In physics, a hypothesis is a probable explanation for a physical phenomenon. Researchers usually base scientific hypotheses on earlier experiments or observations that cannot evidently be described with the existing scientific theories. At times the words “theory” and hypothesis are used interchangeably. However, a scientific theory is not the same as a scientific hypothesis.
Important Hypothesis Questions with Answers
1) What is a hypothesis?
In science, a hypothesis is a structured assumption that is constructed based on some theoretical or experimental evidence. This is the first step during any research that transforms the investigation queries into predictions. It comprises components like population, variables and the relationship among the variables. Generally, a research hypothesis is a type of hypothesis that is employed to test the connection between multiple variables. For concrete evaluation, the developer of a hypothesis must be able to put forward specifics in functional terms. A hypothesis demands more work by the investigator for both confirming or disproving it. In this process, a confirmed hypothesis could become part of a probable theory or develop into a theory itself. Typically, a scientific hypothesis has the architecture of a mathematical model.
2) Give the fundamental types of hypotheses.
There are mainly six types of hypotheses:
- Simple hypothesis
- Complex hypothesis
- Directional hypothesis
- Non-directional hypothesis
- Null hypothesis
- Associative and causal hypothesis
3) What is meant by a directional hypothesis?
A directional hypothesis is a construct assumption derived by a researcher regarding a negative or positive change, difference, or relationship between two variables among a population. Typically, this prediction is based on previous research, extensive experience or accepted theory. The connection between the variables can also forecast its characteristics. For example, a middle-aged man exercising daily over time has a much lower chance of cardiac arrest than a man who does not follow any exercise routine.
4) What is meant by a non-directional hypothesis?
It is developed when there is no existing theory involved. In most cases, it is a statement that a connection lies between two variables without assuming the exact characteristics (direction) of the inherent connection.
5) What is a theory?
A theory is a scientific method that tries to explain the natural phenomena of the Universe by applying a consistent, systematic, logical way of investigation, data extraction, data scrutiny, experimenting, and refinement to reach a well-tested, thorough explanation that is concretely supported by proofs and evidence.
6) What are the main steps to developing a scientific theory?
Below is a generalised sequence of steps taken to develop a scientific theory:
- Choose and define the natural phenomenon that you need to figure out and describe. Gather data about this phenomenon by examining the source of the phenomena and analysing observations. We can also replicate this phenomenon by an experiment or simulation under a controlled environment (typically inside a laboratory) that removes interference from outside variables.
- After extracting sufficient data, analyse for repeating patterns in the data. Try to describe these recurring patterns by constructing a provisional explanation (hypothesis).
- Test the hypothesis by deriving more information to examine if the hypothesis stays true to exhibit the probable pattern. If the available data does not support the hypothesis, it must be altered or removed for a better one. During the collection of data, we must not ignore information that conflicts with the hypothesis in favour of only supportive information (known as “cherry-picking”). This is frequently misused by pseudo-scientists trying to scam people who are not familiar with scientific methodologies.
- If a concrete hypothesis stands true after all the scrutiny and is the most sound explanation for the phenomenon, then it is considered a valid theory. An established theory may undergo modifications and rejection if there exist enough pieces of evidence that contradict it. Thus, a theory is not a perpetual or absolute truth.
6) What are the main outcomes of a valid hypothesis?
Any valid hypothesis will allow us to make predictions by simple or deductive reasoning. In some scenarios, it could predict the result of a test in a laboratory or the probable observation of a natural process in the Universe. The prediction may give rise to statistics that further point to other extended probabilities or patterns. The scientific method comprises experimentation to validate the hypothesis to sufficiently explain the reasons under thorough investigation.
7) What are the main criteria for formulating a legitimate hypothesis?
During the development of a hypothesis, the researcher must not currently have an absolute prejudice over the probable result of the test or experiment. It should stay reasonably under the scope of the investigation. Then only the experiment or examination increases the probability of deriving a valid, true side of the hypothesis. If the investigator already knows the result, it is only considered a “consequence” (the investigator should have already taken this during the construction of the hypothesis). If the researcher cannot examine the predictions by experience or observation, the hypothesis must be tested by other qualified investigators providing observations.
Investigators examining alternative hypotheses may consider the following:
- Testability
- Parsimony – discouraging the postulation of unrestricted numbers of entities.
- Scope – the apparent application of the hypothesis to many scenarios of the phenomena.
- Fruitfulness – the potential that a hypothesis may help further explain phenomena in the future
- Conservatism – the compatibility with existing recognised knowledge systems.
8) What is a working hypothesis?
A working hypothesis is a type of hypothesis that is scientifically accepted as a foundation for further study in the hope that a plausible theory will be derived, even if the hypothesis eventually fails. Just like most hypotheses, a working hypothesis is created as a statement of assumptions, which can be connected to the exploratory investigation purpose in empirical analysis. They are often employed as an abstract foundation in qualitative research.
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Practice Questions
1) What is a postulate?
2) What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
3) What is a pseudo-hypothesis?
4) Define a scientific theory.
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