five qualities of good hypothesis

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What Are the Elements of a Good Hypothesis?

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Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College

A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction of what will happen. In science, a hypothesis proposes a relationship between factors called variables. A good hypothesis relates an independent variable and a dependent variable. The effect on the dependent variable depends on or is determined by what happens when you change the independent variable . While you could consider any prediction of an outcome to be a type of hypothesis, a good hypothesis is one you can test using the scientific method. In other words, you want to propose a hypothesis to use as the basis for an experiment.

Cause and Effect or 'If, Then' Relationships

A good experimental hypothesis can be written as an if, then statement to establish cause and effect on the variables. If you make a change to the independent variable, then the dependent variable will respond. Here's an example of a hypothesis:

If you increase the duration of light, (then) corn plants will grow more each day.

The hypothesis establishes two variables, length of light exposure, and the rate of plant growth. An experiment could be designed to test whether the rate of growth depends on the duration of light. The duration of light is the independent variable, which you can control in an experiment . The rate of plant growth is the dependent variable, which you can measure and record as data in an experiment.

Key Points of Hypothesis

When you have an idea for a hypothesis, it may help to write it out in several different ways. Review your choices and select a hypothesis that accurately describes what you are testing.

Does the hypothesis relate an independent and dependent variable? Can you identify the variables?
Can you test the hypothesis? In other words, could you design an experiment that would allow you to establish or disprove a relationship between the variables?
Would your experiment be safe and ethical?
Is there a simpler or more precise way to state the hypothesis? If so, rewrite it.

What If the Hypothesis Is Incorrect?

It's not wrong or bad if the hypothesis is not supported or is incorrect. Actually, this outcome may tell you more about a relationship between the variables than if the hypothesis is supported. You may intentionally write your hypothesis as a null hypothesis or no-difference hypothesis to establish a relationship between the variables.

For example, the hypothesis:

The rate of corn plant growth does not depend on the duration of light.

This can be tested by exposing corn plants to different length "days" and measuring the rate of plant growth. A statistical test can be applied to measure how well the data support the hypothesis. If the hypothesis is not supported, then you have evidence of a relationship between the variables. It's easier to establish cause and effect by testing whether "no effect" is found. Alternatively, if the null hypothesis is supported, then you have shown the variables are not related. Either way, your experiment is a success.

Need more examples of how to write a hypothesis ? Here you go:

If you turn out all the lights, you will fall asleep faster. (Think: How would you test it?)
If you drop different objects, they will fall at the same rate.
If you eat only fast food, then you will gain weight.
If you use cruise control, then your car will get better gas mileage.
If you apply a top coat, then your manicure will last longer.
If you turn the lights on and off rapidly, then the bulb will burn out faster.
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Null Hypothesis Examples
Understanding Simple vs Controlled Experiments
Scientific Method Vocabulary Terms
Scientific Variable
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What Is a Controlled Experiment?
What Is the Difference Between a Control Variable and Control Group?
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The Role of a Controlled Variable in an Experiment

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Characteristics Of A Good Hypothesis

What exactly is a hypothesis.

A hypothesis is a conclusion reached after considering the evidence. This is the first step in any investigation, where the research questions are translated into a prediction. Variables, population, and the relationship between the variables are all included. A research hypothesis is a hypothesis that is tested to see if two or more variables have a relationship. Now let’s have a look at the characteristics of a good hypothesis.

Characteristics of

A good hypothesis has the following characteristics.

Ability To Predict

Closest to things that can be seen, testability, relevant to the issue, techniques that are applicable, new discoveries have been made as a result of this ., harmony & consistency.

The similarity between the two phenomena.
Observations from previous studies, current experiences, and feedback from rivals.
Theories based on science.
People’s thinking processes are influenced by general patterns.
A straightforward hypothesis
Complex Hypothesis
Hypothesis with a certain direction
Non-direction Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis
Hypothesis of association and chance