To write a hypothesis in science, follow these key steps:
- Identify the Research Question
Start with a clear, focused, and researchable question based on an observation or problem you want to investigate
- Conduct Preliminary Research
Review existing literature and studies to understand what is already known and identify gaps or unanswered questions. This helps ensure your hypothesis is original and grounded in prior knowledge
- Formulate the Hypothesis
Write a concise, specific, and testable statement predicting the outcome of your research. It should clearly state the relationship between variables: the independent variable (what you change) and the dependent variable (what you measure)
- Make it Testable and Falsifiable
Ensure your hypothesis can be supported or refuted through experimentation or data analysis. It should be phrased in the present tense and be clear enough to guide your investigation
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Phrase the Hypothesis Clearly
Common formats include:- If…then… statements, e.g., "If plants receive more sunlight, then they will grow taller."
- Statements predicting correlations or effects between variables
- Comparative statements between groups
- Write a Null Hypothesis (if applicable)
For statistical testing, also write a null hypothesis (H0), which states no effect or relationship exists, against which your alternative hypothesis (H1) will be tested
Example of a Good Hypothesis
"The use of a new fertilizer will increase crop yields by 20% compared to traditional methods."
- Independent variable: type of fertilizer
- Dependent variable: crop yield
- Predicted relationship: new fertilizer increases yield
Summary of Key Qualities of a Scientific Hypothesis
- Specific and focused
- Testable and falsifiable
- Based on prior knowledge and observations
- Clearly defines variables and predicted relationships
By following these steps, you create a strong hypothesis that guides your scientific investigation effectively.
