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How to write a hypothesis.
Learn how to write a hypothesis to ace your next research paper.
Learning how to write a hypothesis sets up your experiment for success. It’s the difference between a comprehensive, thoughtful experiment and one lacking in creativity and direction.
Also referred to as an educated guess, a hypothesis is a statement that predicts the relationship between two or more variables, or the elements being tested. There are many different types of hypotheses, and you may even need to learn how to write a null hypothesis.
If you’re eager to learn how to write a hypothesis for your next research paper, we’ll walk you through the steps to write a great one. Additionally, we’ll cover the most common types of hypotheses and vital tips you can’t go without.
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a scientific prediction based on previous knowledge, experience, and pre-existing data. It is not a random prediction, but a believable outcome based on scientific testing.
A hypothesis defines the relationship between two or more variables, or the elements being tested. Variables are whatever is observable, like an event, object, or concept.
It always includes at least one independent variable and one dependent variable. An independent variable is what gets changed for the experiment, and the dependent variable is the one you observe.
Consider the following hypothesis example: “Eating carrots improves your eyesight.” So, eating carrots is the independent variable that gets manipulated, while eyesight is the dependent variable that gets measured.
Here are some key points to remember about a hypothesis:
- It’s testable and measurable
- Can lead to new research or insight
- Based on existing knowledge or theories
Remain unbiased while writing a hypothesis. Don’t let your personal opinions dictate your experiment. Instead, use correct and reliable existing data, and avoid making it overly complicated for your audience. Most hypotheses are included within the introduction of a research paper, so learn how to write a thesis statement, so your paper is well written and formatted correctly.
You may write your first hypothesis in middle school and many more times throughout your academic career. Expect to write a hypothesis while studying the sciences in university before conducting any type of experiment. From there, if you choose a research or science-based career, you’ll soon become an expert at writing hypotheses. Get additional writing help and learn how to write a personal statement, so you’re already a writing genius before entering university.
You can also use AI in education tools to assist with exam prep and other school assignments, so you can ace all your classes.
How to write a hypothesis.
Similar to learning how to write a college essay, students must learn how to write a good hypothesis to ensure a successful academic career. Here are the most important steps for writing a smart hypothesis.
- Ask a question.
What are you curious about? What’s a theory you’d like to test? The first step in writing a hypothesis is to form a question around a research topic that piques interest and curiosity. - Start basic research.
This step is not the time to prove or disprove your hypothesis — it’s the time to collect initial information and details about the topic. Search the web, read books, and ask a few experts to see if your hypothesis is testable and solid. - Decide your variables.
After you’ve collected your research and chosen a question, it’s time to choose your variables. Choose an independent and a dependent variable that fits within the experiment. Check out the following hypothesis example: “Practicing yoga every day improves flexibility within adults.” Practicing yoga every day is the independent variable, and flexibility is the dependent variable. - Write an if-then statement.
Keep it simple. Many hypotheses start with an if-then statement. This format is an easy way to showcase cause and effect. Here is an example of an if-then hypothesis: “If I drink eight cups of water a day, then I’ll be less dehydrated.” - Be specific.
Do not use vague or ambiguous language. A good hypothesis is clear, specific, and concise. The audience should understand what’s being tested without confusion.
8 types of hypotheses with examples.
Stop searching for hypothesis examples in your browser, and review the following different types of hypotheses. Hypotheses can differ depending on what you plan to measure and the number of variables.
- Simple hypothesis.
This hypothesis is the most common one. It involves only two variables: an independent variable and a dependent variable. You’ll predict the correlation between them, but you do not need to prove causation. Here is an example of a simple hypothesis: “If you put your plant in indirect sunlight, then it will live longer.” - Complex hypothesis.
A complex hypothesis pertains to more than two variables. It may include two independent variables and one dependent variable, or vice versa, making it harder to prove. Here is an example of a complex hypothesis: “Age and weight increase your chances of being diagnosed with diabetes and arthritis.” - Null hypothesis.
Curious about how to write a null hypothesis? A null hypothesis is when two variables have no significant relationship to one another. Here is an example of a null hypothesis: “Morning sunlight versus afternoon sunlight does not affect plant growth differently.” - Alternative hypothesis.
An alternative hypothesis opposes a null hypothesis and suggests a relationship between variables. For example, “A plant will grow faster when placed in morning sunlight versus afternoon sunlight.” - Empirical hypothesis.
An empirical hypothesis is also known as a working hypothesis. Or rather, a hypothesis that is currently being tested and relies on data. Here’s an example of an empirical hypothesis: “Washing your hands three times a day decreases the likelihood of catching the common cold.” - Logical hypothesis.
A logical hypothesis is slightly different from other hypotheses since it suggests a relationship between variables without evidence. It is based on educational reasoning or deduction, but without factual data. Here is an example of a logical hypothesis: “Dinosaurs with flat, broad teeth were likely to be herbivores.” - Directional hypothesis.
A directional hypothesis predicts an expected direction between two variables, whether an increase, decrease, positive, or negative effect, before the test is conducted. Here is an example of a directional hypothesis: “Introducing fluoride to the water will decrease the number of cavities in the population.” - Non-directional hypothesis.
In comparison, a non-directional hypothesis does not specify the expected direction of the relationship between variables. So, it allows for exploration without committing to a specific direction. For example, “Introducing fluoride to the water will affect the number of cavities in this population.”
Tips for a great hypothesis.
Learning how to write a good hypothesis may take a few attempts, but following these tips can ensure you ace your next research paper.
Remember cause and effect.
A hypothesis always includes a cause-and-effect relationship. So, one variable causes another one to change or not. Write your hypothesis with an if-then statement to demonstrate this idea. For example, “If you eat breakfast in the morning, then you will be more alert throughout the day.”
Is the prediction testable?
Make sure your hypothesis is testable before writing it. Think through the experiment — is there an independent variable that you have absolute control over? Is there a dependent variable that can be measured?
Write simply and clearly.
Be sure to write your hypothesis as clearly as possible. Hypotheses can get complicated very quickly, so don’t confuse your audience. Avoid conditional terms, like could, should, or might, and write your hypothesis clearly and succinctly. If you’ve saved your paper as a PDF but need to make changes, then use a free PDF editor to fix your hypothesis.
Include independent and dependent variables.
Your hypothesis must include at least one independent and one dependent variable, so the audience understands what’s being tested. Try writing your hypothesis in the format, “when x, then y.” Review this hypothesis example: “When you feed fertilizer to your plants, then they grow faster.”
Frequently asked questions.
What’s a good way to start a hypothesis?
Do you say “I think” in a hypothesis?
No, you should not write “I think” in a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a formal, testable statement, not an opinion. It should be written in an academic format and follow certain writing standards. Additionally, a hypothesis requires the researcher to remain unbiased and without personal opinion. Even though the initial prediction may result from a personal observation or pattern recognition, write the hypothesis objectively. Do not use personal pronouns or personal opinions within your hypothesis.
Remember that as you write for school, you can also use an AI quiz generator and an AI flashcard maker to help you review key classroom concepts.
What are the three parts of a hypothesis?
What three words should be in a hypothesis?
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