A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. It is a specific prediction based on previous research that can be tested in an experiment. A hypothesis is often called an "educated guess". For a hypothesis to be a scientific hypothesis, the scientific method requires that one can test it. Scientists generally base scientific hypotheses on previous observations that cannot be explained by the current scientific theories. A hypothesis requires more work by the researcher in order to either confirm or disprove it. In due course, a confirmed hypothesis may become part of a theory or occasionally may grow to become a theory itself.
Some characteristics of a hypothesis include:
- It is an assumption made based on some evidence.
- It is a precise, testable statement of what the researcher(s) predict will be the outcome of the study.
- It can be proved or disproved.
- It is typically used in quantitative research and predicts the relationship between variables.
- It is developed, supported, and explained in the body of the essay or research report by means of examples and evidence.
In summary, a hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through research. It is a specific prediction based on previous research and is often called an "educated guess." A hypothesis requires more work by the researcher to either confirm or disprove it and can be proved or disproved.
