Hypotheses

A hypothesis is a scientific explanation for a set of observations that can be tested. Hypotheses are written with an if/then statement. The main purpose of a hypothesis is to provide a scientific explanation, to do that it is mandatory that a hypothesis must be testable.

In the scientific method, a hypothesis determines what will or is being tested in an experiment, as well as the questions to be asked. An example of a hypothesis is if a plant receives more water, then it will grow.

A hypothesis has to be falsifiable to allow for the possibility of refutation. If an experiment refutes a hypothesis, then small adjustments should be made to it. If an experiment supports a hypothesis, then new questions arise until a theory can be formed.

Boy Looking at Flower Through Magnifying Glass

Complete the statement below.

A hypothesis must be . . .

a question.

testable.

always correct.

falsifiable.