- Science, Tech, Math ›
- Chemistry ›
- Scientific Method ›
What Is a Testable Hypothesis?
- Scientific Method
- Chemical Laws
- Periodic Table
- Projects & Experiments
- Biochemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Medical Chemistry
- Chemistry In Everyday Life
- Famous Chemists
- Activities for Kids
- Abbreviations & Acronyms
- Weather & Climate
- Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
A hypothesis is a tentative answer to a scientific question. A testable hypothesis is a hypothesis that can be proved or disproved as a result of testing, data collection, or experience. Only testable hypotheses can be used to conceive and perform an experiment using the scientific method .
Requirements for a Testable Hypothesis
In order to be considered testable, two criteria must be met:
- It must be possible to prove that the hypothesis is true.
- It must be possible to prove that the hypothesis is false.
- It must be possible to reproduce the results of the hypothesis.
Examples of a Testable Hypothesis
All the following hypotheses are testable. It's important, however, to note that while it's possible to say that the hypothesis is correct, much more research would be required to answer the question " why is this hypothesis correct?"
- Students who attend class have higher grades than students who skip class. This is testable because it is possible to compare the grades of students who do and do not skip class and then analyze the resulting data. Another person could conduct the same research and come up with the same results.
- People exposed to high levels of ultraviolet light have a higher incidence of cancer than the norm. This is testable because it is possible to find a group of people who have been exposed to high levels of ultraviolet light and compare their cancer rates to the average.
- If you put people in a dark room, then they will be unable to tell when an infrared light turns on. This hypothesis is testable because it is possible to put a group of people into a dark room, turn on an infrared light, and ask the people in the room whether or not an infrared light has been turned on.
Examples of a Hypothesis Not Written in a Testable Form
- It doesn't matter whether or not you skip class. This hypothesis can't be tested because it doesn't make any actual claim regarding the outcome of skipping class. "It doesn't matter" doesn't have any specific meaning, so it can't be tested.
- Ultraviolet light could cause cancer. The word "could" makes a hypothesis extremely difficult to test because it is very vague. There "could," for example, be UFOs watching us at every moment, even though it's impossible to prove that they are there!
- Goldfish make better pets than guinea pigs. This is not a hypothesis; it's a matter of opinion. There is no agreed-upon definition of what a "better" pet is, so while it is possible to argue the point, there is no way to prove it.
How to Propose a Testable Hypothesis
Now that you know what a testable hypothesis is, here are tips for proposing one.
- Try to write the hypothesis as an if-then statement. If you take an action, then a certain outcome is expected.
- Identify the independent and dependent variable in the hypothesis. The independent variable is what you are controlling or changing. You measure the effect this has on the dependent variable.
- Write the hypothesis in such a way that you can prove or disprove it. For example, a person has skin cancer, you can't prove they got it from being out in the sun. However, you can demonstrate a relationship between exposure to ultraviolet light and increased risk of skin cancer.
- Make sure you are proposing a hypothesis you can test with reproducible results. If your face breaks out, you can't prove the breakout was caused by the french fries you had for dinner last night. However, you can measure whether or not eating french fries is associated with breaking out. It's a matter of gathering enough data to be able to reproduce results and draw a conclusion.
- What Are Examples of a Hypothesis?
- What Is a Hypothesis? (Science)
- What Are the Elements of a Good Hypothesis?
- Scientific Method Flow Chart
- Null Hypothesis Examples
- Scientific Hypothesis Examples
- Understanding Simple vs Controlled Experiments
- Six Steps of the Scientific Method
- Scientific Method Vocabulary Terms
- What Is a Controlled Experiment?
- Scientific Variable
- What Is an Experimental Constant?
- What Is the Difference Between a Control Variable and Control Group?
- DRY MIX Experiment Variables Acronym
- Random Error vs. Systematic Error
- The Role of a Controlled Variable in an Experiment
How is a hypothesis tested quizlet?
We evaluate hypotheses by using sample statistics about population parameters and all statistical tests assume “random sampling.” A substantive hypothesis expressed in terms of population parameters. We use our sample statistics to make statements about population parameters.
Table of Contents
What is a hypothesis in biology quizlet?
Hypothesis. is a scientific explanation for a set of observations that can be tested in ways that support or reject it.
How do you test a hypothesis in biology?
Experiments and further observations are often used to test the hypotheses. A scientific experiment is a carefully organized procedure in which the scientist intervenes in a system to change something, then observes the result of the change. Scientific inquiry often involves doing experiments, though not always.
What is a hypothesis biology?
Most commonly in scientific research, a hypothesis is a tentative, testable, and falsifiable statement that explains some observed phenomenon in nature. We more specifically call this kind of statement an explanatory hypothesis.
What is hypothesis in research quizlet?
A research hypothesis is a. specific, precise, testable, and falsifiable prediction about the relationship between 2 or more variables: a precise statement of the presumed relationship among specific parts of a theory.
Which type of reasoning is used in hypothesis testing quizlet?
Deductive reasoning or deduction is the type of logic used in hypothesis-based science.
In what two ways can a hypothesis be tested?
A hypothesis can be tested in two ways: a controlled experiment or by gathering more information.
What is a hypothesis simple definition?
A hypothesis (plural: hypotheses), in a scientific context, is a testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables or a proposed explanation for some observed phenomenon.
What is the purpose of a hypothesis quizlet?
What is the purpose of a hypothesis for any study? To provide direction for research by identifying the expected outcome. A hypothesis posed as a declarative statement predicts an expected outcome.
What is the best way to test hypothesis?
The most common way to test a hypothesis is to create an experiment. A good experiment uses test subjects or creates conditions where you can see if your hypothesis seems to be true by evaluating a broad range of data (test results).
How do you test a hypothesis in data science?
- Start with specifying Null and Alternative Hypotheses about a population parameter.
- Set the level of significance (α)
- Collect Sample data and calculate the Test Statistic and P-value by running a Hypothesis test that well suits our data.
What is the test for whether a hypothesis is scientific or not?
What is the test for whether a hypothesis is scientific or not? A hypothesis is scientific if it is possible to prove it wrong. If one cannot be proved wrong, it cannot be proved right, and is then “speculation”.
What makes a hypothesis testable?
To be considered testable, some essential criteria must be met: There must be a possibility to prove that the hypothesis is true. There must be a possibility to prove that the hypothesis is false. The results of the hypothesis must be reproducible.
What is a hypothesis in biology examples?
For example, a scientist can form a hypothesis stating that if a certain type of tomato has a gene for red pigment, that type of tomato will be red. During research, the scientist then finds that each tomato of this type is red.
What is a simple hypothesis quizlet?
Simple hypothesis. A statement explaining and or predicting a relationship between one independent and one dependent variable. Variable. A measurable characteristic that varies among the subjects being studied. Hypothesis.
What is a characteristic of a hypothesis quizlet?
has to state the direction of the expected relationship. consistency. the hypothesis is consistent with the data and with how you plan to test it. testability. data should be feasible to obtain and would indicate if the hypothesis is defensible.
What is meant by a hypothesis quizlet astronomy?
hypothesis. a testable idea that explains an observation about nature.
How is deductive reasoning tested?
A deductive reasoning test is intended to be abstract – it does not need specific job-related skills, nor does it need any culturally specific knowledge. All the information that you need to answer the question correctly is provided in the test, and there is only one answer that is correct.
What is the logical basis for hypothesis testing?
The Logic of Hypothesis Testing As just stated, the logic of hypothesis testing in statistics involves four steps. State the Hypothesis: We state a hypothesis (guess) about a population. Usually the hypothesis concerns the value of a population parameter.
What is reasoning in biology?
However, at a simpler level, “reasoning” is derived from “reason,” and implies exploration of the causality of events. Biological reasoning also involves searching (and researching) the causes of biological phenomena, including human diseases.
What are four ways to test a hypothesis?
- State the hypotheses. Every hypothesis test requires the analyst to state a null hypothesis and an alternative hypothesis.
- Formulate an analysis plan. The analysis plan describes how to use sample data to accept or reject the null hypothesis.
- Analyze sample data.
- Interpret the results.
How hypothesis is formed?
Try to imagine possible solutions to explain your observations. Once you come up with a possible explanation, ask yourself if it could be proven wrong by an experiment. If it could be proven wrong, then you have formed a hypothesis.
What is the method of hypothesis?
In science, a hypothesis is part of the scientific method . It is a prediction or explanation that is tested by an experiment. Observations and experiments may disprove a scientific hypothesis, but can never entirely prove one.
What is a hypothesis quizlet psychology?
Hypothesis A tentative and testable explanation of the relationship between two (or more) events or variables; often stated as a prediction that a certain outcome will result from specific conditions. Confirmation Bias.
What is a purpose of a hypothesis?
The Purpose of a Hypothesis A hypothesis is used in an experiment to define the relationship between two variables. The purpose of a hypothesis is to find the answer to a question.
Craving More Content?
Read our latest blog posts
Do science majors use apa.
APA (American Psychological Association) is used by Education, Psychology, and Sciences. Do science majors use APA or MLA? Students in humanities normally follow the MLA format,…
How do lipids differ from the other 3 classes of macromolecules?
Lipids. Unlike the other macromolecules, lipids are not soluble in water, and they don’t form long sequences made up of similar or repeating smaller units. The…
How does membrane structure influence permeability?
Cell Membrane Composition The two main players in the cell membrane that affects its permeability are: The predominance of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids in the…
Notifications
- For educators
- English (US)
- English (India)
- English (UK)
- Greek Alphabet
Your solution’s ready to go!
Our expert help has broken down your problem into an easy-to-learn solution you can count on.
Question: Pre-Lab Questions 1.List the seven steps of the scientific method in order. 2. Classify each statement as either observation or hypothesis. (put an O or an H to the left of each statement). a. A buttered slice of bread will always land on the floor butter side down when dropped. b. A piece of metallic zinc bubbles when it becomes in contact with
Pre-Lab Questions
1.List the seven steps of the scientific method in order.
2. Classify each statement as either observation or hypothesis. (put an O or an H to the left of each statement).
a. A buttered slice of bread will always land on the floor butter side down when dropped.
b. A piece of metallic zinc bubbles when it becomes in contact with hydrochloric acid (HCl).
c. All matter is made of tiny indestructible particles called atoms.
d. Copper metal turns green when exposed to air.
3. Place a T or an F to the left of the statement to indicate if they are true or false.
a. A hypothesis must be testable to be of useful in science.
b. In science, the terms hypothesis and theory are used interchangeably.
c. Scientific Laws are often expressed as mathematical equations.
d. Scientific laws can never be disproven.
e. The only worthwhile experiments are those in which the experimental results support the hypothesis.
f. Unlike theories, laws do not explain why phenomenon occur.
4. Determine if each statement is qualitative or quantitative by placing an L (if qualitative) or a T (if quantitative) to the left of each statement.
a. A penny is copper-colored.
b. A penny weighs 2.49 g.
c. Methyl salicylate smells like wintergreen.
d. Sodium metal reacts explosively when dropped in water.
e. The density of water is 1.00 g/mL.
f. The scientific method is a rigid process.
g. Air temperature in degrees is an example of qualitative data.
5. Provide 4 ways in which scientists share data.
6. When you make important decisions in your life, do you use any of the steps in the scientific method? Compare a person's typical decision-making process to the scientific method. Which of the steps in the scientific method do we typically use and which do we omit?
7. Make a scientific observation about the world around you and construct a question to address the observation. State a testable hypothesis that focuses on your question.
Not the question you’re looking for?
Post any question and get expert help quickly.
IMAGES
COMMENTS
14) Which of the following statements is a testable scientific hypothesis? A) Antioxidants from food are better than antioxidants from a vitamin pill. B) Eating fish reduces the chance of having a stroke. C) Embryonic stem cell research will allow scientists to find a cure for diabetes. D) Smoking makes people less attractive.
Which statement is a testable scientific hypothesis? Eating fish reduces the chance of having a stroke. Which statement makes a prediction for the hypothesis "The number of bird species in a particular wetland has decreased due to construction traffic."?
Which of the following statements is a testable scientific hypothesis? A) Smoking makes people less attractive. B) Embryonic stem cell research will allow scientists to find a cure for diabetes. C) Antioxidants from food are better than antioxidants from a vitamin pill. D) Eating fish reduces the chance of having a stroke.
Jan 12, 2019 · A testable hypothesis is a hypothesis that can be proved or disproved as a result of testing, data collection, or experience. Only testable hypotheses can be used to conceive and perform an experiment using the scientific method .
Nov 27, 2014 · Scientific hypothesis is the first step that is always taken by scientists during the course of scientific investigation and it serves as the basis on which the scientific investigation is based. A hypothesis must be testable and the explanation offered abut it must be based on prior scientific knowledge.
Oct 1, 2019 · A hypothesis is a tentative answer to a scientific question. A testable hypothesis is a hypothesis that can be proved or disproved as a result of testing, data collection, or experience. Only testable hypotheses can be used to conceive and perform an experiment using the scientific method. Explanation:
Oct 30, 2023 · A hypothesis is a testable and falsifiable explanation that is part of the scientific method. It has the potential to be proven wrong and is supported by experiments. Explanation: A hypothesis is a tentative interpretation or explanation that can be tested through experiments. It is part of the scientific method and has the potential to be ...
Sep 15, 2022 · A hypothesis (plural: hypotheses), in a scientific context, is a testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables or a proposed explanation for some observed phenomenon. What is the purpose of a hypothesis quizlet?
Which statement is a scientific hypothesis? A. Jazz is better music than rap. B. Garden fairies make tomatoes grow better. C. Hunting species to extinction is wrong. D. Increasing the amount of protein in a cow's diet increases her milk yield.
3. Place a T or an F to the left of the statement to indicate if they are true or false. a. A hypothesis must be testable to be of useful in science. b. In science, the terms hypothesis and theory are used interchangeably. c. Scientific Laws are often expressed as mathematical equations. d. Scientific laws can never be disproven. e.