what are 3 possible ways in which a hypothesis may arise?

This site will list some of the ways. I think you can get three form this info.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesis

i don't know that's what it says in my book

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or a prediction that can be tested through research and experimentation. There are several ways in which a hypothesis can arise:

1. Observation and Inductive Reasoning: A hypothesis may arise from carefully observing a phenomenon or gathering information about a specific topic. Through inductive reasoning, patterns or relationships in the observed data can be identified, leading to the formulation of a hypothesis. For example, by observing that plants in a particular area grow taller when exposed to more sunlight, a hypothesis can be formed that states, "Increased sunlight leads to increased plant growth."

2. Existing Knowledge and Theory: Another way a hypothesis may arise is through existing knowledge and theories in a particular field of study. Researchers often build on prior research findings or established theories to develop new hypotheses. By drawing on existing knowledge, researchers can propose explanations or predictions that expand our understanding of a specific topic. For instance, based on the current understanding of climate change, a hypothesis could be formulated that suggests, "An increase in greenhouse gas emissions will lead to a rise in global temperatures."

3. Previous Research Gaps: Hypotheses can also arise from identifying gaps or unanswered questions within previous research. By reviewing literature and identifying areas where additional investigation is needed, researchers can formulate hypotheses that aim to address these gaps. This approach helps to further knowledge in a specific area and build upon the work of previous researchers. For example, if previous studies on the effects of exercise on mental health have mostly focused on adults, a hypothesis could be developed to explore the impact of exercise on mental health specifically in adolescents.

In all cases, it is important to remember that a hypothesis should be testable, capable of being confirmed or refuted through empirical evidence, and grounded in logic and scientific principles.