eHow
July 11, 2011
Development of a hypothesis is an integral part of the scientific method, the catalyst for performing scientific tests and research. The hypothesis is a proposed explanation of a phenomenon. Based on background research and prior knowledge, the hypothesis predicts the outcome of a study. The hypothesis is then tested and can be falsified or not, but never proven or confirmed. What makes a “good” hypothesis is testability. The hypothesis does not have to be supported by the research to have merit; it only has to be set up correctly for a fair test.
Step 1
Ask a question. The scientific method always begins with a question: What is the relationship between two variables?
Step 2
Do background research to become acquainted with the variables. This will give you better understanding when you form your hypothesis and increase the likelihood that the research will support it. Consider what tests have been done before and whether you are refuting or testing a previous study. Familiarize yourself with the relevant characteristics of your variables.
Step 3
Propose a hypothesis. “If I do [this] to Variable X, [this] will happen to Variable Y.” The hypothesis is only a rough sketch of what you expect the outcome of a study to be. It is meant to guide your research. The hypothesis cannot be proven; it can only be supported by the evidence or not supported by the evidence. Support by the evidence does not mean the relationship is a truth or even a theory. It means similar results can be expected in replicated studies.
Step 4
Evaluate the hypothesis for testability. The hypothesis must propose a valid test to support or fail to support it. The variables must be concrete and able to be tested, and you need to have the resources to test the hypothesis properly and thoroughly. The test should produce analyzable results.
Step 5
Evaluate the simplicity and scope of the hypothesis. It shouldn't be too far reaching. Instead, it should deal with discrete, manageable variables A hypothesis that is too complex will be difficult to test and might affect replicability, damaging the hypothesis’ potential for empirical support.
Step 6
Determine the fruitfulness of the hypothesis. Consider whether the question will make an impact on science or knowledge in a significant way, or if it is frivolous. Determine if it will have lasting effects on the field.
Step 7
Develop a null hypothesis. Every hypothesis has a null hypothesis, which is the default or prediction that there is no relationship between the variables. The null hypothesis can't be proven. You can only reject the null hypothesis or fail to reject the null hypothesis. Failure to reject the null hypothesis doesn't mean the two variables have no relationship; it only means there is insufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis.
References
Science Buddies: Steps of the Scientific Method
Experiment Resources: Testability
New World Encyclopedia: Hypothesis
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