A hypothesis is a clear, testable statement that offers a possible explanation for a phenomenon or predicts a relationship between variables.

Core hypothesis definition

  • A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for an observation, event, or pattern that can be checked with data or experiments.
  • In science, it is an educated guess based on prior knowledge, not a random idea, and it must lead to predictions that can be supported or disproved.
  • When a hypothesis has been repeatedly supported by strong evidence, it may contribute to or evolve into a broader scientific theory.

Key features of a good hypothesis

  • Testable : It must be possible to gather evidence that supports or contradicts it using systematic observation or experiment.
  • Falsifiable : There must be some conceivable result that would show the hypothesis is wrong.
  • Specific and clear : It should state exactly what variables are involved and how they are expected to relate.
  • Logical and grounded : It should be rooted in existing theory, prior research, or observed patterns, not pure speculation.

Common forms and examples

  • Many research hypotheses are written as “if–then” statements, e.g., “If plants receive more sunlight, then they will grow taller.”
  • Others are simple declarative statements, e.g., “Drug A and Drug B are equally effective at lowering cholesterol.”
  • In statistics, hypotheses often appear as a null hypothesis (no effect or no difference) and an alternative hypothesis (there is an effect or difference) to be tested with data.

How a hypothesis is used in research

  • It grows out of observations and research questions, then guides what data to collect, which variables to measure, and how to design the study.
  • The collected data are compared to the hypothesis’s predictions; results can support it, lead to its revision, or cause it to be rejected and replaced by a new hypothesis.

Simple student-friendly definition

  • In everyday learning or school science, a hypothesis is a smart guess about what will happen in an experiment, written clearly enough that you can check whether you were right or wrong.

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