Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A hypothesis is a testable statement that predicts the relationship between variables. It serves as a foundational step in the scientific method, guiding experimental design and data analysis.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Hypotheses must be testable and falsifiable to be scientifically valid.
In chemistry, hypotheses often predict how changes in one variable will affect another, such as temperature changes affecting reaction rates.
Developing a good hypothesis involves extensive background research and understanding of the existing literature.
A hypothesis is typically framed as an 'if-then' statement to clearly define expected outcomes.
The results of experiments either support or refute the hypothesis but do not prove it definitively.
A systematic process used for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting previous knowledge through observation and experimentation.
Variable: Any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types within an experiment. Variables can be independent, dependent, or controlled.
Experiment: A procedure carried out under controlled conditions to test a hypothesis by collecting data and observing outcomes.