| Must allow for | Testing against observations |
|---|---|
| Is not equivalent to | Demonstration |
| It is important to distinguish | Exploration and testing |
Definition and context
A scientific hypothesis proposes an explanation or relationship that can be tested through observations. It needs to be precise enough for us to identify which data would support it and which would pose difficulties. Formulating one is not the same as proving it.
A hypothetical question about materials might compare their behavior under a defined temperature and procedure. Before the test, it is useful to specify which result will be analyzed and what alternatives could explain the difference. If we change the question after observing the data, we should make that clear. Research can also explore without a fixed hypothesis; in that case, distinguishing exploration from testing helps interpret the scope of the result. Clarity about the process makes it easier to evaluate the conclusion.
What we know and its limits
Introductory reference sheet. Properties and applications depend on measurement conditions; consult the sources before making comparisons.
Follow the evidence
The original sources for exploring this explanation and its limits.
- Engineering Statistics Handbook · Selecting an Experimental Design
NIST / SEMATECH
Objectives and decisions in experimental design. - Biology 2e · The Science of Biology
OpenStax · Rice University
Testable Questions, Hypotheses, and Scientific Reasoning.
Image credits
SciClue · AI-generated illustration (OpenAI) · Original source · Recurso editorial de SciClue · generado con IA