A theory and a hypothesis differ mainly in their roles and levels of evidence within the scientific method:
- A hypothesis is an educated guess or tentative explanation made before research or experimentation. It proposes a specific, testable prediction about the relationship between variables and is meant to be tested and either supported or disproven by evidence. It is typically formed based on initial observations and guides the direction of research
- A theory , on the other hand, is a well-substantiated explanation for a broad set of phenomena that has been repeatedly tested and supported by a large body of evidence from multiple studies. Theories explain why something happens and are widely accepted by the scientific community, though they can be modified if new evidence arises. Unlike hypotheses, theories have predictive and explanatory power and are more permanent in nature
In summary:
- Timing : Hypotheses come before experiments; theories come after extensive testing.
- Evidence : Hypotheses are unproven guesses; theories are supported by substantial evidence.
- Purpose : Hypotheses guide research; theories explain phenomena.
- Scope : Hypotheses are specific; theories are broad and general.
Thus, a hypothesis is a starting point for investigation, while a theory is the outcome of rigorous scientific validation
