific method, illustrating how it guides experimentation and the formulation of conclusions, and discuss the importance of refining and testing hypotheses for advancing our understanding of natural phenomena.

Answer:

A hypothesis is a testable and specific statement that proposes a potential explanation for a scientific question or observation. It serves as a foundation in the scientific method, guiding researchers in designing experiments and investigations to explore the validity of the proposed explanation.

In scientific research, hypotheses provide a framework for experimentation. They outline the expected relationship between variables and help define the scope of the study. Researchers collect data through experiments, observations, or other methods to assess whether the evidence supports or refutes the hypothesis.

The iterative nature of science emphasises the importance of refining and testing hypotheses. If the evidence contradicts the initial hypothesis, scientists revise their explanations and develop new hypotheses based on the findings. This process of refining and retesting hypotheses allows science to progress by building on previous knowledge and improving our understanding of natural phenomena.

In summary, a hypothesis is a crucial component of the scientific method, offering a testable explanation for observed phenomena. It guides researchers in formulating experiments and drawing conclusions, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge. The continual refinement and testing of hypotheses ensure that our understanding of the natural world becomes increasingly accurate and insightful over time.