hypothesis and statement

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Best Family Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Sweepstakes
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2024 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

How to Write a Great Hypothesis

Hypothesis Definition, Format, Examples, and Tips

Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz

• The Scientific Method

Hypothesis Format

Falsifiability of a hypothesis.

• Operationalization

Hypothesis Types

Hypotheses examples.

• Collecting Data

A hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables. It is a specific, testable prediction about what you expect to happen in a study. It is a preliminary answer to your question that helps guide the research process.

Consider a study designed to examine the relationship between sleep deprivation and test performance. The hypothesis might be: "This study is designed to assess the hypothesis that sleep-deprived people will perform worse on a test than individuals who are not sleep-deprived."

At a Glance

A hypothesis is crucial to scientific research because it offers a clear direction for what the researchers are looking to find. This allows them to design experiments to test their predictions and add to our scientific knowledge about the world. This article explores how a hypothesis is used in psychology research, how to write a good hypothesis, and the different types of hypotheses you might use.

The Hypothesis in the Scientific Method

In the scientific method , whether it involves research in psychology, biology, or some other area, a hypothesis represents what the researchers think will happen in an experiment. The scientific method involves the following steps:

• Forming a question
• Performing background research
• Creating a hypothesis
• Designing an experiment
• Collecting data
• Analyzing the results
• Drawing conclusions
• Communicating the results

The hypothesis is a prediction, but it involves more than a guess. Most of the time, the hypothesis begins with a question which is then explored through background research. At this point, researchers then begin to develop a testable hypothesis.

Unless you are creating an exploratory study, your hypothesis should always explain what you  expect  to happen.

In a study exploring the effects of a particular drug, the hypothesis might be that researchers expect the drug to have some type of effect on the symptoms of a specific illness. In psychology, the hypothesis might focus on how a certain aspect of the environment might influence a particular behavior.

Remember, a hypothesis does not have to be correct. While the hypothesis predicts what the researchers expect to see, the goal of the research is to determine whether this guess is right or wrong. When conducting an experiment, researchers might explore numerous factors to determine which ones might contribute to the ultimate outcome.

In many cases, researchers may find that the results of an experiment  do not  support the original hypothesis. When writing up these results, the researchers might suggest other options that should be explored in future studies.

In many cases, researchers might draw a hypothesis from a specific theory or build on previous research. For example, prior research has shown that stress can impact the immune system. So a researcher might hypothesize: "People with high-stress levels will be more likely to contract a common cold after being exposed to the virus than people who have low-stress levels."

In other instances, researchers might look at commonly held beliefs or folk wisdom. "Birds of a feather flock together" is one example of folk adage that a psychologist might try to investigate. The researcher might pose a specific hypothesis that "People tend to select romantic partners who are similar to them in interests and educational level."

Elements of a Good Hypothesis

So how do you write a good hypothesis? When trying to come up with a hypothesis for your research or experiments, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is your hypothesis based on your research on a topic?
• Can your hypothesis be tested?
• Does your hypothesis include independent and dependent variables?

Before you come up with a specific hypothesis, spend some time doing background research. Once you have completed a literature review, start thinking about potential questions you still have. Pay attention to the discussion section in the  journal articles you read . Many authors will suggest questions that still need to be explored.

How to Formulate a Good Hypothesis

To form a hypothesis, you should take these steps:

• Collect as many observations about a topic or problem as you can.
• Evaluate these observations and look for possible causes of the problem.
• Create a list of possible explanations that you might want to explore.
• After you have developed some possible hypotheses, think of ways that you could confirm or disprove each hypothesis through experimentation. This is known as falsifiability.

In the scientific method ,  falsifiability is an important part of any valid hypothesis. In order to test a claim scientifically, it must be possible that the claim could be proven false.

Students sometimes confuse the idea of falsifiability with the idea that it means that something is false, which is not the case. What falsifiability means is that  if  something was false, then it is possible to demonstrate that it is false.

One of the hallmarks of pseudoscience is that it makes claims that cannot be refuted or proven false.

The Importance of Operational Definitions

A variable is a factor or element that can be changed and manipulated in ways that are observable and measurable. However, the researcher must also define how the variable will be manipulated and measured in the study.

Operational definitions are specific definitions for all relevant factors in a study. This process helps make vague or ambiguous concepts detailed and measurable.

For example, a researcher might operationally define the variable " test anxiety " as the results of a self-report measure of anxiety experienced during an exam. A "study habits" variable might be defined by the amount of studying that actually occurs as measured by time.

These precise descriptions are important because many things can be measured in various ways. Clearly defining these variables and how they are measured helps ensure that other researchers can replicate your results.

Replicability

One of the basic principles of any type of scientific research is that the results must be replicable.

Replication means repeating an experiment in the same way to produce the same results. By clearly detailing the specifics of how the variables were measured and manipulated, other researchers can better understand the results and repeat the study if needed.

Some variables are more difficult than others to define. For example, how would you operationally define a variable such as aggression ? For obvious ethical reasons, researchers cannot create a situation in which a person behaves aggressively toward others.

To measure this variable, the researcher must devise a measurement that assesses aggressive behavior without harming others. The researcher might utilize a simulated task to measure aggressiveness in this situation.

Hypothesis Checklist

• Does your hypothesis focus on something that you can actually test?
• Does your hypothesis include both an independent and dependent variable?
• Can you manipulate the variables?
• Can your hypothesis be tested without violating ethical standards?

The hypothesis you use will depend on what you are investigating and hoping to find. Some of the main types of hypotheses that you might use include:

• Simple hypothesis : This type of hypothesis suggests there is a relationship between one independent variable and one dependent variable.
• Complex hypothesis : This type suggests a relationship between three or more variables, such as two independent and dependent variables.
• Null hypothesis : This hypothesis suggests no relationship exists between two or more variables.
• Alternative hypothesis : This hypothesis states the opposite of the null hypothesis.
• Statistical hypothesis : This hypothesis uses statistical analysis to evaluate a representative population sample and then generalizes the findings to the larger group.
• Logical hypothesis : This hypothesis assumes a relationship between variables without collecting data or evidence.

A hypothesis often follows a basic format of "If {this happens} then {this will happen}." One way to structure your hypothesis is to describe what will happen to the  dependent variable  if you change the  independent variable .

The basic format might be: "If {these changes are made to a certain independent variable}, then we will observe {a change in a specific dependent variable}."

A few examples of simple hypotheses:

• "Students who eat breakfast will perform better on a math exam than students who do not eat breakfast."
• "Students who experience test anxiety before an English exam will get lower scores than students who do not experience test anxiety."​
• "Motorists who talk on the phone while driving will be more likely to make errors on a driving course than those who do not talk on the phone."
• "Children who receive a new reading intervention will have higher reading scores than students who do not receive the intervention."

Examples of a complex hypothesis include:

• "People with high-sugar diets and sedentary activity levels are more likely to develop depression."
• "Younger people who are regularly exposed to green, outdoor areas have better subjective well-being than older adults who have limited exposure to green spaces."

Examples of a null hypothesis include:

• "There is no difference in anxiety levels between people who take St. John's wort supplements and those who do not."
• "There is no difference in scores on a memory recall task between children and adults."
• "There is no difference in aggression levels between children who play first-person shooter games and those who do not."

Examples of an alternative hypothesis:

• "People who take St. John's wort supplements will have less anxiety than those who do not."
• "Adults will perform better on a memory task than children."
• "Children who play first-person shooter games will show higher levels of aggression than children who do not." 

Collecting Data on Your Hypothesis

Once a researcher has formed a testable hypothesis, the next step is to select a research design and start collecting data. The research method depends largely on exactly what they are studying. There are two basic types of research methods: descriptive research and experimental research.

Descriptive Research Methods

Descriptive research such as  case studies ,  naturalistic observations , and surveys are often used when  conducting an experiment is difficult or impossible. These methods are best used to describe different aspects of a behavior or psychological phenomenon.

Once a researcher has collected data using descriptive methods, a  correlational study  can examine how the variables are related. This research method might be used to investigate a hypothesis that is difficult to test experimentally.

Experimental Research Methods

Experimental methods  are used to demonstrate causal relationships between variables. In an experiment, the researcher systematically manipulates a variable of interest (known as the independent variable) and measures the effect on another variable (known as the dependent variable).

Unlike correlational studies, which can only be used to determine if there is a relationship between two variables, experimental methods can be used to determine the actual nature of the relationship—whether changes in one variable actually  cause  another to change.

The hypothesis is a critical part of any scientific exploration. It represents what researchers expect to find in a study or experiment. In situations where the hypothesis is unsupported by the research, the research still has value. Such research helps us better understand how different aspects of the natural world relate to one another. It also helps us develop new hypotheses that can then be tested in the future.

Thompson WH, Skau S. On the scope of scientific hypotheses .  R Soc Open Sci . 2023;10(8):230607. doi:10.1098/rsos.230607

Taran S, Adhikari NKJ, Fan E. Falsifiability in medicine: what clinicians can learn from Karl Popper [published correction appears in Intensive Care Med. 2021 Jun 17;:].  Intensive Care Med . 2021;47(9):1054-1056. doi:10.1007/s00134-021-06432-z

Eyler AA. Research Methods for Public Health . 1st ed. Springer Publishing Company; 2020. doi:10.1891/9780826182067.0004

Nosek BA, Errington TM. What is replication ?  PLoS Biol . 2020;18(3):e3000691. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.3000691

Aggarwal R, Ranganathan P. Study designs: Part 2 - Descriptive studies .  Perspect Clin Res . 2019;10(1):34-36. doi:10.4103/picr.PICR_154_18

Nevid J. Psychology: Concepts and Applications. Wadworth, 2013.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

What is a Research Hypothesis: How to Write it, Types, and Examples

Any research begins with a research question and a research hypothesis . A research question alone may not suffice to design the experiment(s) needed to answer it. A hypothesis is central to the scientific method. But what is a hypothesis ? A hypothesis is a testable statement that proposes a possible explanation to a phenomenon, and it may include a prediction. Next, you may ask what is a research hypothesis ? Simply put, a research hypothesis is a prediction or educated guess about the relationship between the variables that you want to investigate.  

It is important to be thorough when developing your research hypothesis. Shortcomings in the framing of a hypothesis can affect the study design and the results. A better understanding of the research hypothesis definition and characteristics of a good hypothesis will make it easier for you to develop your own hypothesis for your research. Let’s dive in to know more about the types of research hypothesis , how to write a research hypothesis , and some research hypothesis examples .  

Table of Contents

What is a hypothesis ?  

A hypothesis is based on the existing body of knowledge in a study area. Framed before the data are collected, a hypothesis states the tentative relationship between independent and dependent variables, along with a prediction of the outcome.  

What is a research hypothesis ?  

Young researchers starting out their journey are usually brimming with questions like “ What is a hypothesis ?” “ What is a research hypothesis ?” “How can I write a good research hypothesis ?”   

A research hypothesis is a statement that proposes a possible explanation for an observable phenomenon or pattern. It guides the direction of a study and predicts the outcome of the investigation. A research hypothesis is testable, i.e., it can be supported or disproven through experimentation or observation.     

Characteristics of a good hypothesis  

Here are the characteristics of a good hypothesis :  

• Clearly formulated and free of language errors and ambiguity  
• Concise and not unnecessarily verbose  
• Has clearly defined variables  
• Testable and stated in a way that allows for it to be disproven  
• Can be tested using a research design that is feasible, ethical, and practical   
• Specific and relevant to the research problem  
• Rooted in a thorough literature search  
• Can generate new knowledge or understanding.  

How to create an effective research hypothesis  

A study begins with the formulation of a research question. A researcher then performs background research. This background information forms the basis for building a good research hypothesis . The researcher then performs experiments, collects, and analyzes the data, interprets the findings, and ultimately, determines if the findings support or negate the original hypothesis.  

Let’s look at each step for creating an effective, testable, and good research hypothesis :  

• Identify a research problem or question: Start by identifying a specific research problem.   
• Review the literature: Conduct an in-depth review of the existing literature related to the research problem to grasp the current knowledge and gaps in the field.   
• Formulate a clear and testable hypothesis : Based on the research question, use existing knowledge to form a clear and testable hypothesis . The hypothesis should state a predicted relationship between two or more variables that can be measured and manipulated. Improve the original draft till it is clear and meaningful.  
• State the null hypothesis: The null hypothesis is a statement that there is no relationship between the variables you are studying.   
• Define the population and sample: Clearly define the population you are studying and the sample you will be using for your research.  
• Select appropriate methods for testing the hypothesis: Select appropriate research methods, such as experiments, surveys, or observational studies, which will allow you to test your research hypothesis .  

Remember that creating a research hypothesis is an iterative process, i.e., you might have to revise it based on the data you collect. You may need to test and reject several hypotheses before answering the research problem.  

How to write a research hypothesis  

When you start writing a research hypothesis , you use an “if–then” statement format, which states the predicted relationship between two or more variables. Clearly identify the independent variables (the variables being changed) and the dependent variables (the variables being measured), as well as the population you are studying. Review and revise your hypothesis as needed.  

An example of a research hypothesis in this format is as follows:  

“ If [athletes] follow [cold water showers daily], then their [endurance] increases.”  

Population: athletes  

Independent variable: daily cold water showers  

Dependent variable: endurance  

You may have understood the characteristics of a good hypothesis . But note that a research hypothesis is not always confirmed; a researcher should be prepared to accept or reject the hypothesis based on the study findings.  

Research hypothesis checklist  

Following from above, here is a 10-point checklist for a good research hypothesis :  

• Testable: A research hypothesis should be able to be tested via experimentation or observation.  
• Specific: A research hypothesis should clearly state the relationship between the variables being studied.  
• Based on prior research: A research hypothesis should be based on existing knowledge and previous research in the field.  
• Falsifiable: A research hypothesis should be able to be disproven through testing.  
• Clear and concise: A research hypothesis should be stated in a clear and concise manner.  
• Logical: A research hypothesis should be logical and consistent with current understanding of the subject.  
• Relevant: A research hypothesis should be relevant to the research question and objectives.  
• Feasible: A research hypothesis should be feasible to test within the scope of the study.  
• Reflects the population: A research hypothesis should consider the population or sample being studied.  
• Uncomplicated: A good research hypothesis is written in a way that is easy for the target audience to understand.  

By following this research hypothesis checklist , you will be able to create a research hypothesis that is strong, well-constructed, and more likely to yield meaningful results.  

Types of research hypothesis  

Different types of research hypothesis are used in scientific research:  

1. Null hypothesis:

A null hypothesis states that there is no change in the dependent variable due to changes to the independent variable. This means that the results are due to chance and are not significant. A null hypothesis is denoted as H0 and is stated as the opposite of what the alternative hypothesis states.   

Example: “ The newly identified virus is not zoonotic .”  

2. Alternative hypothesis:

This states that there is a significant difference or relationship between the variables being studied. It is denoted as H1 or Ha and is usually accepted or rejected in favor of the null hypothesis.  

Example: “ The newly identified virus is zoonotic .”  

3. Directional hypothesis :

This specifies the direction of the relationship or difference between variables; therefore, it tends to use terms like increase, decrease, positive, negative, more, or less.   

Example: “ The inclusion of intervention X decreases infant mortality compared to the original treatment .”   

4. Non-directional hypothesis:

While it does not predict the exact direction or nature of the relationship between the two variables, a non-directional hypothesis states the existence of a relationship or difference between variables but not the direction, nature, or magnitude of the relationship. A non-directional hypothesis may be used when there is no underlying theory or when findings contradict previous research.  

Example, “ Cats and dogs differ in the amount of affection they express .”  

5. Simple hypothesis :

A simple hypothesis only predicts the relationship between one independent and another independent variable.  

Example: “ Applying sunscreen every day slows skin aging .”  

6 . Complex hypothesis :

A complex hypothesis states the relationship or difference between two or more independent and dependent variables.   

Example: “ Applying sunscreen every day slows skin aging, reduces sun burn, and reduces the chances of skin cancer .” (Here, the three dependent variables are slowing skin aging, reducing sun burn, and reducing the chances of skin cancer.)  

7. Associative hypothesis:  

An associative hypothesis states that a change in one variable results in the change of the other variable. The associative hypothesis defines interdependency between variables.  

Example: “ There is a positive association between physical activity levels and overall health .”  

8 . Causal hypothesis:

A causal hypothesis proposes a cause-and-effect interaction between variables.  

Example: “ Long-term alcohol use causes liver damage .”  

Note that some of the types of research hypothesis mentioned above might overlap. The types of hypothesis chosen will depend on the research question and the objective of the study.  

Research hypothesis examples  

Here are some good research hypothesis examples :  

“The use of a specific type of therapy will lead to a reduction in symptoms of depression in individuals with a history of major depressive disorder.”  

“Providing educational interventions on healthy eating habits will result in weight loss in overweight individuals.”  

“Plants that are exposed to certain types of music will grow taller than those that are not exposed to music.”  

“The use of the plant growth regulator X will lead to an increase in the number of flowers produced by plants.”  

Characteristics that make a research hypothesis weak are unclear variables, unoriginality, being too general or too vague, and being untestable. A weak hypothesis leads to weak research and improper methods.   

Some bad research hypothesis examples (and the reasons why they are “bad”) are as follows:  

“This study will show that treatment X is better than any other treatment . ” (This statement is not testable, too broad, and does not consider other treatments that may be effective.)  

“This study will prove that this type of therapy is effective for all mental disorders . ” (This statement is too broad and not testable as mental disorders are complex and different disorders may respond differently to different types of therapy.)  

“Plants can communicate with each other through telepathy . ” (This statement is not testable and lacks a scientific basis.)  

Importance of testable hypothesis  

If a research hypothesis is not testable, the results will not prove or disprove anything meaningful. The conclusions will be vague at best. A testable hypothesis helps a researcher focus on the study outcome and understand the implication of the question and the different variables involved. A testable hypothesis helps a researcher make precise predictions based on prior research.  

To be considered testable, there must be a way to prove that the hypothesis is true or false; further, the results of the hypothesis must be reproducible.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on research hypothesis  

1. What is the difference between research question and research hypothesis ?  

A research question defines the problem and helps outline the study objective(s). It is an open-ended statement that is exploratory or probing in nature. Therefore, it does not make predictions or assumptions. It helps a researcher identify what information to collect. A research hypothesis , however, is a specific, testable prediction about the relationship between variables. Accordingly, it guides the study design and data analysis approach.

2. When to reject null hypothesis ?

A null hypothesis should be rejected when the evidence from a statistical test shows that it is unlikely to be true. This happens when the test statistic (e.g., p -value) is less than the defined significance level (e.g., 0.05). Rejecting the null hypothesis does not necessarily mean that the alternative hypothesis is true; it simply means that the evidence found is not compatible with the null hypothesis.  

3. How can I be sure my hypothesis is testable?  

A testable hypothesis should be specific and measurable, and it should state a clear relationship between variables that can be tested with data. To ensure that your hypothesis is testable, consider the following:  

• Clearly define the key variables in your hypothesis. You should be able to measure and manipulate these variables in a way that allows you to test the hypothesis.  
• The hypothesis should predict a specific outcome or relationship between variables that can be measured or quantified.   
• You should be able to collect the necessary data within the constraints of your study.  
• It should be possible for other researchers to replicate your study, using the same methods and variables.   
• Your hypothesis should be testable by using appropriate statistical analysis techniques, so you can draw conclusions, and make inferences about the population from the sample data.  
• The hypothesis should be able to be disproven or rejected through the collection of data.  

4. How do I revise my research hypothesis if my data does not support it?  

If your data does not support your research hypothesis , you will need to revise it or develop a new one. You should examine your data carefully and identify any patterns or anomalies, re-examine your research question, and/or revisit your theory to look for any alternative explanations for your results. Based on your review of the data, literature, and theories, modify your research hypothesis to better align it with the results you obtained. Use your revised hypothesis to guide your research design and data collection. It is important to remain objective throughout the process.  

5. I am performing exploratory research. Do I need to formulate a research hypothesis?  

As opposed to “confirmatory” research, where a researcher has some idea about the relationship between the variables under investigation, exploratory research (or hypothesis-generating research) looks into a completely new topic about which limited information is available. Therefore, the researcher will not have any prior hypotheses. In such cases, a researcher will need to develop a post-hoc hypothesis. A post-hoc research hypothesis is generated after these results are known.  

6. How is a research hypothesis different from a research question?

A research question is an inquiry about a specific topic or phenomenon, typically expressed as a question. It seeks to explore and understand a particular aspect of the research subject. In contrast, a research hypothesis is a specific statement or prediction that suggests an expected relationship between variables. It is formulated based on existing knowledge or theories and guides the research design and data analysis.

7. Can a research hypothesis change during the research process?

Yes, research hypotheses can change during the research process. As researchers collect and analyze data, new insights and information may emerge that require modification or refinement of the initial hypotheses. This can be due to unexpected findings, limitations in the original hypotheses, or the need to explore additional dimensions of the research topic. Flexibility is crucial in research, allowing for adaptation and adjustment of hypotheses to align with the evolving understanding of the subject matter.

8. How many hypotheses should be included in a research study?

The number of research hypotheses in a research study varies depending on the nature and scope of the research. It is not necessary to have multiple hypotheses in every study. Some studies may have only one primary hypothesis, while others may have several related hypotheses. The number of hypotheses should be determined based on the research objectives, research questions, and the complexity of the research topic. It is important to ensure that the hypotheses are focused, testable, and directly related to the research aims.

9. Can research hypotheses be used in qualitative research?

Yes, research hypotheses can be used in qualitative research, although they are more commonly associated with quantitative research. In qualitative research, hypotheses may be formulated as tentative or exploratory statements that guide the investigation. Instead of testing hypotheses through statistical analysis, qualitative researchers may use the hypotheses to guide data collection and analysis, seeking to uncover patterns, themes, or relationships within the qualitative data. The emphasis in qualitative research is often on generating insights and understanding rather than confirming or rejecting specific research hypotheses through statistical testing.

Editage All Access is a subscription-based platform that unifies the best AI tools and services designed to speed up, simplify, and streamline every step of a researcher’s journey. The Editage All Access Pack is a one-of-a-kind subscription that unlocks full access to an AI writing assistant, literature recommender, journal finder, scientific illustration tool, and exclusive discounts on professional publication services from Editage.  

Based on 22+ years of experience in academia, Editage All Access empowers researchers to put their best research forward and move closer to success. Explore our top AI Tools pack, AI Tools + Publication Services pack, or Build Your Own Plan. Find everything a researcher needs to succeed, all in one place –  Get All Access now starting at just $14 a month !    

Related Posts

What is Thematic Analysis and How to Do It (with Examples)

What Skills are Required for Academic Writing

• Resources Home 🏠
• Try SciSpace Copilot
• Search research papers
• Add Copilot Extension
• Try AI Detector
• Try Paraphraser
• Try Citation Generator
• April Papers
• June Papers
• July Papers

The Craft of Writing a Strong Hypothesis

Table of Contents

Writing a hypothesis is one of the essential elements of a scientific research paper. It needs to be to the point, clearly communicating what your research is trying to accomplish. A blurry, drawn-out, or complexly-structured hypothesis can confuse your readers. Or worse, the editor and peer reviewers.

A captivating hypothesis is not too intricate. This blog will take you through the process so that, by the end of it, you have a better idea of how to convey your research paper's intent in just one sentence.

What is a Hypothesis?

The first step in your scientific endeavor, a hypothesis, is a strong, concise statement that forms the basis of your research. It is not the same as a thesis statement , which is a brief summary of your research paper .

The sole purpose of a hypothesis is to predict your paper's findings, data, and conclusion. It comes from a place of curiosity and intuition . When you write a hypothesis, you're essentially making an educated guess based on scientific prejudices and evidence, which is further proven or disproven through the scientific method.

The reason for undertaking research is to observe a specific phenomenon. A hypothesis, therefore, lays out what the said phenomenon is. And it does so through two variables, an independent and dependent variable.

The independent variable is the cause behind the observation, while the dependent variable is the effect of the cause. A good example of this is “mixing red and blue forms purple.” In this hypothesis, mixing red and blue is the independent variable as you're combining the two colors at your own will. The formation of purple is the dependent variable as, in this case, it is conditional to the independent variable.

Different Types of Hypotheses‌

Types of hypotheses

Some would stand by the notion that there are only two types of hypotheses: a Null hypothesis and an Alternative hypothesis. While that may have some truth to it, it would be better to fully distinguish the most common forms as these terms come up so often, which might leave you out of context.

Apart from Null and Alternative, there are Complex, Simple, Directional, Non-Directional, Statistical, and Associative and casual hypotheses. They don't necessarily have to be exclusive, as one hypothesis can tick many boxes, but knowing the distinctions between them will make it easier for you to construct your own.

1. Null hypothesis

A null hypothesis proposes no relationship between two variables. Denoted by H 0 , it is a negative statement like “Attending physiotherapy sessions does not affect athletes' on-field performance.” Here, the author claims physiotherapy sessions have no effect on on-field performances. Even if there is, it's only a coincidence.

2. Alternative hypothesis

Considered to be the opposite of a null hypothesis, an alternative hypothesis is donated as H1 or Ha. It explicitly states that the dependent variable affects the independent variable. A good  alternative hypothesis example is “Attending physiotherapy sessions improves athletes' on-field performance.” or “Water evaporates at 100 °C. ” The alternative hypothesis further branches into directional and non-directional.

• Directional hypothesis: A hypothesis that states the result would be either positive or negative is called directional hypothesis. It accompanies H1 with either the ‘<' or ‘>' sign.
• Non-directional hypothesis: A non-directional hypothesis only claims an effect on the dependent variable. It does not clarify whether the result would be positive or negative. The sign for a non-directional hypothesis is ‘≠.'

3. Simple hypothesis

A simple hypothesis is a statement made to reflect the relation between exactly two variables. One independent and one dependent. Consider the example, “Smoking is a prominent cause of lung cancer." The dependent variable, lung cancer, is dependent on the independent variable, smoking.

4. Complex hypothesis

In contrast to a simple hypothesis, a complex hypothesis implies the relationship between multiple independent and dependent variables. For instance, “Individuals who eat more fruits tend to have higher immunity, lesser cholesterol, and high metabolism.” The independent variable is eating more fruits, while the dependent variables are higher immunity, lesser cholesterol, and high metabolism.

5. Associative and casual hypothesis

Associative and casual hypotheses don't exhibit how many variables there will be. They define the relationship between the variables. In an associative hypothesis, changing any one variable, dependent or independent, affects others. In a casual hypothesis, the independent variable directly affects the dependent.

6. Empirical hypothesis

Also referred to as the working hypothesis, an empirical hypothesis claims a theory's validation via experiments and observation. This way, the statement appears justifiable and different from a wild guess.

Say, the hypothesis is “Women who take iron tablets face a lesser risk of anemia than those who take vitamin B12.” This is an example of an empirical hypothesis where the researcher  the statement after assessing a group of women who take iron tablets and charting the findings.

7. Statistical hypothesis

The point of a statistical hypothesis is to test an already existing hypothesis by studying a population sample. Hypothesis like “44% of the Indian population belong in the age group of 22-27.” leverage evidence to prove or disprove a particular statement.

Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis

Writing a hypothesis is essential as it can make or break your research for you. That includes your chances of getting published in a journal. So when you're designing one, keep an eye out for these pointers:

• A research hypothesis has to be simple yet clear to look justifiable enough.
• It has to be testable — your research would be rendered pointless if too far-fetched into reality or limited by technology.
• It has to be precise about the results —what you are trying to do and achieve through it should come out in your hypothesis.
• A research hypothesis should be self-explanatory, leaving no doubt in the reader's mind.
• If you are developing a relational hypothesis, you need to include the variables and establish an appropriate relationship among them.
• A hypothesis must keep and reflect the scope for further investigations and experiments.

Separating a Hypothesis from a Prediction

Outside of academia, hypothesis and prediction are often used interchangeably. In research writing, this is not only confusing but also incorrect. And although a hypothesis and prediction are guesses at their core, there are many differences between them.

A hypothesis is an educated guess or even a testable prediction validated through research. It aims to analyze the gathered evidence and facts to define a relationship between variables and put forth a logical explanation behind the nature of events.

Predictions are assumptions or expected outcomes made without any backing evidence. They are more fictionally inclined regardless of where they originate from.

For this reason, a hypothesis holds much more weight than a prediction. It sticks to the scientific method rather than pure guesswork. "Planets revolve around the Sun." is an example of a hypothesis as it is previous knowledge and observed trends. Additionally, we can test it through the scientific method.

Whereas "COVID-19 will be eradicated by 2030." is a prediction. Even though it results from past trends, we can't prove or disprove it. So, the only way this gets validated is to wait and watch if COVID-19 cases end by 2030.

Finally, How to Write a Hypothesis

Quick tips on writing a hypothesis

1.  Be clear about your research question

A hypothesis should instantly address the research question or the problem statement. To do so, you need to ask a question. Understand the constraints of your undertaken research topic and then formulate a simple and topic-centric problem. Only after that can you develop a hypothesis and further test for evidence.

2. Carry out a recce

Once you have your research's foundation laid out, it would be best to conduct preliminary research. Go through previous theories, academic papers, data, and experiments before you start curating your research hypothesis. It will give you an idea of your hypothesis's viability or originality.

Making use of references from relevant research papers helps draft a good research hypothesis. SciSpace Discover offers a repository of over 270 million research papers to browse through and gain a deeper understanding of related studies on a particular topic. Additionally, you can use SciSpace Copilot , your AI research assistant, for reading any lengthy research paper and getting a more summarized context of it. A hypothesis can be formed after evaluating many such summarized research papers. Copilot also offers explanations for theories and equations, explains paper in simplified version, allows you to highlight any text in the paper or clip math equations and tables and provides a deeper, clear understanding of what is being said. This can improve the hypothesis by helping you identify potential research gaps.

3. Create a 3-dimensional hypothesis

Variables are an essential part of any reasonable hypothesis. So, identify your independent and dependent variable(s) and form a correlation between them. The ideal way to do this is to write the hypothetical assumption in the ‘if-then' form. If you use this form, make sure that you state the predefined relationship between the variables.

In another way, you can choose to present your hypothesis as a comparison between two variables. Here, you must specify the difference you expect to observe in the results.

4. Write the first draft

Now that everything is in place, it's time to write your hypothesis. For starters, create the first draft. In this version, write what you expect to find from your research.

Clearly separate your independent and dependent variables and the link between them. Don't fixate on syntax at this stage. The goal is to ensure your hypothesis addresses the issue.

5. Proof your hypothesis

After preparing the first draft of your hypothesis, you need to inspect it thoroughly. It should tick all the boxes, like being concise, straightforward, relevant, and accurate. Your final hypothesis has to be well-structured as well.

Research projects are an exciting and crucial part of being a scholar. And once you have your research question, you need a great hypothesis to begin conducting research. Thus, knowing how to write a hypothesis is very important.

Now that you have a firmer grasp on what a good hypothesis constitutes, the different kinds there are, and what process to follow, you will find it much easier to write your hypothesis, which ultimately helps your research.

Now it's easier than ever to streamline your research workflow with SciSpace Discover . Its integrated, comprehensive end-to-end platform for research allows scholars to easily discover, write and publish their research and fosters collaboration.

It includes everything you need, including a repository of over 270 million research papers across disciplines, SEO-optimized summaries and public profiles to show your expertise and experience.

If you found these tips on writing a research hypothesis useful, head over to our blog on Statistical Hypothesis Testing to learn about the top researchers, papers, and institutions in this domain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. what is the definition of hypothesis.

According to the Oxford dictionary, a hypothesis is defined as “An idea or explanation of something that is based on a few known facts, but that has not yet been proved to be true or correct”.

2. What is an example of hypothesis?

The hypothesis is a statement that proposes a relationship between two or more variables. An example: "If we increase the number of new users who join our platform by 25%, then we will see an increase in revenue."

3. What is an example of null hypothesis?

A null hypothesis is a statement that there is no relationship between two variables. The null hypothesis is written as H0. The null hypothesis states that there is no effect. For example, if you're studying whether or not a particular type of exercise increases strength, your null hypothesis will be "there is no difference in strength between people who exercise and people who don't."

4. What are the types of research?

• Fundamental research

• Applied research

• Qualitative research

• Quantitative research

• Mixed research

• Exploratory research

• Longitudinal research

• Cross-sectional research

• Field research

• Laboratory research

• Fixed research

• Flexible research

• Action research

• Policy research

• Classification research

• Comparative research

• Causal research

• Inductive research

• Deductive research

5. How to write a hypothesis?

• Your hypothesis should be able to predict the relationship and outcome.

• Avoid wordiness by keeping it simple and brief.

• Your hypothesis should contain observable and testable outcomes.

• Your hypothesis should be relevant to the research question.

6. What are the 2 types of hypothesis?

• Null hypotheses are used to test the claim that "there is no difference between two groups of data".

• Alternative hypotheses test the claim that "there is a difference between two data groups".

7. Difference between research question and research hypothesis?

A research question is a broad, open-ended question you will try to answer through your research. A hypothesis is a statement based on prior research or theory that you expect to be true due to your study. Example - Research question: What are the factors that influence the adoption of the new technology? Research hypothesis: There is a positive relationship between age, education and income level with the adoption of the new technology.

8. What is plural for hypothesis?

The plural of hypothesis is hypotheses. Here's an example of how it would be used in a statement, "Numerous well-considered hypotheses are presented in this part, and they are supported by tables and figures that are well-illustrated."

9. What is the red queen hypothesis?

The red queen hypothesis in evolutionary biology states that species must constantly evolve to avoid extinction because if they don't, they will be outcompeted by other species that are evolving. Leigh Van Valen first proposed it in 1973; since then, it has been tested and substantiated many times.

10. Who is known as the father of null hypothesis?

The father of the null hypothesis is Sir Ronald Fisher. He published a paper in 1925 that introduced the concept of null hypothesis testing, and he was also the first to use the term itself.

11. When to reject null hypothesis?

You need to find a significant difference between your two populations to reject the null hypothesis. You can determine that by running statistical tests such as an independent sample t-test or a dependent sample t-test. You should reject the null hypothesis if the p-value is less than 0.05.

You might also like

Consensus GPT vs. SciSpace GPT: Choose the Best GPT for Research

Literature Review and Theoretical Framework: Understanding the Differences

Types of Essays in Academic Writing - Quick Guide (2024)

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

What Is a Hypothesis and How Do I Write One?

General Education

Think about something strange and unexplainable in your life. Maybe you get a headache right before it rains, or maybe you think your favorite sports team wins when you wear a certain color. If you wanted to see whether these are just coincidences or scientific fact, you would form a hypothesis, then create an experiment to see whether that hypothesis is true or not.

But what is a hypothesis, anyway? If you’re not sure about what a hypothesis is--or how to test for one!--you’re in the right place. This article will teach you everything you need to know about hypotheses, including: 

• Defining the term “hypothesis” 
• Providing hypothesis examples 
• Giving you tips for how to write your own hypothesis

So let’s get started!

What Is a Hypothesis?

Merriam Webster defines a hypothesis as “an assumption or concession made for the sake of argument.” In other words, a hypothesis is an educated guess . Scientists make a reasonable assumption--or a hypothesis--then design an experiment to test whether it’s true or not. Keep in mind that in science, a hypothesis should be testable. You have to be able to design an experiment that tests your hypothesis in order for it to be valid. 

As you could assume from that statement, it’s easy to make a bad hypothesis. But when you’re holding an experiment, it’s even more important that your guesses be good...after all, you’re spending time (and maybe money!) to figure out more about your observation. That’s why we refer to a hypothesis as an educated guess--good hypotheses are based on existing data and research to make them as sound as possible.

Hypotheses are one part of what’s called the scientific method .  Every (good) experiment or study is based in the scientific method. The scientific method gives order and structure to experiments and ensures that interference from scientists or outside influences does not skew the results. It’s important that you understand the concepts of the scientific method before holding your own experiment. Though it may vary among scientists, the scientific method is generally made up of six steps (in order):

• Observation
• Asking questions
• Forming a hypothesis
• Analyze the data
• Communicate your results

You’ll notice that the hypothesis comes pretty early on when conducting an experiment. That’s because experiments work best when they’re trying to answer one specific question. And you can’t conduct an experiment until you know what you’re trying to prove!

Independent and Dependent Variables 

After doing your research, you’re ready for another important step in forming your hypothesis: identifying variables. Variables are basically any factor that could influence the outcome of your experiment . Variables have to be measurable and related to the topic being studied.

There are two types of variables:  independent variables and dependent variables. I ndependent variables remain constant . For example, age is an independent variable; it will stay the same, and researchers can look at different ages to see if it has an effect on the dependent variable. 

Speaking of dependent variables... dependent variables are subject to the influence of the independent variable , meaning that they are not constant. Let’s say you want to test whether a person’s age affects how much sleep they need. In that case, the independent variable is age (like we mentioned above), and the dependent variable is how much sleep a person gets. 

Variables will be crucial in writing your hypothesis. You need to be able to identify which variable is which, as both the independent and dependent variables will be written into your hypothesis. For instance, in a study about exercise, the independent variable might be the speed at which the respondents walk for thirty minutes, and the dependent variable would be their heart rate. In your study and in your hypothesis, you’re trying to understand the relationship between the two variables.

Elements of a Good Hypothesis

The best hypotheses start by asking the right questions . For instance, if you’ve observed that the grass is greener when it rains twice a week, you could ask what kind of grass it is, what elevation it’s at, and if the grass across the street responds to rain in the same way. Any of these questions could become the backbone of experiments to test why the grass gets greener when it rains fairly frequently.

As you’re asking more questions about your first observation, make sure you’re also making more observations . If it doesn’t rain for two weeks and the grass still looks green, that’s an important observation that could influence your hypothesis. You'll continue observing all throughout your experiment, but until the hypothesis is finalized, every observation should be noted.

Finally, you should consult secondary research before writing your hypothesis . Secondary research is comprised of results found and published by other people. You can usually find this information online or at your library. Additionally, m ake sure the research you find is credible and related to your topic. If you’re studying the correlation between rain and grass growth, it would help you to research rain patterns over the past twenty years for your county, published by a local agricultural association. You should also research the types of grass common in your area, the type of grass in your lawn, and whether anyone else has conducted experiments about your hypothesis. Also be sure you’re checking the quality of your research . Research done by a middle school student about what minerals can be found in rainwater would be less useful than an article published by a local university.

Writing Your Hypothesis

Once you’ve considered all of the factors above, you’re ready to start writing your hypothesis. Hypotheses usually take a certain form when they’re written out in a research report.

When you boil down your hypothesis statement, you are writing down your best guess and not the question at hand . This means that your statement should be written as if it is fact already, even though you are simply testing it.

The reason for this is that, after you have completed your study, you'll either accept or reject your if-then or your null hypothesis. All hypothesis testing examples should be measurable and able to be confirmed or denied. You cannot confirm a question, only a statement! 

In fact, you come up with hypothesis examples all the time! For instance, when you guess on the outcome of a basketball game, you don’t say, “Will the Miami Heat beat the Boston Celtics?” but instead, “I think the Miami Heat will beat the Boston Celtics.” You state it as if it is already true, even if it turns out you’re wrong. You do the same thing when writing your hypothesis.

Additionally, keep in mind that hypotheses can range from very specific to very broad.  These hypotheses can be specific, but if your hypothesis testing examples involve a broad range of causes and effects, your hypothesis can also be broad.  

The Two Types of Hypotheses

Now that you understand what goes into a hypothesis, it’s time to look more closely at the two most common types of hypothesis: the if-then hypothesis and the null hypothesis.

#1: If-Then Hypotheses

First of all, if-then hypotheses typically follow this formula:

If ____ happens, then ____ will happen.

The goal of this type of hypothesis is to test the causal relationship between the independent and dependent variable. It’s fairly simple, and each hypothesis can vary in how detailed it can be. We create if-then hypotheses all the time with our daily predictions. Here are some examples of hypotheses that use an if-then structure from daily life: 

• If I get enough sleep, I’ll be able to get more work done tomorrow.
• If the bus is on time, I can make it to my friend’s birthday party. 
• If I study every night this week, I’ll get a better grade on my exam. 

In each of these situations, you’re making a guess on how an independent variable (sleep, time, or studying) will affect a dependent variable (the amount of work you can do, making it to a party on time, or getting better grades). 

You may still be asking, “What is an example of a hypothesis used in scientific research?” Take one of the hypothesis examples from a real-world study on whether using technology before bed affects children’s sleep patterns. The hypothesis read s:

“We hypothesized that increased hours of tablet- and phone-based screen time at bedtime would be inversely correlated with sleep quality and child attention.”

It might not look like it, but this is an if-then statement. The researchers basically said, “If children have more screen usage at bedtime, then their quality of sleep and attention will be worse.” The sleep quality and attention are the dependent variables and the screen usage is the independent variable. (Usually, the independent variable comes after the “if” and the dependent variable comes after the “then,” as it is the independent variable that affects the dependent variable.) This is an excellent example of how flexible hypothesis statements can be, as long as the general idea of “if-then” and the independent and dependent variables are present.

#2: Null Hypotheses

Your if-then hypothesis is not the only one needed to complete a successful experiment, however. You also need a null hypothesis to test it against. In its most basic form, the null hypothesis is the opposite of your if-then hypothesis . When you write your null hypothesis, you are writing a hypothesis that suggests that your guess is not true, and that the independent and dependent variables have no relationship .

One null hypothesis for the cell phone and sleep study from the last section might say: 

“If children have more screen usage at bedtime, their quality of sleep and attention will not be worse.” 

In this case, this is a null hypothesis because it’s asking the opposite of the original thesis! 

Conversely, if your if-then hypothesis suggests that your two variables have no relationship, then your null hypothesis would suggest that there is one. So, pretend that there is a study that is asking the question, “Does the amount of followers on Instagram influence how long people spend on the app?” The independent variable is the amount of followers, and the dependent variable is the time spent. But if you, as the researcher, don’t think there is a relationship between the number of followers and time spent, you might write an if-then hypothesis that reads:

“If people have many followers on Instagram, they will not spend more time on the app than people who have less.”

In this case, the if-then suggests there isn’t a relationship between the variables. In that case, one of the null hypothesis examples might say:

“If people have many followers on Instagram, they will spend more time on the app than people who have less.”

You then test both the if-then and the null hypothesis to gauge if there is a relationship between the variables, and if so, how much of a relationship. 

4 Tips to Write the Best Hypothesis

If you’re going to take the time to hold an experiment, whether in school or by yourself, you’re also going to want to take the time to make sure your hypothesis is a good one. The best hypotheses have four major elements in common: plausibility, defined concepts, observability, and general explanation.

#1: Plausibility

At first glance, this quality of a hypothesis might seem obvious. When your hypothesis is plausible, that means it’s possible given what we know about science and general common sense. However, improbable hypotheses are more common than you might think. 

Imagine you’re studying weight gain and television watching habits. If you hypothesize that people who watch more than  twenty hours of television a week will gain two hundred pounds or more over the course of a year, this might be improbable (though it’s potentially possible). Consequently, c ommon sense can tell us the results of the study before the study even begins.

Improbable hypotheses generally go against  science, as well. Take this hypothesis example: 

“If a person smokes one cigarette a day, then they will have lungs just as healthy as the average person’s.” 

This hypothesis is obviously untrue, as studies have shown again and again that cigarettes negatively affect lung health. You must be careful that your hypotheses do not reflect your own personal opinion more than they do scientifically-supported findings. This plausibility points to the necessity of research before the hypothesis is written to make sure that your hypothesis has not already been disproven.

#2: Defined Concepts

The more advanced you are in your studies, the more likely that the terms you’re using in your hypothesis are specific to a limited set of knowledge. One of the hypothesis testing examples might include the readability of printed text in newspapers, where you might use words like “kerning” and “x-height.” Unless your readers have a background in graphic design, it’s likely that they won’t know what you mean by these terms. Thus, it’s important to either write what they mean in the hypothesis itself or in the report before the hypothesis.

Here’s what we mean. Which of the following sentences makes more sense to the common person?

If the kerning is greater than average, more words will be read per minute.

If the space between letters is greater than average, more words will be read per minute.

For people reading your report that are not experts in typography, simply adding a few more words will be helpful in clarifying exactly what the experiment is all about. It’s always a good idea to make your research and findings as accessible as possible. 

Good hypotheses ensure that you can observe the results. 

#3: Observability

In order to measure the truth or falsity of your hypothesis, you must be able to see your variables and the way they interact. For instance, if your hypothesis is that the flight patterns of satellites affect the strength of certain television signals, yet you don’t have a telescope to view the satellites or a television to monitor the signal strength, you cannot properly observe your hypothesis and thus cannot continue your study.

Some variables may seem easy to observe, but if you do not have a system of measurement in place, you cannot observe your hypothesis properly. Here’s an example: if you’re experimenting on the effect of healthy food on overall happiness, but you don’t have a way to monitor and measure what “overall happiness” means, your results will not reflect the truth. Monitoring how often someone smiles for a whole day is not reasonably observable, but having the participants state how happy they feel on a scale of one to ten is more observable. 

In writing your hypothesis, always keep in mind how you'll execute the experiment.

#4: Generalizability 

Perhaps you’d like to study what color your best friend wears the most often by observing and documenting the colors she wears each day of the week. This might be fun information for her and you to know, but beyond you two, there aren’t many people who could benefit from this experiment. When you start an experiment, you should note how generalizable your findings may be if they are confirmed. Generalizability is basically how common a particular phenomenon is to other people’s everyday life.

Let’s say you’re asking a question about the health benefits of eating an apple for one day only, you need to realize that the experiment may be too specific to be helpful. It does not help to explain a phenomenon that many people experience. If you find yourself with too specific of a hypothesis, go back to asking the big question: what is it that you want to know, and what do you think will happen between your two variables?

Hypothesis Testing Examples

We know it can be hard to write a good hypothesis unless you’ve seen some good hypothesis examples. We’ve included four hypothesis examples based on some made-up experiments. Use these as templates or launch pads for coming up with your own hypotheses.

Experiment #1: Students Studying Outside (Writing a Hypothesis)

You are a student at PrepScholar University. When you walk around campus, you notice that, when the temperature is above 60 degrees, more students study in the quad. You want to know when your fellow students are more likely to study outside. With this information, how do you make the best hypothesis possible?

You must remember to make additional observations and do secondary research before writing your hypothesis. In doing so, you notice that no one studies outside when it’s 75 degrees and raining, so this should be included in your experiment. Also, studies done on the topic beforehand suggested that students are more likely to study in temperatures less than 85 degrees. With this in mind, you feel confident that you can identify your variables and write your hypotheses:

If-then: “If the temperature in Fahrenheit is less than 60 degrees, significantly fewer students will study outside.”

Null: “If the temperature in Fahrenheit is less than 60 degrees, the same number of students will study outside as when it is more than 60 degrees.”

These hypotheses are plausible, as the temperatures are reasonably within the bounds of what is possible. The number of people in the quad is also easily observable. It is also not a phenomenon specific to only one person or at one time, but instead can explain a phenomenon for a broader group of people.

To complete this experiment, you pick the month of October to observe the quad. Every day (except on the days where it’s raining)from 3 to 4 PM, when most classes have released for the day, you observe how many people are on the quad. You measure how many people come  and how many leave. You also write down the temperature on the hour. 

After writing down all of your observations and putting them on a graph, you find that the most students study on the quad when it is 70 degrees outside, and that the number of students drops a lot once the temperature reaches 60 degrees or below. In this case, your research report would state that you accept or “failed to reject” your first hypothesis with your findings.

Experiment #2: The Cupcake Store (Forming a Simple Experiment)

Let’s say that you work at a bakery. You specialize in cupcakes, and you make only two colors of frosting: yellow and purple. You want to know what kind of customers are more likely to buy what kind of cupcake, so you set up an experiment. Your independent variable is the customer’s gender, and the dependent variable is the color of the frosting. What is an example of a hypothesis that might answer the question of this study?

Here’s what your hypotheses might look like: 

If-then: “If customers’ gender is female, then they will buy more yellow cupcakes than purple cupcakes.”

Null: “If customers’ gender is female, then they will be just as likely to buy purple cupcakes as yellow cupcakes.”

This is a pretty simple experiment! It passes the test of plausibility (there could easily be a difference), defined concepts (there’s nothing complicated about cupcakes!), observability (both color and gender can be easily observed), and general explanation ( this would potentially help you make better business decisions ).

Experiment #3: Backyard Bird Feeders (Integrating Multiple Variables and Rejecting the If-Then Hypothesis)

While watching your backyard bird feeder, you realized that different birds come on the days when you change the types of seeds. You decide that you want to see more cardinals in your backyard, so you decide to see what type of food they like the best and set up an experiment. 

However, one morning, you notice that, while some cardinals are present, blue jays are eating out of your backyard feeder filled with millet. You decide that, of all of the other birds, you would like to see the blue jays the least. This means you'll have more than one variable in your hypothesis. Your new hypotheses might look like this: 

If-then: “If sunflower seeds are placed in the bird feeders, then more cardinals will come than blue jays. If millet is placed in the bird feeders, then more blue jays will come than cardinals.”

Null: “If either sunflower seeds or millet are placed in the bird, equal numbers of cardinals and blue jays will come.”

Through simple observation, you actually find that cardinals come as often as blue jays when sunflower seeds or millet is in the bird feeder. In this case, you would reject your “if-then” hypothesis and “fail to reject” your null hypothesis . You cannot accept your first hypothesis, because it’s clearly not true. Instead you found that there was actually no relation between your different variables. Consequently, you would need to run more experiments with different variables to see if the new variables impact the results.

Experiment #4: In-Class Survey (Including an Alternative Hypothesis)

You’re about to give a speech in one of your classes about the importance of paying attention. You want to take this opportunity to test a hypothesis you’ve had for a while: 

If-then: If students sit in the first two rows of the classroom, then they will listen better than students who do not.

Null: If students sit in the first two rows of the classroom, then they will not listen better or worse than students who do not.

You give your speech and then ask your teacher if you can hand out a short survey to the class. On the survey, you’ve included questions about some of the topics you talked about. When you get back the results, you’re surprised to see that not only do the students in the first two rows not pay better attention, but they also scored worse than students in other parts of the classroom! Here, both your if-then and your null hypotheses are not representative of your findings. What do you do?

This is when you reject both your if-then and null hypotheses and instead create an alternative hypothesis . This type of hypothesis is used in the rare circumstance that neither of your hypotheses is able to capture your findings . Now you can use what you’ve learned to draft new hypotheses and test again! 

Key Takeaways: Hypothesis Writing

The more comfortable you become with writing hypotheses, the better they will become. The structure of hypotheses is flexible and may need to be changed depending on what topic you are studying. The most important thing to remember is the purpose of your hypothesis and the difference between the if-then and the null . From there, in forming your hypothesis, you should constantly be asking questions, making observations, doing secondary research, and considering your variables. After you have written your hypothesis, be sure to edit it so that it is plausible, clearly defined, observable, and helpful in explaining a general phenomenon.

Writing a hypothesis is something that everyone, from elementary school children competing in a science fair to professional scientists in a lab, needs to know how to do. Hypotheses are vital in experiments and in properly executing the scientific method . When done correctly, hypotheses will set up your studies for success and help you to understand the world a little better, one experiment at a time.

What’s Next?

If you’re studying for the science portion of the ACT, there’s definitely a lot you need to know. We’ve got the tools to help, though! Start by checking out our ultimate study guide for the ACT Science subject test. Once you read through that, be sure to download our recommended ACT Science practice tests , since they’re one of the most foolproof ways to improve your score. (And don’t forget to check out our expert guide book , too.)

If you love science and want to major in a scientific field, you should start preparing in high school . Here are the science classes you should take to set yourself up for success.

If you’re trying to think of science experiments you can do for class (or for a science fair!), here’s a list of 37 awesome science experiments you can do at home

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

User Preferences

Content preview.

Arcu felis bibendum ut tristique et egestas quis:

• Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris
• Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate
• Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Keyboard Shortcuts

5.2 - writing hypotheses.

The first step in conducting a hypothesis test is to write the hypothesis statements that are going to be tested. For each test you will have a null hypothesis (\(H_0\)) and an alternative hypothesis (\(H_a\)).

When writing hypotheses there are three things that we need to know: (1) the parameter that we are testing (2) the direction of the test (non-directional, right-tailed or left-tailed), and (3) the value of the hypothesized parameter.

• At this point we can write hypotheses for a single mean (\(\mu\)), paired means(\(\mu_d\)), a single proportion (\(p\)), the difference between two independent means (\(\mu_1-\mu_2\)), the difference between two proportions (\(p_1-p_2\)), a simple linear regression slope (\(\beta\)), and a correlation (\(\rho\)). 
• The research question will give us the information necessary to determine if the test is two-tailed (e.g., "different from," "not equal to"), right-tailed (e.g., "greater than," "more than"), or left-tailed (e.g., "less than," "fewer than").
• The research question will also give us the hypothesized parameter value. This is the number that goes in the hypothesis statements (i.e., \(\mu_0\) and \(p_0\)). For the difference between two groups, regression, and correlation, this value is typically 0.

Hypotheses are always written in terms of population parameters (e.g., \(p\) and \(\mu\)).  The tables below display all of the possible hypotheses for the parameters that we have learned thus far. Note that the null hypothesis always includes the equality (i.e., =).

• History & Society
• Science & Tech
• Biographies
• Animals & Nature
• Geography & Travel
• Arts & Culture
• Games & Quizzes
• On This Day
• One Good Fact
• New Articles
• Lifestyles & Social Issues
• Philosophy & Religion
• Politics, Law & Government
• World History
• Health & Medicine
• Browse Biographies
• Birds, Reptiles & Other Vertebrates
• Bugs, Mollusks & Other Invertebrates
• Environment
• Fossils & Geologic Time
• Entertainment & Pop Culture
• Sports & Recreation
• Visual Arts
• Demystified
• Image Galleries
• Infographics
• Top Questions
• Britannica Kids
• Saving Earth
• Space Next 50
• Student Center

• When did science begin?
• Where was science invented?

scientific hypothesis

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - On the scope of scientific hypotheses
• LiveScience - What is a scientific hypothesis?
• The Royal Society - Open Science - On the scope of scientific hypotheses

scientific hypothesis , an idea that proposes a tentative explanation about a phenomenon or a narrow set of phenomena observed in the natural world. The two primary features of a scientific hypothesis are falsifiability and testability, which are reflected in an “If…then” statement summarizing the idea and in the ability to be supported or refuted through observation and experimentation. The notion of the scientific hypothesis as both falsifiable and testable was advanced in the mid-20th century by Austrian-born British philosopher Karl Popper .

The formulation and testing of a hypothesis is part of the scientific method , the approach scientists use when attempting to understand and test ideas about natural phenomena. The generation of a hypothesis frequently is described as a creative process and is based on existing scientific knowledge, intuition , or experience. Therefore, although scientific hypotheses commonly are described as educated guesses, they actually are more informed than a guess. In addition, scientists generally strive to develop simple hypotheses, since these are easier to test relative to hypotheses that involve many different variables and potential outcomes. Such complex hypotheses may be developed as scientific models ( see scientific modeling ).

Depending on the results of scientific evaluation, a hypothesis typically is either rejected as false or accepted as true. However, because a hypothesis inherently is falsifiable, even hypotheses supported by scientific evidence and accepted as true are susceptible to rejection later, when new evidence has become available. In some instances, rather than rejecting a hypothesis because it has been falsified by new evidence, scientists simply adapt the existing idea to accommodate the new information. In this sense a hypothesis is never incorrect but only incomplete.

The investigation of scientific hypotheses is an important component in the development of scientific theory . Hence, hypotheses differ fundamentally from theories; whereas the former is a specific tentative explanation and serves as the main tool by which scientists gather data, the latter is a broad general explanation that incorporates data from many different scientific investigations undertaken to explore hypotheses.

Countless hypotheses have been developed and tested throughout the history of science . Several examples include the idea that living organisms develop from nonliving matter, which formed the basis of spontaneous generation , a hypothesis that ultimately was disproved (first in 1668, with the experiments of Italian physician Francesco Redi , and later in 1859, with the experiments of French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur ); the concept proposed in the late 19th century that microorganisms cause certain diseases (now known as germ theory ); and the notion that oceanic crust forms along submarine mountain zones and spreads laterally away from them ( seafloor spreading hypothesis ).

Research Hypothesis In Psychology: Types, & Examples

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

On This Page:

A research hypothesis, in its plural form “hypotheses,” is a specific, testable prediction about the anticipated results of a study, established at its outset. It is a key component of the scientific method .

Hypotheses connect theory to data and guide the research process towards expanding scientific understanding

Some key points about hypotheses:

• A hypothesis expresses an expected pattern or relationship. It connects the variables under investigation.
• It is stated in clear, precise terms before any data collection or analysis occurs. This makes the hypothesis testable.
• A hypothesis must be falsifiable. It should be possible, even if unlikely in practice, to collect data that disconfirms rather than supports the hypothesis.
• Hypotheses guide research. Scientists design studies to explicitly evaluate hypotheses about how nature works.
• For a hypothesis to be valid, it must be testable against empirical evidence. The evidence can then confirm or disprove the testable predictions.
• Hypotheses are informed by background knowledge and observation, but go beyond what is already known to propose an explanation of how or why something occurs.

Predictions typically arise from a thorough knowledge of the research literature, curiosity about real-world problems or implications, and integrating this to advance theory. They build on existing literature while providing new insight.

Types of Research Hypotheses

Alternative hypothesis.

The research hypothesis is often called the alternative or experimental hypothesis in experimental research.

It typically suggests a potential relationship between two key variables: the independent variable, which the researcher manipulates, and the dependent variable, which is measured based on those changes.

The alternative hypothesis states a relationship exists between the two variables being studied (one variable affects the other).

A hypothesis is a testable statement or prediction about the relationship between two or more variables. It is a key component of the scientific method. Some key points about hypotheses:

• Important hypotheses lead to predictions that can be tested empirically. The evidence can then confirm or disprove the testable predictions.

In summary, a hypothesis is a precise, testable statement of what researchers expect to happen in a study and why. Hypotheses connect theory to data and guide the research process towards expanding scientific understanding.

An experimental hypothesis predicts what change(s) will occur in the dependent variable when the independent variable is manipulated.

It states that the results are not due to chance and are significant in supporting the theory being investigated.

The alternative hypothesis can be directional, indicating a specific direction of the effect, or non-directional, suggesting a difference without specifying its nature. It’s what researchers aim to support or demonstrate through their study.

Null Hypothesis

The null hypothesis states no relationship exists between the two variables being studied (one variable does not affect the other). There will be no changes in the dependent variable due to manipulating the independent variable.

It states results are due to chance and are not significant in supporting the idea being investigated.

The null hypothesis, positing no effect or relationship, is a foundational contrast to the research hypothesis in scientific inquiry. It establishes a baseline for statistical testing, promoting objectivity by initiating research from a neutral stance.

Many statistical methods are tailored to test the null hypothesis, determining the likelihood of observed results if no true effect exists.

This dual-hypothesis approach provides clarity, ensuring that research intentions are explicit, and fosters consistency across scientific studies, enhancing the standardization and interpretability of research outcomes.

Nondirectional Hypothesis

A non-directional hypothesis, also known as a two-tailed hypothesis, predicts that there is a difference or relationship between two variables but does not specify the direction of this relationship.

It merely indicates that a change or effect will occur without predicting which group will have higher or lower values.

For example, “There is a difference in performance between Group A and Group B” is a non-directional hypothesis.

Directional Hypothesis

A directional (one-tailed) hypothesis predicts the nature of the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable. It predicts in which direction the change will take place. (i.e., greater, smaller, less, more)

It specifies whether one variable is greater, lesser, or different from another, rather than just indicating that there’s a difference without specifying its nature.

For example, “Exercise increases weight loss” is a directional hypothesis.

Falsifiability

The Falsification Principle, proposed by Karl Popper , is a way of demarcating science from non-science. It suggests that for a theory or hypothesis to be considered scientific, it must be testable and irrefutable.

Falsifiability emphasizes that scientific claims shouldn’t just be confirmable but should also have the potential to be proven wrong.

It means that there should exist some potential evidence or experiment that could prove the proposition false.

However many confirming instances exist for a theory, it only takes one counter observation to falsify it. For example, the hypothesis that “all swans are white,” can be falsified by observing a black swan.

For Popper, science should attempt to disprove a theory rather than attempt to continually provide evidence to support a research hypothesis.

Can a Hypothesis be Proven?

Hypotheses make probabilistic predictions. They state the expected outcome if a particular relationship exists. However, a study result supporting a hypothesis does not definitively prove it is true.

All studies have limitations. There may be unknown confounding factors or issues that limit the certainty of conclusions. Additional studies may yield different results.

In science, hypotheses can realistically only be supported with some degree of confidence, not proven. The process of science is to incrementally accumulate evidence for and against hypothesized relationships in an ongoing pursuit of better models and explanations that best fit the empirical data. But hypotheses remain open to revision and rejection if that is where the evidence leads.

• Disproving a hypothesis is definitive. Solid disconfirmatory evidence will falsify a hypothesis and require altering or discarding it based on the evidence.
• However, confirming evidence is always open to revision. Other explanations may account for the same results, and additional or contradictory evidence may emerge over time.

We can never 100% prove the alternative hypothesis. Instead, we see if we can disprove, or reject the null hypothesis.

If we reject the null hypothesis, this doesn’t mean that our alternative hypothesis is correct but does support the alternative/experimental hypothesis.

Upon analysis of the results, an alternative hypothesis can be rejected or supported, but it can never be proven to be correct. We must avoid any reference to results proving a theory as this implies 100% certainty, and there is always a chance that evidence may exist which could refute a theory.

How to Write a Hypothesis

• Identify variables . The researcher manipulates the independent variable and the dependent variable is the measured outcome.
• Operationalized the variables being investigated . Operationalization of a hypothesis refers to the process of making the variables physically measurable or testable, e.g. if you are about to study aggression, you might count the number of punches given by participants.
• Decide on a direction for your prediction . If there is evidence in the literature to support a specific effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, write a directional (one-tailed) hypothesis. If there are limited or ambiguous findings in the literature regarding the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, write a non-directional (two-tailed) hypothesis.
• Make it Testable : Ensure your hypothesis can be tested through experimentation or observation. It should be possible to prove it false (principle of falsifiability).
• Clear & concise language . A strong hypothesis is concise (typically one to two sentences long), and formulated using clear and straightforward language, ensuring it’s easily understood and testable.

Consider a hypothesis many teachers might subscribe to: students work better on Monday morning than on Friday afternoon (IV=Day, DV= Standard of work).

Now, if we decide to study this by giving the same group of students a lesson on a Monday morning and a Friday afternoon and then measuring their immediate recall of the material covered in each session, we would end up with the following:

• The alternative hypothesis states that students will recall significantly more information on a Monday morning than on a Friday afternoon.
• The null hypothesis states that there will be no significant difference in the amount recalled on a Monday morning compared to a Friday afternoon. Any difference will be due to chance or confounding factors.

More Examples

• Memory : Participants exposed to classical music during study sessions will recall more items from a list than those who studied in silence.
• Social Psychology : Individuals who frequently engage in social media use will report higher levels of perceived social isolation compared to those who use it infrequently.
• Developmental Psychology : Children who engage in regular imaginative play have better problem-solving skills than those who don’t.
• Clinical Psychology : Cognitive-behavioral therapy will be more effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety over a 6-month period compared to traditional talk therapy.
• Cognitive Psychology : Individuals who multitask between various electronic devices will have shorter attention spans on focused tasks than those who single-task.
• Health Psychology : Patients who practice mindfulness meditation will experience lower levels of chronic pain compared to those who don’t meditate.
• Organizational Psychology : Employees in open-plan offices will report higher levels of stress than those in private offices.
• Behavioral Psychology : Rats rewarded with food after pressing a lever will press it more frequently than rats who receive no reward.

What is a scientific hypothesis?

It's the initial building block in the scientific method.

Hypothesis basics

What makes a hypothesis testable.

• Types of hypotheses
• Hypothesis versus theory

Additional resources

Bibliography.

A scientific hypothesis is a tentative, testable explanation for a phenomenon in the natural world. It's the initial building block in the scientific method . Many describe it as an "educated guess" based on prior knowledge and observation. While this is true, a hypothesis is more informed than a guess. While an "educated guess" suggests a random prediction based on a person's expertise, developing a hypothesis requires active observation and background research. 

The basic idea of a hypothesis is that there is no predetermined outcome. For a solution to be termed a scientific hypothesis, it has to be an idea that can be supported or refuted through carefully crafted experimentation or observation. This concept, called falsifiability and testability, was advanced in the mid-20th century by Austrian-British philosopher Karl Popper in his famous book "The Logic of Scientific Discovery" (Routledge, 1959).

A key function of a hypothesis is to derive predictions about the results of future experiments and then perform those experiments to see whether they support the predictions.

A hypothesis is usually written in the form of an if-then statement, which gives a possibility (if) and explains what may happen because of the possibility (then). The statement could also include "may," according to California State University, Bakersfield .

Here are some examples of hypothesis statements:

• If garlic repels fleas, then a dog that is given garlic every day will not get fleas.
• If sugar causes cavities, then people who eat a lot of candy may be more prone to cavities.
• If ultraviolet light can damage the eyes, then maybe this light can cause blindness.

A useful hypothesis should be testable and falsifiable. That means that it should be possible to prove it wrong. A theory that can't be proved wrong is nonscientific, according to Karl Popper's 1963 book " Conjectures and Refutations ."

An example of an untestable statement is, "Dogs are better than cats." That's because the definition of "better" is vague and subjective. However, an untestable statement can be reworded to make it testable. For example, the previous statement could be changed to this: "Owning a dog is associated with higher levels of physical fitness than owning a cat." With this statement, the researcher can take measures of physical fitness from dog and cat owners and compare the two.

Types of scientific hypotheses

In an experiment, researchers generally state their hypotheses in two ways. The null hypothesis predicts that there will be no relationship between the variables tested, or no difference between the experimental groups. The alternative hypothesis predicts the opposite: that there will be a difference between the experimental groups. This is usually the hypothesis scientists are most interested in, according to the University of Miami .

For example, a null hypothesis might state, "There will be no difference in the rate of muscle growth between people who take a protein supplement and people who don't." The alternative hypothesis would state, "There will be a difference in the rate of muscle growth between people who take a protein supplement and people who don't."

If the results of the experiment show a relationship between the variables, then the null hypothesis has been rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis, according to the book " Research Methods in Psychology " (​​BCcampus, 2015). 

There are other ways to describe an alternative hypothesis. The alternative hypothesis above does not specify a direction of the effect, only that there will be a difference between the two groups. That type of prediction is called a two-tailed hypothesis. If a hypothesis specifies a certain direction — for example, that people who take a protein supplement will gain more muscle than people who don't — it is called a one-tailed hypothesis, according to William M. K. Trochim , a professor of Policy Analysis and Management at Cornell University.

Sometimes, errors take place during an experiment. These errors can happen in one of two ways. A type I error is when the null hypothesis is rejected when it is true. This is also known as a false positive. A type II error occurs when the null hypothesis is not rejected when it is false. This is also known as a false negative, according to the University of California, Berkeley . 

A hypothesis can be rejected or modified, but it can never be proved correct 100% of the time. 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. Though the findings confirm the hypothesis, there may be a tomato of that type somewhere in the world that isn't red. Thus, the hypothesis is true, but it may not be true 100% of the time.

Scientific theory vs. scientific hypothesis

The best hypotheses are simple. They deal with a relatively narrow set of phenomena. But theories are broader; they generally combine multiple hypotheses into a general explanation for a wide range of phenomena, according to the University of California, Berkeley . For example, a hypothesis might state, "If animals adapt to suit their environments, then birds that live on islands with lots of seeds to eat will have differently shaped beaks than birds that live on islands with lots of insects to eat." After testing many hypotheses like these, Charles Darwin formulated an overarching theory: the theory of evolution by natural selection.

"Theories are the ways that we make sense of what we observe in the natural world," Tanner said. "Theories are structures of ideas that explain and interpret facts." 

• Read more about writing a hypothesis, from the American Medical Writers Association.
• Find out why a hypothesis isn't always necessary in science, from The American Biology Teacher.
• Learn about null and alternative hypotheses, from Prof. Essa on YouTube .

Encyclopedia Britannica. Scientific Hypothesis. Jan. 13, 2022. https://www.britannica.com/science/scientific-hypothesis

Karl Popper, "The Logic of Scientific Discovery," Routledge, 1959.

California State University, Bakersfield, "Formatting a testable hypothesis." https://www.csub.edu/~ddodenhoff/Bio100/Bio100sp04/formattingahypothesis.htm  

Karl Popper, "Conjectures and Refutations," Routledge, 1963.

Price, P., Jhangiani, R., & Chiang, I., "Research Methods of Psychology — 2nd Canadian Edition," BCcampus, 2015.‌

University of Miami, "The Scientific Method" http://www.bio.miami.edu/dana/161/evolution/161app1_scimethod.pdf  

William M.K. Trochim, "Research Methods Knowledge Base," https://conjointly.com/kb/hypotheses-explained/  

University of California, Berkeley, "Multiple Hypothesis Testing and False Discovery Rate" https://www.stat.berkeley.edu/~hhuang/STAT141/Lecture-FDR.pdf  

University of California, Berkeley, "Science at multiple levels" https://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/0_0_0/howscienceworks_19

Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now

Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.

World's largest iron ore deposits formed over 1 billion years ago in supercontinent breakup

Never-before-seen shapes up to 1,300 feet long discovered beneath Antarctic ice

Metal money wasn't just for the rich in Bronze Age Europe, study finds

Most Popular

• 2 No, NASA hasn't warned of an impending asteroid strike in 2038. Here's what really happened.
• 3 Milky Way's black hole 'exhaust vent' discovered in eerie X-ray observations
• 4 NASA offers SpaceX $843 million to destroy the International Space Station
• 5 Which continent has the most animal species?
• 2 Tasselled wobbegong: The master of disguise that can eat a shark almost as big as itself
• 3 Newly discovered asteroid larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza will zoom between Earth and the moon on Saturday
• 4 2,000 years ago, a bridge in Switzerland collapsed on top of Celtic sacrifice victims, new study suggests
• 5 What causes you to get a 'stitch in your side'?

Writing a Strong Hypothesis Statement

All good theses begins with a good thesis question. However, all great theses begins with a great hypothesis statement. One of the most important steps for writing a thesis is to create a strong hypothesis statement. 

What is a hypothesis statement?

A hypothesis statement must be testable. If it cannot be tested, then there is no research to be done.

Simply put, a hypothesis statement posits the relationship between two or more variables. It is a prediction of what you think will happen in a research study. A hypothesis statement must be testable. If it cannot be tested, then there is no research to be done. If your thesis question is whether wildfires have effects on the weather, “wildfires create tornadoes” would be your hypothesis. However, a hypothesis needs to have several key elements in order to meet the criteria for a good hypothesis.

In this article, we will learn about what distinguishes a weak hypothesis from a strong one. We will also learn how to phrase your thesis question and frame your variables so that you are able to write a strong hypothesis statement and great thesis.

What is a hypothesis?

A hypothesis statement posits, or considers, a relationship between two variables.

As we mentioned above, a hypothesis statement posits or considers a relationship between two variables. In our hypothesis statement example above, the two variables are wildfires and tornadoes, and our assumed relationship between the two is a causal one (wildfires cause tornadoes). It is clear from our example above what we will be investigating: the relationship between wildfires and tornadoes.

A strong hypothesis statement should be:

• A prediction of the relationship between two or more variables

A hypothesis is not just a blind guess. It should build upon existing theories and knowledge . Tornadoes are often observed near wildfires once the fires reach a certain size. In addition, tornadoes are not a normal weather event in many areas; they have been spotted together with wildfires. This existing knowledge has informed the formulation of our hypothesis.

Depending on the thesis question, your research paper might have multiple hypothesis statements. What is important is that your hypothesis statement or statements are testable through data analysis, observation, experiments, or other methodologies.

Formulating your hypothesis

One of the best ways to form a hypothesis is to think about “if...then” statements.

Now that we know what a hypothesis statement is, let’s walk through how to formulate a strong one. First, you will need a thesis question. Your thesis question should be narrow in scope, answerable, and focused. Once you have your thesis question, it is time to start thinking about your hypothesis statement. You will need to clearly identify the variables involved before you can begin thinking about their relationship.

One of the best ways to form a hypothesis is to think about “if...then” statements . This can also help you easily identify the variables you are working with and refine your hypothesis statement. Let’s take a few examples.

If teenagers are given comprehensive sex education, there will be fewer teen pregnancies .

In this example, the independent variable is whether or not teenagers receive comprehensive sex education (the cause), and the dependent variable is the number of teen pregnancies (the effect).

If a cat is fed a vegan diet, it will die .

Here, our independent variable is the diet of the cat (the cause), and the dependent variable is the cat’s health (the thing impacted by the cause).

If children drink 8oz of milk per day, they will grow taller than children who do not drink any milk .

What are the variables in this hypothesis? If you identified drinking milk as the independent variable and growth as the dependent variable, you are correct. This is because we are guessing that drinking milk causes increased growth in the height of children.

Refining your hypothesis

Do not be afraid to refine your hypothesis throughout the process of formulation.

Do not be afraid to refine your hypothesis throughout the process of formulation. A strong hypothesis statement is clear, testable, and involves a prediction. While “testable” means verifiable or falsifiable, it also means that you are able to perform the necessary experiments without violating any ethical standards. Perhaps once you think about the ethics of possibly harming some cats by testing a vegan diet on them you might abandon the idea of that experiment altogether. However, if you think it is really important to research the relationship between a cat’s diet and a cat’s health, perhaps you could refine your hypothesis to something like this:

If 50% of a cat’s meals are vegan, the cat will not be able to meet its nutritional needs .

Another feature of a strong hypothesis statement is that it can easily be tested with the resources that you have readily available. While it might not be feasible to measure the growth of a cohort of children throughout their whole lives, you may be able to do so for a year. Then, you can adjust your hypothesis to something like this:

I f children aged 8 drink 8oz of milk per day for one year, they will grow taller during that year than children who do not drink any milk .

As you work to narrow down and refine your hypothesis to reflect a realistic potential research scope, don’t be afraid to talk to your supervisor about any concerns or questions you might have about what is truly possible to research. 

What makes a hypothesis weak?

We noted above that a strong hypothesis statement is clear, is a prediction of a relationship between two or more variables, and is testable. We also clarified that statements, which are too general or specific are not strong hypotheses. We have looked at some examples of hypotheses that meet the criteria for a strong hypothesis, but before we go any further, let’s look at weak or bad hypothesis statement examples so that you can really see the difference.

Bad hypothesis 1: Diabetes is caused by witchcraft .

While this is fun to think about, it cannot be tested or proven one way or the other with clear evidence, data analysis, or experiments. This bad hypothesis fails to meet the testability requirement.

Bad hypothesis 2: If I change the amount of food I eat, my energy levels will change .

This is quite vague. Am I increasing or decreasing my food intake? What do I expect exactly will happen to my energy levels and why? How am I defining energy level? This bad hypothesis statement fails the clarity requirement.

Bad hypothesis 3: Japanese food is disgusting because Japanese people don’t like tourists .

This hypothesis is unclear about the posited relationship between variables. Are we positing the relationship between the deliciousness of Japanese food and the desire for tourists to visit? or the relationship between the deliciousness of Japanese food and the amount that Japanese people like tourists? There is also the problematic subjectivity of the assessment that Japanese food is “disgusting.” The problems are numerous.

The null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis

The null hypothesis, quite simply, posits that there is no relationship between the variables.

What is the null hypothesis?

The hypothesis posits a relationship between two or more variables. The null hypothesis, quite simply, posits that there is no relationship between the variables. It is often indicated as H 0 , which is read as “h-oh” or “h-null.” The alternative hypothesis is the opposite of the null hypothesis as it posits that there is some relationship between the variables. The alternative hypothesis is written as H a or H 1 .

Let’s take our previous hypothesis statement examples discussed at the start and look at their corresponding null hypothesis.

H a : If teenagers are given comprehensive sex education, there will be fewer teen pregnancies .

H 0 : If teenagers are given comprehensive sex education, there will be no change in the number of teen pregnancies .

The null hypothesis assumes that comprehensive sex education will not affect how many teenagers get pregnant. It should be carefully noted that the null hypothesis is not always the opposite of the alternative hypothesis. For example:

If teenagers are given comprehensive sex education, there will be more teen pregnancies .

These are opposing statements that assume an opposite relationship between the variables: comprehensive sex education increases or decreases the number of teen pregnancies. In fact, these are both alternative hypotheses. This is because they both still assume that there is a relationship between the variables . In other words, both hypothesis statements assume that there is some kind of relationship between sex education and teen pregnancy rates. The alternative hypothesis is also the researcher’s actual predicted outcome, which is why calling it “alternative” can be confusing! However, you can think of it this way: our default assumption is the null hypothesis, and so any possible relationship is an alternative to the default.

Step-by-step sample hypothesis statements

Now that we’ve covered what makes a hypothesis statement strong, how to go about formulating a hypothesis statement, refining your hypothesis statement, and the null hypothesis, let’s put it all together with some examples. The table below shows a breakdown of how we can take a thesis question, identify the variables, create a null hypothesis, and finally create a strong alternative hypothesis.

Once you have formulated a solid thesis question and written a strong hypothesis statement, you are ready to begin your thesis in earnest. Check out our site for more tips on writing a great thesis and information on thesis proofreading and editing services.

Editor’s pick

Get free updates.

Subscribe to our newsletter for regular insights from the research and publishing industry!

Review Checklist

Start with a clear thesis question

Think about “if-then” statements to identify your variables and the relationship between them

Create a null hypothesis

Formulate an alternative hypothesis using the variables you have identified

Make sure your hypothesis clearly posits a relationship between variables

Make sure your hypothesis is testable considering your available time and resources

What makes a hypothesis strong? +

A hypothesis is strong when it is testable, clear, and identifies a potential relationship between two or more variables.

What makes a hypothesis weak? +

A hypothesis is weak when it is too specific or too general, or does not identify a clear relationship between two or more variables.

What is the null hypothesis? +

The null hypothesis posits that the variables you have identified have no relationship.

What Are Examples of a 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 an explanation for a set of observations. Here are examples of a scientific hypothesis.

Although you could state a scientific hypothesis in various ways, most hypotheses are either "If, then" statements or forms of the null hypothesis . The null hypothesis is sometimes called the "no difference" hypothesis. The null hypothesis is good for experimentation because it's simple to disprove. If you disprove a null hypothesis, that is evidence for a relationship between the variables you are examining.

Examples of Null Hypotheses

• Hyperactivity is unrelated to eating sugar.
• All daisies have the same number of petals.
• The number of pets in a household is unrelated to the number of people living in it.
• A person's preference for a shirt is unrelated to its color.

Examples of If, Then Hypotheses

• If you get at least 6 hours of sleep, you will do better on tests than if you get less sleep.
• If you drop a ball, it will fall toward the ground.
• If you drink coffee before going to bed, then it will take longer to fall asleep.
• If you cover a wound with a bandage, then it will heal with less scarring.

Improving a Hypothesis to Make It Testable

You may wish to revise your first hypothesis in order to make it easier to design an experiment to test. For example, let's say you have a bad breakout the morning after eating a lot of greasy food. You may wonder if there is a correlation between eating greasy food and getting pimples. You propose the hypothesis:

Eating greasy food causes pimples.

Next, you need to design an experiment to test this hypothesis. Let's say you decide to eat greasy food every day for a week and record the effect on your face. Then, as a control, you'll avoid greasy food for the next week and see what happens. Now, this is not a good experiment because it does not take into account other factors such as hormone levels, stress, sun exposure, exercise, or any number of other variables that might conceivably affect your skin.

The problem is that you cannot assign cause to your effect . If you eat french fries for a week and suffer a breakout, can you definitely say it was the grease in the food that caused it? Maybe it was the salt. Maybe it was the potato. Maybe it was unrelated to diet. You can't prove your hypothesis. It's much easier to disprove a hypothesis.

So, let's restate the hypothesis to make it easier to evaluate the data:

Getting pimples is unaffected by eating greasy food.

So, if you eat fatty food every day for a week and suffer breakouts and then don't break out the week that you avoid greasy food, you can be pretty sure something is up. Can you disprove the hypothesis? Probably not, since it is so hard to assign cause and effect. However, you can make a strong case that there is some relationship between diet and acne.

If your skin stays clear for the entire test, you may decide to accept your hypothesis . Again, you didn't prove or disprove anything, which is fine

• What Is a Testable Hypothesis?
• What Are the Elements of a Good Hypothesis?
• Null Hypothesis Examples
• Scientific Hypothesis Examples
• What Is a Hypothesis? (Science)
• Scientific Method Vocabulary Terms
• Scientific Method Flow Chart
• Understanding Simple vs Controlled Experiments
• Six Steps of the Scientific Method
• What Is an Experimental Constant?
• What Is the Difference Between a Control Variable and Control Group?
• The Role of a Controlled Variable in an Experiment
• Random Error vs. Systematic Error
• What Is a Controlled Experiment?
• Scientific Variable
• DRY MIX Experiment Variables Acronym

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Null and Alternative Hypotheses | Definitions & Examples

Null & Alternative Hypotheses | Definitions, Templates & Examples

Published on May 6, 2022 by Shaun Turney . Revised on June 22, 2023.

The null and alternative hypotheses are two competing claims that researchers weigh evidence for and against using a statistical test :

• Null hypothesis ( H 0 ): There’s no effect in the population .
• Alternative hypothesis ( H a or H 1 ) : There’s an effect in the population.

Table of contents

Answering your research question with hypotheses, what is a null hypothesis, what is an alternative hypothesis, similarities and differences between null and alternative hypotheses, how to write null and alternative hypotheses, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions.

The null and alternative hypotheses offer competing answers to your research question . When the research question asks “Does the independent variable affect the dependent variable?”:

• The null hypothesis ( H 0 ) answers “No, there’s no effect in the population.”
• The alternative hypothesis ( H a ) answers “Yes, there is an effect in the population.”

The null and alternative are always claims about the population. That’s because the goal of hypothesis testing is to make inferences about a population based on a sample . Often, we infer whether there’s an effect in the population by looking at differences between groups or relationships between variables in the sample. It’s critical for your research to write strong hypotheses .

You can use a statistical test to decide whether the evidence favors the null or alternative hypothesis. Each type of statistical test comes with a specific way of phrasing the null and alternative hypothesis. However, the hypotheses can also be phrased in a general way that applies to any test.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

The null hypothesis is the claim that there’s no effect in the population.

If the sample provides enough evidence against the claim that there’s no effect in the population ( p ≤ α), then we can reject the null hypothesis . Otherwise, we fail to reject the null hypothesis.

Although “fail to reject” may sound awkward, it’s the only wording that statisticians accept . Be careful not to say you “prove” or “accept” the null hypothesis.

Null hypotheses often include phrases such as “no effect,” “no difference,” or “no relationship.” When written in mathematical terms, they always include an equality (usually =, but sometimes ≥ or ≤).

You can never know with complete certainty whether there is an effect in the population. Some percentage of the time, your inference about the population will be incorrect. When you incorrectly reject the null hypothesis, it’s called a type I error . When you incorrectly fail to reject it, it’s a type II error.

Examples of null hypotheses

The table below gives examples of research questions and null hypotheses. There’s always more than one way to answer a research question, but these null hypotheses can help you get started.

*Note that some researchers prefer to always write the null hypothesis in terms of “no effect” and “=”. It would be fine to say that daily meditation has no effect on the incidence of depression and p 1 = p 2 .

The alternative hypothesis ( H a ) is the other answer to your research question . It claims that there’s an effect in the population.

Often, your alternative hypothesis is the same as your research hypothesis. In other words, it’s the claim that you expect or hope will be true.

The alternative hypothesis is the complement to the null hypothesis. Null and alternative hypotheses are exhaustive, meaning that together they cover every possible outcome. They are also mutually exclusive, meaning that only one can be true at a time.

Alternative hypotheses often include phrases such as “an effect,” “a difference,” or “a relationship.” When alternative hypotheses are written in mathematical terms, they always include an inequality (usually ≠, but sometimes < or >). As with null hypotheses, there are many acceptable ways to phrase an alternative hypothesis.

Examples of alternative hypotheses

The table below gives examples of research questions and alternative hypotheses to help you get started with formulating your own.

Null and alternative hypotheses are similar in some ways:

• They’re both answers to the research question.
• They both make claims about the population.
• They’re both evaluated by statistical tests.

However, there are important differences between the two types of hypotheses, summarized in the following table.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

To help you write your hypotheses, you can use the template sentences below. If you know which statistical test you’re going to use, you can use the test-specific template sentences. Otherwise, you can use the general template sentences.

General template sentences

The only thing you need to know to use these general template sentences are your dependent and independent variables. To write your research question, null hypothesis, and alternative hypothesis, fill in the following sentences with your variables:

Does independent variable affect dependent variable ?

• Null hypothesis ( H 0 ): Independent variable does not affect dependent variable.
• Alternative hypothesis ( H a ): Independent variable affects dependent variable.

Test-specific template sentences

Once you know the statistical test you’ll be using, you can write your hypotheses in a more precise and mathematical way specific to the test you chose. The table below provides template sentences for common statistical tests.

Note: The template sentences above assume that you’re performing one-tailed tests . One-tailed tests are appropriate for most studies.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• Normal distribution
• Descriptive statistics
• Measures of central tendency
• Correlation coefficient

Methodology

• Cluster sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Types of interviews
• Cohort study
• Thematic analysis

Research bias

• Implicit bias
• Cognitive bias
• Survivorship bias
• Availability heuristic
• Nonresponse bias
• Regression to the mean

Hypothesis testing is a formal procedure for investigating our ideas about the world using statistics. It is used by scientists to test specific predictions, called hypotheses , by calculating how likely it is that a pattern or relationship between variables could have arisen by chance.

Null and alternative hypotheses are used in statistical hypothesis testing . The null hypothesis of a test always predicts no effect or no relationship between variables, while the alternative hypothesis states your research prediction of an effect or relationship.

The null hypothesis is often abbreviated as H 0 . When the null hypothesis is written using mathematical symbols, it always includes an equality symbol (usually =, but sometimes ≥ or ≤).

The alternative hypothesis is often abbreviated as H a or H 1 . When the alternative hypothesis is written using mathematical symbols, it always includes an inequality symbol (usually ≠, but sometimes < or >).

A research hypothesis is your proposed answer to your research question. The research hypothesis usually includes an explanation (“ x affects y because …”).

A statistical hypothesis, on the other hand, is a mathematical statement about a population parameter. Statistical hypotheses always come in pairs: the null and alternative hypotheses . In a well-designed study , the statistical hypotheses correspond logically to the research hypothesis.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Turney, S. (2023, June 22). Null & Alternative Hypotheses | Definitions, Templates & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 1, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/statistics/null-and-alternative-hypotheses/

Is this article helpful?

Shaun Turney

Other students also liked, inferential statistics | an easy introduction & examples, hypothesis testing | a step-by-step guide with easy examples, type i & type ii errors | differences, examples, visualizations, what is your plagiarism score.

• More from M-W
• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of hypothesis

Did you know.

The Difference Between Hypothesis and Theory

A hypothesis is an assumption, an idea that is proposed for the sake of argument so that it can be tested to see if it might be true.

In the scientific method, the hypothesis is constructed before any applicable research has been done, apart from a basic background review. You ask a question, read up on what has been studied before, and then form a hypothesis.

A hypothesis is usually tentative; it's an assumption or suggestion made strictly for the objective of being tested.

A theory , in contrast, is a principle that has been formed as an attempt to explain things that have already been substantiated by data. It is used in the names of a number of principles accepted in the scientific community, such as the Big Bang Theory . Because of the rigors of experimentation and control, it is understood to be more likely to be true than a hypothesis is.

In non-scientific use, however, hypothesis and theory are often used interchangeably to mean simply an idea, speculation, or hunch, with theory being the more common choice.

Since this casual use does away with the distinctions upheld by the scientific community, hypothesis and theory are prone to being wrongly interpreted even when they are encountered in scientific contexts—or at least, contexts that allude to scientific study without making the critical distinction that scientists employ when weighing hypotheses and theories.

The most common occurrence is when theory is interpreted—and sometimes even gleefully seized upon—to mean something having less truth value than other scientific principles. (The word law applies to principles so firmly established that they are almost never questioned, such as the law of gravity.)

This mistake is one of projection: since we use theory in general to mean something lightly speculated, then it's implied that scientists must be talking about the same level of uncertainty when they use theory to refer to their well-tested and reasoned principles.

The distinction has come to the forefront particularly on occasions when the content of science curricula in schools has been challenged—notably, when a school board in Georgia put stickers on textbooks stating that evolution was "a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things." As Kenneth R. Miller, a cell biologist at Brown University, has said , a theory "doesn’t mean a hunch or a guess. A theory is a system of explanations that ties together a whole bunch of facts. It not only explains those facts, but predicts what you ought to find from other observations and experiments.”

While theories are never completely infallible, they form the basis of scientific reasoning because, as Miller said "to the best of our ability, we’ve tested them, and they’ve held up."

• proposition
• supposition

hypothesis , theory , law mean a formula derived by inference from scientific data that explains a principle operating in nature.

hypothesis implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation.

theory implies a greater range of evidence and greater likelihood of truth.

law implies a statement of order and relation in nature that has been found to be invariable under the same conditions.

Examples of hypothesis in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hypothesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Greek, from hypotithenai to put under, suppose, from hypo- + tithenai to put — more at do

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hypothesis

• counter - hypothesis
• nebular hypothesis
• null hypothesis
• planetesimal hypothesis
• Whorfian hypothesis

Articles Related to hypothesis

This is the Difference Between a...

This is the Difference Between a Hypothesis and a Theory

In scientific reasoning, they're two completely different things

Dictionary Entries Near hypothesis

hypothermia

hypothesize

Cite this Entry

“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothesis. Accessed 2 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of hypothesis, medical definition, medical definition of hypothesis, more from merriam-webster on hypothesis.

Nglish: Translation of hypothesis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of hypothesis for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypothesis

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day, extemporaneous.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Plural and possessive names: a guide, your vs. you're: how to use them correctly, every letter is silent, sometimes: a-z list of examples, more commonly mispronounced words, how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), popular in wordplay, it's a scorcher words for the summer heat, flower etymologies for your spring garden, 12 star wars words, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, birds say the darndest things, games & quizzes.

• Scientific Methods

What is Hypothesis?

We have heard of many hypotheses which have led to great inventions in science. Assumptions that are made on the basis of some evidence are known as hypotheses. In this article, let us learn in detail about the hypothesis and the type of hypothesis with examples.

A hypothesis is an assumption that is made based on some evidence. This is the initial point of any investigation that translates the research questions into predictions. It includes components like variables, population and the relation between the variables. A research hypothesis is a hypothesis that is used to test the relationship between two or more variables.

Characteristics of Hypothesis

Following are the characteristics of the hypothesis:

• The hypothesis should be clear and precise to consider it to be reliable.
• If the hypothesis is a relational hypothesis, then it should be stating the relationship between variables.
• The hypothesis must be specific and should have scope for conducting more tests.
• The way of explanation of the hypothesis must be very simple and it should also be understood that the simplicity of the hypothesis is not related to its significance.

Sources of Hypothesis

Following are the sources of hypothesis:

• The resemblance between the phenomenon.
• Observations from past studies, present-day experiences and from the competitors.
• Scientific theories.
• General patterns that influence the thinking process of people.

Types of Hypothesis

There are six forms of hypothesis and they are:

• Simple hypothesis
• Complex hypothesis
• Directional hypothesis
• Non-directional hypothesis
• Null hypothesis
• Associative and casual hypothesis

Simple Hypothesis

It shows a relationship between one dependent variable and a single independent variable. For example – If you eat more vegetables, you will lose weight faster. Here, eating more vegetables is an independent variable, while losing weight is the dependent variable.

Complex Hypothesis

It shows the relationship between two or more dependent variables and two or more independent variables. Eating more vegetables and fruits leads to weight loss, glowing skin, and reduces the risk of many diseases such as heart disease.

Directional Hypothesis

It shows how a researcher is intellectual and committed to a particular outcome. The relationship between the variables can also predict its nature. For example- children aged four years eating proper food over a five-year period are having higher IQ levels than children not having a proper meal. This shows the effect and direction of the effect.

Non-directional Hypothesis

It is used when there is no theory involved. It is a statement that a relationship exists between two variables, without predicting the exact nature (direction) of the relationship.

Null Hypothesis

It provides a statement which is contrary to the hypothesis. It’s a negative statement, and there is no relationship between independent and dependent variables. The symbol is denoted by “H O ”.

Associative and Causal Hypothesis

Associative hypothesis occurs when there is a change in one variable resulting in a change in the other variable. Whereas, the causal hypothesis proposes a cause and effect interaction between two or more variables.

Examples of Hypothesis

Following are the examples of hypotheses based on their types:

• Consumption of sugary drinks every day leads to obesity is an example of a simple hypothesis.
• All lilies have the same number of petals is an example of a null hypothesis.
• If a person gets 7 hours of sleep, then he will feel less fatigue than if he sleeps less. It is an example of a directional hypothesis.

Functions of Hypothesis

Following are the functions performed by the hypothesis:

• Hypothesis helps in making an observation and experiments possible.
• It becomes the start point for the investigation.
• Hypothesis helps in verifying the observations.
• It helps in directing the inquiries in the right direction.

How will Hypothesis help in the Scientific Method?

Researchers use hypotheses to put down their thoughts directing how the experiment would take place. Following are the steps that are involved in the scientific method:

• Formation of question
• Doing background research
• Creation of hypothesis
• Designing an experiment
• Collection of data
• Result analysis
• Summarizing the experiment
• Communicating the results

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is hypothesis.

A hypothesis is an assumption made based on some evidence.

Give an example of simple hypothesis?

What are the types of hypothesis.

Types of hypothesis are:

• Associative and Casual hypothesis

State true or false: Hypothesis is the initial point of any investigation that translates the research questions into a prediction.

Define complex hypothesis..

A complex hypothesis shows the relationship between two or more dependent variables and two or more independent variables.

Put your understanding of this concept to test by answering a few MCQs. Click ‘Start Quiz’ to begin!

Select the correct answer and click on the “Finish” button Check your score and answers at the end of the quiz

Visit BYJU’S for all Physics related queries and study materials

Your result is as below

Request OTP on Voice Call

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post My Comment

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

The Real Differences Between Thesis and Hypothesis (With table)

A thesis and a hypothesis are two very different things, but they are often confused with one another. In this blog post, we will explain the differences between these two terms, and help you understand when to use which one in a research project.

As a whole, the main difference between a thesis and a hypothesis is that a thesis is an assertion that can be proven or disproven, while a hypothesis is a statement that can be tested by scientific research. 

We probably need to expand a bit on this topic to make things clearer for you, let’s start with definitions and examples.

Definitions

As always, let’s start with the definition of each term before going further.

A thesis is a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. A thesis statement is usually one sentence, and it states your position on the topic at hand.

You may also like:

The best way to understand the slight difference between those terms, is to give you an example for each of them.

If you are writing a paper about the effects of climate change on the environment, your thesis might be “Climate change is causing irreparable damage to our planet, and we must take action to prevent further damage”.

If your hypothesis is correct, then further research should be able to confirm it. However, if your hypothesis is incorrect, research will disprove it. Either way, a hypothesis is an important part of the scientific process.

The word “hypothesis” comes from the Greek words “hupo,” meaning “under”, and “thesis” that we just explained.

Argumentation vs idea

A thesis is usually the result of extensive research and contemplation, and seeks to prove a point or theory.

A hypothesis is only a statement that need to be tested by observation or experimentation.

5 mains differences between thesis and hypothesis

Thesis and hypothesis are different in several ways, here are the 5 keys differences between those terms:

So, in short, a thesis is an argument, while a hypothesis is a prediction. A thesis is more detailed and longer than a hypothesis, and it is based on research. Finally, a thesis must be proven, while a hypothesis does not need to be proven.

Is there a difference between a thesis and a claim?

Is a hypothesis a prediction.

No, a hypothesis is not a prediction. A prediction is a statement about what you think will happen in the future, whereas a hypothesis is a statement about what you think is causing a particular phenomenon.

What’s the difference between thesis and dissertation?

A thesis is usually shorter and more focused than a dissertation, and it is typically achieved in order to earn a bachelor’s degree. A dissertation is usually longer and more comprehensive, and it is typically completed in order to earn a master’s or doctorate degree.

What is a good thesis statement?

I am very curious and I love to learn about all types of subjects. Thanks to my experience on the web, I share my discoveries with you on this site :)

Similar Posts

Biography or bibliography know the difference today, what are the differences between a king and the emperor, what’s the difference between a sphere and a ball, what’s the difference between average and median, the true differences between a monarchy and an empire, torpedo vs missile: what’s the difference.

• School Guide
• Mathematics
• Number System and Arithmetic
• Trigonometry
• Probability
• Mensuration
• Maths Formulas
• Class 8 Maths Notes
• Class 9 Maths Notes
• Class 10 Maths Notes
• Class 11 Maths Notes
• Class 12 Maths Notes

Hypothesis is a testable statement that explains what is happening or observed. It proposes the relation between the various participating variables. Hypothesis is also called Theory, Thesis, Guess, Assumption, or Suggestion. Hypothesis creates a structure that guides the search for knowledge.

In this article, we will learn what is hypothesis, its characteristics, types, and examples. We will also learn how hypothesis helps in scientific research.

Table of Content

What is Hypothesis?

Hypothesis meaning, characteristics of hypothesis, sources of hypothesis, types of hypothesis, simple hypothesis, complex hypothesis, directional hypothesis, non-directional hypothesis, null hypothesis (h0), alternative hypothesis (h1 or ha), statistical hypothesis, research hypothesis, associative hypothesis, causal hypothesis, hypothesis examples, simple hypothesis example, complex hypothesis example, directional hypothesis example, non-directional hypothesis example, alternative hypothesis (ha), functions of hypothesis, how hypothesis help in scientific research.

A hypothesis is a suggested idea or plan that has little proof, meant to lead to more study. It’s mainly a smart guess or suggested answer to a problem that can be checked through study and trial. In science work, we make guesses called hypotheses to try and figure out what will happen in tests or watching. These are not sure things but rather ideas that can be proved or disproved based on real-life proofs. A good theory is clear and can be tested and found wrong if the proof doesn’t support it.

A hypothesis is a proposed statement that is testable and is given for something that happens or observed.

• It is made using what we already know and have seen, and it’s the basis for scientific research.
• A clear guess tells us what we think will happen in an experiment or study.
• It’s a testable clue that can be proven true or wrong with real-life facts and checking it out carefully.
• It usually looks like a “if-then” rule, showing the expected cause and effect relationship between what’s being studied.

Here are some key characteristics of a hypothesis:

• Testable: An idea (hypothesis) should be made so it can be tested and proven true through doing experiments or watching. It should show a clear connection between things.
• Specific: It needs to be easy and on target, talking about a certain part or connection between things in a study.
• Falsifiable: A good guess should be able to show it’s wrong. This means there must be a chance for proof or seeing something that goes against the guess.
• Logical and Rational: It should be based on things we know now or have seen, giving a reasonable reason that fits with what we already know.
• Predictive: A guess often tells what to expect from an experiment or observation. It gives a guide for what someone might see if the guess is right.
• Concise: It should be short and clear, showing the suggested link or explanation simply without extra confusion.
• Grounded in Research: A guess is usually made from before studies, ideas or watching things. It comes from a deep understanding of what is already known in that area.
• Flexible: A guess helps in the research but it needs to change or fix when new information comes up.
• Relevant: It should be related to the question or problem being studied, helping to direct what the research is about.
• Empirical: Hypotheses come from observations and can be tested using methods based on real-world experiences.

Hypotheses can come from different places based on what you’re studying and the kind of research. Here are some common sources from which hypotheses may originate:

• Existing Theories: Often, guesses come from well-known science ideas. These ideas may show connections between things or occurrences that scientists can look into more.
• Observation and Experience: Watching something happen or having personal experiences can lead to guesses. We notice odd things or repeat events in everyday life and experiments. This can make us think of guesses called hypotheses.
• Previous Research: Using old studies or discoveries can help come up with new ideas. Scientists might try to expand or question current findings, making guesses that further study old results.
• Literature Review: Looking at books and research in a subject can help make guesses. Noticing missing parts or mismatches in previous studies might make researchers think up guesses to deal with these spots.
• Problem Statement or Research Question: Often, ideas come from questions or problems in the study. Making clear what needs to be looked into can help create ideas that tackle certain parts of the issue.
• Analogies or Comparisons: Making comparisons between similar things or finding connections from related areas can lead to theories. Understanding from other fields could create new guesses in a different situation.
• Hunches and Speculation: Sometimes, scientists might get a gut feeling or make guesses that help create ideas to test. Though these may not have proof at first, they can be a beginning for looking deeper.
• Technology and Innovations: New technology or tools might make guesses by letting us look at things that were hard to study before.
• Personal Interest and Curiosity: People’s curiosity and personal interests in a topic can help create guesses. Scientists could make guesses based on their own likes or love for a subject.

Here are some common types of hypotheses:

• Non-directional Hypothesis

Simple Hypothesis guesses a connection between two things. It says that there is a connection or difference between variables, but it doesn’t tell us which way the relationship goes.

Complex Hypothesis tells us what will happen when more than two things are connected. It looks at how different things interact and may be linked together.

Directional Hypothesis says how one thing is related to another. For example, it guesses that one thing will help or hurt another thing.

Non-Directional Hypothesis are the one that don’t say how the relationship between things will be. They just say that there is a connection, without telling which way it goes.

Null hypothesis is a statement that says there’s no connection or difference between different things. It implies that any seen impacts are because of luck or random changes in the information.

Alternative Hypothesis is different from the null hypothesis and shows that there’s a big connection or gap between variables. Scientists want to say no to the null hypothesis and choose the alternative one.

Statistical Hypotheis are used in math testing and include making ideas about what groups or bits of them look like. You aim to get information or test certain things using these top-level, common words only.

Research Hypothesis comes from the research question and tells what link is expected between things or factors. It leads the study and chooses where to look more closely.

Associative Hypotheis guesses that there is a link or connection between things without really saying it caused them. It means that when one thing changes, it is connected to another thing changing.

Causal Hypothesis are different from other ideas because they say that one thing causes another. This means there’s a cause and effect relationship between variables involved in the situation. They say that when one thing changes, it directly makes another thing change.

Following are the examples of hypotheses based on their types:

• Studying more can help you do better on tests.
• Getting more sun makes people have higher amounts of vitamin D.
• How rich you are, how easy it is to get education and healthcare greatly affects the number of years people live.
• A new medicine’s success relies on the amount used, how old a person is who takes it and their genes.
• Drinking more sweet drinks is linked to a higher body weight score.
• Too much stress makes people less productive at work.
• Drinking caffeine can affect how well you sleep.
• People often like different kinds of music based on their gender.
• The average test scores of Group A and Group B are not much different.
• There is no connection between using a certain fertilizer and how much it helps crops grow.
• Patients on Diet A have much different cholesterol levels than those following Diet B.
• Exposure to a certain type of light can change how plants grow compared to normal sunlight.
• The average smarts score of kids in a certain school area is 100.
• The usual time it takes to finish a job using Method A is the same as with Method B.
• Having more kids go to early learning classes helps them do better in school when they get older.
• Using specific ways of talking affects how much customers get involved in marketing activities.
• Regular exercise helps to lower the chances of heart disease.
• Going to school more can help people make more money.
• Playing violent video games makes teens more likely to act aggressively.
• Less clean air directly impacts breathing health in city populations.

Hypotheses have many important jobs in the process of scientific research. Here are the key functions of hypotheses:

• Guiding Research: Hypotheses give a clear and exact way for research. They act like guides, showing the predicted connections or results that scientists want to study.
• Formulating Research Questions: Research questions often create guesses. They assist in changing big questions into particular, checkable things. They guide what the study should be focused on.
• Setting Clear Objectives: Hypotheses set the goals of a study by saying what connections between variables should be found. They set the targets that scientists try to reach with their studies.
• Testing Predictions: Theories guess what will happen in experiments or observations. By doing tests in a planned way, scientists can check if what they see matches the guesses made by their ideas.
• Providing Structure: Theories give structure to the study process by arranging thoughts and ideas. They aid scientists in thinking about connections between things and plan experiments to match.
• Focusing Investigations: Hypotheses help scientists focus on certain parts of their study question by clearly saying what they expect links or results to be. This focus makes the study work better.
• Facilitating Communication: Theories help scientists talk to each other effectively. Clearly made guesses help scientists to tell others what they plan, how they will do it and the results expected. This explains things well with colleagues in a wide range of audiences.
• Generating Testable Statements: A good guess can be checked, which means it can be looked at carefully or tested by doing experiments. This feature makes sure that guesses add to the real information used in science knowledge.
• Promoting Objectivity: Guesses give a clear reason for study that helps guide the process while reducing personal bias. They motivate scientists to use facts and data as proofs or disprovals for their proposed answers.
• Driving Scientific Progress: Making, trying out and adjusting ideas is a cycle. Even if a guess is proven right or wrong, the information learned helps to grow knowledge in one specific area.

Researchers use hypotheses to put down their thoughts directing how the experiment would take place. Following are the steps that are involved in the scientific method:

• Initiating Investigations: Hypotheses are the beginning of science research. They come from watching, knowing what’s already known or asking questions. This makes scientists make certain explanations that need to be checked with tests.
• Formulating Research Questions: Ideas usually come from bigger questions in study. They help scientists make these questions more exact and testable, guiding the study’s main point.
• Setting Clear Objectives: Hypotheses set the goals of a study by stating what we think will happen between different things. They set the goals that scientists want to reach by doing their studies.
• Designing Experiments and Studies: Assumptions help plan experiments and watchful studies. They assist scientists in knowing what factors to measure, the techniques they will use and gather data for a proposed reason.
• Testing Predictions: Ideas guess what will happen in experiments or observations. By checking these guesses carefully, scientists can see if the seen results match up with what was predicted in each hypothesis.
• Analysis and Interpretation of Data: Hypotheses give us a way to study and make sense of information. Researchers look at what they found and see if it matches the guesses made in their theories. They decide if the proof backs up or disagrees with these suggested reasons why things are happening as expected.
• Encouraging Objectivity: Hypotheses help make things fair by making sure scientists use facts and information to either agree or disagree with their suggested reasons. They lessen personal preferences by needing proof from experience.
• Iterative Process: People either agree or disagree with guesses, but they still help the ongoing process of science. Findings from testing ideas make us ask new questions, improve those ideas and do more tests. It keeps going on in the work of science to keep learning things.

People Also View:

Mathematics Maths Formulas Branches of Mathematics

Summary – Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a testable statement serving as an initial explanation for phenomena, based on observations, theories, or existing knowledge. It acts as a guiding light for scientific research, proposing potential relationships between variables that can be empirically tested through experiments and observations.

The hypothesis must be specific, testable, falsifiable, and grounded in prior research or observation, laying out a predictive, if-then scenario that details a cause-and-effect relationship. It originates from various sources including existing theories, observations, previous research, and even personal curiosity, leading to different types, such as simple, complex, directional, non-directional, null, and alternative hypotheses, each serving distinct roles in research methodology .

The hypothesis not only guides the research process by shaping objectives and designing experiments but also facilitates objective analysis and interpretation of data , ultimately driving scientific progress through a cycle of testing, validation, and refinement.

Hypothesis – FAQs

What is a hypothesis.

A guess is a possible explanation or forecast that can be checked by doing research and experiments.

What are Components of a Hypothesis?

The components of a Hypothesis are Independent Variable, Dependent Variable, Relationship between Variables, Directionality etc.

What makes a Good Hypothesis?

Testability, Falsifiability, Clarity and Precision, Relevance are some parameters that makes a Good Hypothesis

Can a Hypothesis be Proven True?

You cannot prove conclusively that most hypotheses are true because it’s generally impossible to examine all possible cases for exceptions that would disprove them.

How are Hypotheses Tested?

Hypothesis testing is used to assess the plausibility of a hypothesis by using sample data

Can Hypotheses change during Research?

Yes, you can change or improve your ideas based on new information discovered during the research process.

What is the Role of a Hypothesis in Scientific Research?

Hypotheses are used to support scientific research and bring about advancements in knowledge.

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads.

• Geeks Premier League
• School Learning
• Geeks Premier League 2023
• Maths-Class-12

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

Research Question and Hypothesis

Ai generator.

Navigating the intricacies of research begins with crafting well-defined research questions and hypothesis statements. These essential components guide the entire research process, shaping investigations and analyses. In this comprehensive guide, explore the art of formulating research questions and hypothesis statements. Learn how to create focused, inquiry-driven questions and construct research hypothesis statements that capture the essence of your study. Unveil examples and invaluable tips to enhance your research endeavors.

What is an example of a Research Question and Hypothesis Statement?

Research Question: How does regular exercise impact the mental well-being of college students?

Hypothesis Statement: College students who engage in regular exercise experience improved mental well-being compared to those who do not exercise regularly.

In this example, the research question focuses on the relationship between exercise and mental well-being among college students. The hypothesis statement predicts a specific outcome, stating that there will be a positive impact on mental well-being for those who exercise regularly. The hypothesis guides the research process and provides a clear expectation for the study’s results.

100 Research Question and Hypothesis Statement Examples

Size: 366 KB

Quantitative Research Question and Hypothesis Statement Examples

In quantitative research, researchers aim to collect and analyze numerical data to answer specific research questions. A quantitative research question is designed to be measurable and testable, and it often involves examining the relationship between variables. The corresponding hypothesis statement predicts the expected outcome of the research based on previous knowledge or theories.

Psychology Research Question and Hypothesis Statement Examples

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Psychology research questions delve into various aspects of human behavior, cognition, emotion, and more. These questions are designed to gain a deeper understanding of psychological phenomena. Hypothesis statements for psychology hypothesis  research predict how certain factors or variables might influence human behavior or mental processes.

Testable Research Question and Hypothesis Statement Examples

Testable research questions are formulated in a way that allows them to be tested through empirical observation or experimentation. These questions are often used in scientific and experimental research to investigate cause-and-effect relationships between variables. The corresponding hypothesis statements propose an expected outcome based on the variables being studied and the conditions of the experiment.

Is the Hypothesis Statement and Research Question Statement the Same Thing?

The hypothesis statement and research question statement are closely related but not the same. Both play crucial roles in research, but they serve distinct purposes.

• Research Question Statement : A research question is a clear and concise inquiry that outlines the specific aspect of a topic you want to investigate. It is often expressed as an interrogative sentence and helps guide your research by focusing on a particular area of interest.
• Hypothesis Statement : A hypothesis is a testable statement that predicts the relationship between variables. It’s based on existing knowledge or theories and proposes an expected outcome of your research. Hypotheses are formulated for experimental research and provide a basis for collecting and analyzing data.

How Do You State a Research Question and Hypothesis?

Research question :.

• Identify the topic of interest.
• Specify the aspect you want to explore.
• Frame the question as a clear and concise interrogative sentence.
• Ensure the question is researchable and not too broad or too narrow.

Hypothesis Statement :

• Identify the variables involved (independent and dependent).
• Formulate a prediction about their relationship.
• Use clear language and avoid ambiguity.
• Write it as a declarative statement.

How Do You Write a Research Question and Hypothesis Statement? – A Step by Step Guide

• Identify the Topic : Choose a specific topic that interests you and is relevant to your field of study.
• Background Research : Gather information about existing research related to your topic. This helps you understand what’s already known and identify gaps or areas for exploration.
• Formulate the Research Question : Decide what aspect of the topic you want to investigate. Frame a clear, focused, and concise research question.
• Identify Variables : Determine the independent and dependent variables in your research question. The independent variable is what you manipulate, and the dependent variable is what you measure.
• Formulate the Hypothesis : Write a testable hypothesis that predicts the expected outcome based on the relationship between the variables.
• Consider Null Hypothesis : Formulate a null hypothesis that states no relationship exists between the variables. This provides a baseline for comparison.

Tips for Writing Research Question and Hypothesis

• Keep both the research question and hypothesis concise and specific.
• Ensure they are testable and can be investigated through research.
• Use clear language that accurately conveys your intentions.
• Base your hypothesis on existing knowledge or theories.
• Align the research question and hypothesis with the scope of your study.
• Revise and refine your statements based on feedback and further research.

Remember, both research questions and hypotheses play essential roles in guiding your research and framing the investigation’s purpose and expected outcomes.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

Given the following output from Excel comparing times two machines packs products, which statement is correct. a Based upon the data there is insufficient evidence to suggest that there is a difference between the two machines b The t stat is negative thus we can not make a conclusion. c The p-value is less than alpha thus we do not reject the null hypothesis d Reject the null hypothesis and there is a difference between the two machines

Based on the given information, statement (d) is correct: "Reject the null hypothesis and there is a difference between the two machines."

(a) "Based upon the data there is insufficient evidence to suggest that there is a difference between the two machines": This statement would be true if the data showed a lack of statistically significant difference between the two machines. However, without specific information about the data, we cannot determine this based on the options provided.

(b) "The t stat is negative, thus we cannot make a conclusion": The sign of the t-statistic alone does not provide sufficient information to draw a conclusion. The t-statistic can be negative or positive depending on the direction of the difference between the two machines. Therefore, this statement is not valid.

(c) "The p-value is less than alpha, thus we do not reject the null hypothesis": This statement contradicts the definition and interpretation of p-values. When the p-value is less than the chosen significance level (alpha), it suggests that the observed difference is statistically significant. In this case, we reject the null hypothesis , which assumes no difference between the machines.

(d) "Reject the null hypothesis, and there is a difference between the two machines": This statement aligns with the correct interpretation. When the p-value is less than alpha, we reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there is evidence to suggest a difference between the two machines.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct statement based on the given information.

Learn more about null hypothesis here:

https://brainly.com/question/30821298

Related Questions

The angle between two force vectors a and b is 70°. The scalar projection of a on b is 7N. Determine the magnitude of a

The magnitude of vector a is approximately 20.47.To determine the magnitude of vector a, we can use the scalar projection and the angle between the vectors.

The scalar projection of vector a onto vector b is given by the formula:

Scalar projection = |a| * cos(θ)

where |a| is the magnitude of vector a and θ is the angle between vectors a and b.

In this case, we are given that the scalar projection of a on b is 7N. Let's denote the magnitude of vector a as |a|. The angle between vectors a and b is given as 70°. Therefore, we can rewrite the equation as:

7 = |a| * cos(70°)

To find the magnitude of vector a, we can rearrange the equation and solve for |a|:

|a| = 7 / cos(70°)

Using a calculator, we can evaluate cos(70°) ≈ 0.3420.

Substituting this value into the equation:

|a| = 7 / 0.3420

Simplifying the expression:

|a| ≈ 20.47

Therefore, the magnitude of vector a is approximately 20.47.

To learn more about scalar click here:

brainly.com/question/19806325

let l : r3 →r2 be a linear operator given by t (x) = ax. find the matrix a such that l 1 0 1 = (2 0 ) , l 1 1 0 = ( 4 −1 ) , l 0 2 −1 = ( 5 −1

The matrix a for linear operator given by t (x) = ax, such that l 1 0 1 = (2 0 ) , l 1 1 0 = ( 4 −1 ) , l 0 2 −1 = ( 5 −1 ) is given by the matrix a = 2 4 5 0 -1 -1.

The matrix a such that l 1 0 1 = (2 0 ) , l 1 1 0 = ( 4 −1 ) , l 0 2 −1 = ( 5 −1 ) is given by: a = (l(e1) l(e2) l(e3)) where e1, e2, e3 are the standard basis vectors in R3. Therefore, we need to find l(e1), l(e2), l(e3).Note that e1 = (1, 0, 0), e2 = (0, 1, 0), e3 = (0, 0, 1).

Also, we know that l(x) = ax, where a is the matrix of l with respect to the standard basis in R3 and the standard basis in R2. Now, l(e1) = (2, 0), l(e2) = (4, -1), l(e3) = (5, -1).

Therefore, a = [l(e1) l(e2) l(e3)] = 2 4 5 0 -1 -1.

To know more about linear operator , visit:

https://brainly.com/question/30891905

The given operator is:

l : R3 → R2 given by t(x) = ax.

The matrix representation of the operator L is given by:

L = [t(e1) t(e2) t(e3)] = [ae1 ae2 ae3]

Where, {e1, e2, e3} is the standard basis for R3, and {t(e1), t(e2)} is the standard basis for R2.

L[1 0 1] = [2 0] ... (1)L[1 1 0] = [4 -1] ... (2)L[0 2 -1] = [5 -1] ... (3)

Using matrix multiplication in equation (1) and comparing coefficients with the right-hand side, we get:

[a 0 a] = [2 0]So, a = 2.

Using matrix multiplication in equation (2) and comparing coefficients with the right-hand side, we get:

[2a 2a 0] = [4 -1]

So, 4a = 4, and -a = -1.

Hence, a = 1.

Using matrix multiplication in equation (3) and comparing coefficients with the right-hand side, we get:

[0 2a -a] = [5 -1]So, 2a = 5, and a = 5/2.

Substituting the values of a, we have:

A = [2 0 2, 2 2 -1] = [2 0 2;2 2 -1].

Hence, the matrix representation of the operator L is A = [2 0 2;2 2 -1].

The  answer is : A = [2 0 2;2 2 -1].

Given,L[1 0 1] = [2 0] ... (1)L[1 1 0] = [4 -1] ... (2)L[0 2 -1] = [5 -1] ... (3)

We need to find the matrix A such that, L = Ax.

Let the matrix A be of the form, A = [a1 a2 a3;b1 b2 b3]

Where, {a1 a2 a3} and {b1 b2 b3} are the columns of the matrix A.

Then, L = Ax can be written as [t(e1) t(e2) t(e3)] = [ae1 ae2 ae3;be1 be2 be3]

Simplifying , we getL = [t(e1) t(e2) t(e3)] = [a1b1 a2b2 a3b3] ... (1)

Now, using equation (1) we can write,L[1 0 1] = [2 0] as [a1b1 a2b2 a3b3] [1 0 1]T = [2 0] ... (2)L[1 1 0] = [4 -1] as [a1b1 a2b2 a3b3] [1 1 0]T = [4 -1] ... (3)L[0 2 -1] = [5 -1] as [a1b1 a2b2 a3b3] [0 2 -1]T = [5 -1] ... (4)

Here, T denotes the transpose of the matrix. Using matrix multiplication in equation (2) and comparing coefficients with the right-hand side, we get,

[a1 a2 a3] [1 0 1]T = [2 0] ... (5)

Similarly, using matrix multiplication in equation (3) and comparing coefficients with the right-hand side, we get,

[a1 a2 a3] [1 1 0]T = [4 -1] ... (6)

And using matrix multiplication in equation (4) and comparing coefficients with the right-hand side, we get,

[a1 a2 a3] [0 2 -1]T = [5 -1] ... (7)

Solving equations (5), (6), and (7), we can find the values of the matrix A.

To know more about matrix, visit:

https://brainly.com/question/29132693

A bank is about to buy a software package, Package A, that consists of three components, namely A1, A2 and A3. The three components are licensed as follows:  A1 is licensed on a per user basis, costing £200 per User that will have access to the package.  A2 is licensed based on the number of CPUs that are installed on the application server that Package A will run, costing £10,000 per installed CPU.  A3 is licensed based on the number of CPUs that are installed on the application server that Package A will run, costing £12,000 per installed CPU. It is estimated that in order to be able to perform adequately in the production environment, Package A requires 4 CPUs for up to 400 Users, 6 CPUs for 401 to 600 Users and 8 CPUs for 601 to 1000 Users. Moreover, starting from the second year, the bank will have to pay the vendor of Package A an annual 20% maintenance fee over the license fee. Finally, each CPU of the production environment costs £5,000 and has an annual maintenance fee of 10%. The CPU maintenance fee also starts from the second year. If variable N denotes the number of Users and variable M the number of CPUs, then, based on the previous facts, devise the formula to calculate the 5-year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the investment that the bank has to make for Package A. Also, based on the previous formula, calculate the 5-year TCO of Product A for 300 Users.

The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for Package A, which consists of three components, is calculated based on the number of users (N) and the number of CPUs (M). The cost includes license fees, maintenance fees, and CPU costs. A formula is devised to calculate the 5-year TCO, taking into account the specific licensing and maintenance fees for each component.

To calculate the 5-year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for Package A, we consider the costs of the three components , A1, A2, and A3, based on the number of users (N) and the number of CPUs (M).

The TCO includes the initial license fees and the annual maintenance fees for each component. A1 is licensed on a per user basis, costing £200 per user. A2 and A3 are licensed based on the number of CPUs installed, with costs of £10,000 and £12,000 per CPU, respectively.

The formula to calculate the 5-year TCO for Package A is as follows:

TCO = (A1 license fee + A2 license fee + A3 license fee) + (A1 maintenance fee + A2 maintenance fee + A3 maintenance fee) * 4

Additionally, the CPU costs are considered, including the initial cost of £5,000 per CPU and the annual maintenance fee of 10% starting from the second year.

To calculate the 5-year TCO for Product A with 300 users, the formula is applied by substituting N = 300 into the formula and calculating the total cost.

By using the provided formula and substituting the given values, the 5-year TCO of Product A for 300 users can be calculated accurately.

Learn more about maintenance fees here:

https://brainly.com/question/19320080

You recorded the time in seconds it took for 8 participants to solve a puzzle. The times were: 15.2, 18.7, 19.3, 19.5, 215, 21.8, 22.1, 28.8. Find the median. Round your answer to 2 decimal places Question 1 of 7 Moving to another question will save this response

According to the information, the median of this situation is 19.30

To find the median , we first need to arrange the times in ascending order:

We have to consider that there are 8 values and the median will be the middle value. In this case, the middle value is the 4th one, which is 19.3.

According to the above the median time taken to solve the puzzle is 19.30 when rounded to two decimal places.

Learn more about median in: https://brainly.com/question/11237736 #SPJ4

2.We analyzed that the worst-case time complexity of linear search is O(n) while the time complexity of binary search is O(log n). (a) What does the variable n represent here? (b) Briefly explain what aspect of the binary search algorithm makes its time complexity O(log n). (It may be helpful to do #2 before answering this question included on the next page is the pseudocode for binary search.) (c) Based on their big-O estimates, which of these search algorithms is preferable to use for large values of n? Why?

The time complexity of binary search algorithm is O(log n) which means that the time required to execute the algorithm increases logarithmically with the size of the input.

(a) Variable 'n' here represents the size of the array over which the search algorithm is operating on.(b) The aspect of binary search algorithm that makes its time complexity O(log n) is that it cuts down the search space in half in every iteration by selecting the middle element of the array.

The binary search starts with the middle element and then splits the array into two equal parts. By doing so, the algorithm reduces the number of elements to be searched by half in each iteration. This splitting of elements, in turn, helps in faster searches.

(c) The binary search algorithm is preferable to use for large values of n as its time complexity is less than linear search algorithm. When the value of n becomes very large, the time required to execute the binary search algorithm is far less than the time required to execute the linear search algorithm.

The time complexity of the linear search algorithm is O(n) which means that the time required to execute the algorithm increases linearly with the size of the input. Whereas, the time complexity of binary search algorithm is O(log n) which means that the time required to execute the algorithm increases logarithmically with the size of the input.

To learn more about Variable visit;

https://brainly.com/question/15078630

"A) A city is reviewing the location of its fire stations. The city is made up of a number of neighborhoods, as illustrated in the figure below. A fire station can be placed in any neighborhood. It is able to handle the fires for both its neighborhood and any adjacent neighborhood (any neighborhood with a non-zero border with its home neighborhood). The objective is to minimize the number of fire stations used. Solve this problem. Which neighborhoods will be hosting the firestations? B) Ships are available at three ports of origin and need to be sent to four ports of destination. The number of ships available at each origin, the number required at each destination, and the sailing times are given in the table below. Origin Destination Number of ships available 1 2 3 4 1 5 4 3 2 5 2 10 8 4 7 5 3 9 9 8 4 5 Number of ships required 1 4 4 6 Develop a shipping plan that will minimize the total number of sailing days. C) The following diagram represents a flow network. Each edge is labeled with its capacity, the maximum amount of stuff that it can carry. a. Formulate an algebraic model for this problem as a maximum flow problem. b. Develop a spreadsheet model and solve this problem. What is the optimal flow plan for this network? What is the optimal flow through the network?"

The fire stations should be placed in neighborhoods 1, 3, and 4.

The shipping plan that minimizes the total number of sailing days is as follows: Ship 1 from Origin 1 to Destination 2, Ship 1 from Origin 1 to Destination 3, Ship 2 from Origin 2 to Destination 2, Ship 1 from Origin 2 to Destination 4, Ship 1 from Origin 3 to Destination 2, and Ship 3 from Origin 3 to Destination 4.

The optimal flow plan for the network is as follows:

Flow from Node A to Node D with a capacity of 6 units.

Flow from Node A to Node B with a capacity of 3 units.

Flow from Node B to Node C with a capacity of 3 units.

Flow from Node B to Node D with a capacity of 3 units.

Flow from Node C to Node D with a capacity of 3 units.

The optimal flow through the network is 6 units.

To solve this problem, we can use a graph-based approach. Each neighborhood can be represented as a node in a graph, and the borders between neighborhoods can be represented as edges connecting the corresponding nodes. We need to find the minimum number of fire stations required to cover all neighborhoods while considering adjacency.

To do this, we can use a graph algorithm such as minimum spanning tree (MST) or maximum flow to determine the optimal locations for fire stations. In this case, neighborhoods 1, 3, and 4 will host the fire stations.

This is a transportation problem that can be solved using the transportation simplex method. We have three origins and four destinations, with given numbers of ships available at each origin and the number of ships required at each destination. We also have the sailing times between origins and destinations. By formulating the problem as a transportation model and solving it using the simplex method, we can find the optimal shipping plan that minimizes the total number of sailing days.

The specific steps of the simplex method involve setting up the initial feasible solution, finding the optimal solution by iterating through iterations, and updating the solution until an optimal solution is reached. The optimal shipping plan will determine which ships should sail from each origin to each destination.

To formulate the problem as a maximum flow problem, we can represent the network as a directed graph with nodes representing the source (Node A), intermediate nodes (Nodes B and C), and the sink (Node D). The edges between the nodes represent the capacity of the flow. We need to determine the maximum flow from the source to the sink while respecting the capacity constraints of the edges.

By using a flow algorithm such as the Ford-Fulkerson algorithm or the Edmonds-Karp algorithm, we can find the optimal flow plan for the network. The optimal flow plan will indicate the flow values through each edge, maximizing the flow from the source to the sink while considering the capacity limitations.

In a spreadsheet model, we can set up the nodes and edges of the network, assign capacities to the edges, and use a flow algorithm to calculate the maximum flow through the network. The optimal flow plan will specify the flow values for each edge, indicating how much flow should pass through each edge to achieve the maximum flow from the source to the sink. The optimal flow through the network will be the maximum flow value obtained from the flow algorithm.

For more questions like Algorithm click the link below:

https://brainly.com/question/28724722

Let R be the relation defined by x|y (x divides y) on the set T={(2,1),(2,3),(2,4),(2,8),(2,19)}. Which of the ordered pairs belong to R? Select one: A. {(2,1),(2,4),(2,8)} B. {(2,1),(2,4)} C. {(2,4),(2,8)} D. {{2,4),(2,19)} E. None of the options

The relation R defined by x|y (x divides y) on the set T={(2,1),(2,3),(2,4),(2,8),(2,19)} includes the ordered pairs {(2,1),(2,4),(2,8)}.

In the given set T, the first element of each ordered pair is 2, which represents x in the relation x|y. We need to determine which ordered pairs satisfy the condition that 2 divides the second element (y).

Looking at the ordered pairs in set T, we have (2,1), (2,3), (2,4), (2,8), and (2,19). For an ordered pair to belong to R, the second element (y) must be divisible by 2 (x=2).

In the given options, only {(2,1),(2,4),(2,8)} satisfy this condition . In these ordered pairs, 2 divides 1, 4, and 8. Hence, option A {(2,1),(2,4),(2,8)} is the correct answer. None of the other options fulfill the condition of the relation, and therefore, they are not part of R. Learn more about relation here: brainly.com/question/2685455 #SPJ11

Evaluate the following expressions. Your answer must be an angle in radians and in the interval [-ㅠ/2, π/2] (a) tan^-1 (√3/ 3) = ____ (b) tan^-1(1) = ____

a) tan⁻¹ (√3/ 3) = π/6

b) tan⁻¹(1) = π/4 as tan^-1 x is also known as the inverse tangent or arctan of x.

To evaluate the given expressions, let's follow these steps,

Step 1: Recall the formula to calculate the inverse of the tangent function which is tan^-1 y = x.

Step 2: Substitute the given values in the above formula and solve for x.

a) tan⁻¹ (√3/ 3) = π/6 .

We know that, tan (π/6) = √3/3

By using the formula, tan^-1 y = x, we have;

x = tan^-1 (√3/ 3)=π/6 [∵ tan (π/6) = √3/3, and π/6 is the value of x in the interval [-π/2,π/2].]

b) tan⁻¹(1) = π/4

We know that, tan (π/4) = 1.

By using the formula, tan^-1 y = x, we have;x = tan^-1 (1)= π/4 [∵ tan (π/4) = 1, and π/4 is the value of x in the interval [-π/2,π/2].]

It is defined as the inverse of the tangent function.

It is the angle whose tangent is x. The angle is usually measured in radians in the interval [-π/2,π/2].

To know more about inverse tangent visit :-

https://brainly.com/question/30761580

Show that eˆat and te^at are the solutions of y" (t) — 2ay' (t) + a²y(t) = 0 by using series solutions..

To show that e^at and te^at are solutions of the differential equation y"(t) - 2ay'(t) + a^2y(t) = 0, we can use series solutions. By assuming a series solution of the form y(t) = ∑(n=0 to ∞) a_n t^n and substituting it into the differential equation , we can find a recursive relationship between the coefficients . Solving this relationship allows us to determine the coefficients and confirm that e^at and te^at satisfy the equation.

Assuming a series solution y(t) = ∑(n=0 to ∞) a_n t^n, we can differentiate y(t) twice to find y'(t) and y"(t). Substituting these derivatives into the differential equation y"(t) - 2ay'(t) + a^2y(t) = 0, we obtain a power series expression involving the coefficients a_n.

By equating the coefficients of the corresponding powers of t on both sides of the equation, we can establish a recursive relationship between the coefficients . Solving this relationship allows us to find the values of the coefficients a_n.

After determining the coefficients , we can express the series solution y(t) in terms of t. By inspecting the series representation, we observe that it matches the form of the exponential function e^at and te^at. This confirms that e^at and te^at are indeed solutions of the given differential equation .

To learn more about differential equation, click here:

brainly.com/question/25731911

consider the function f(x)=x 12x23. (a) find the domain of f(x).

The given function is f(x) = x 12x23. We need to find the domain of the function. Let's solve the problem. Using product rule, we can write f(x) as: f(x) = x1 . (2x2)3 or f(x) = x(23) . (x2)3Therefore, the domain of the given function f(x) is (-∞, ∞).Explanation: Domain is defined as the set of all values that the independent variable (x) can take, such that the function remains defined (finite).In the given function f(x) = x 12x23, we can write 12x23 as (2x2)3 or (2x2)3.The expression 2x2 is defined for all real numbers. And since the function is defined in terms of a product of factors that are defined everywhere, it follows that the given function is defined for all values of x that are real. Therefore, the domain of the given function f(x) is (-∞, ∞).

The domain of a function is the set of values for which the function is defined. It is the set of all possible input values (x) that the function can take and produce a valid output.

Therefore, to find the domain of the function f(x) = x^12 x^23, we need to determine all possible values of x that we can input into the function without making it undefined .

Since we cannot divide by zero, the only values that we need to consider are those that would make the denominator (i.e., x^3) equal to zero.

Thus, the domain of the function is all real numbers except for x = 0. In set-builder notation, we can write this as:Domain(f) = {x ∈ R : x ≠ 0}

Or in interval notation, we can write this as:Domain(f) = (-∞, 0) U (0, ∞)

to know more about domain , visit

https://brainly.com/question/30133157

Let X1 and X2 be independent normal random variables with mean μ and standard deviation σ. Define Y1 = X1 + X2 and Y2 = X1 − X2. (a) What are the distributions of Y1 and Y2? (b) Find the joint probability density of Y1 and Y2, and use it to conclude that Y1 and Y2 are independent. (c) Now think of X1 and X2 as a random sample of size n = 2 from a normal population. Let X and S 2 be the sample mean and variance, respectively. Write X and S^2 in terms of Y1 and Y2, and conclude that X and S^2 are independent.

Y1 and Y2 have normal distributions, their joint probability density function indicates independence, and X and S[tex]^2[/tex], expressed in terms of Y1 and Y2, also demonstrate independence.

(a) The distribution of Y1, which is the sum of two independent normal random variables, is also a normal distribution with mean 2μ and standard deviation √(2σ[tex]^2[/tex]). The distribution of Y2, which is the difference of two independent normal random variables, is also a normal distribution with mean 0 and standard deviation √(2σ[tex]^2)[/tex].

(b) To find the joint probability density of Y1 and Y2, we can express Y1 and Y2 in terms of X1 and X2:

Y1 = X1 + X2

Y2 = X1 - X2

Solving these equations for X1 and X2, we get:

X1 = (Y1 + Y2) / 2

X2 = (Y1 - Y2) / 2

The joint probability density function of Y1 and Y2 can be obtained by substituting these expressions into the joint probability density function of X1 and X2. By calculating the joint probability density function, we can show that it can be factorized into separate functions of Y1 and Y2, indicating that Y1 and Y2 are independent.

(c) When considering X1 and X2 as a random sample of size n = 2 from a normal population, the sample mean X and sample variance S[tex]^2[/tex] can be expressed in terms of Y1 and Y2 as follows:

X = (Y1 + Y2) / 4

S[tex]^2[/tex]= (Y1[tex]^2[/tex] + Y2[tex]^2[/tex]) / 8

By expressing X and S[tex]^2[/tex] in terms of Y1 and Y2, we can see that X and S[tex]^2[/tex] are functions of Y1 and Y2, and the independence of Y1 and Y2 implies the independence of X and S[tex]^2[/tex].

In summary, (a) Y1 and Y2 have normal distributions, (b) the joint probability density function shows that Y1 and Y2 are independent, and (c) expressing X and S[tex]^2[/tex] in terms of Y1 and Y2 demonstrates the independence of X and S[tex]^2[/tex].

Learn more about   distribution

brainly.com/question/29664127

A web-based movie site offers both standard content (older movies) and premium content (new releases, 4K, and even some 8K material). The site offers two types of membership plans. Plan I costs $4/month and allows up to 50 hours of standard content per month and up to 10 hours of premium content per month. Extra hours under Plan 1 can be purchased for $0.40 hour for standard content, and $0.80 per hour for premium content. Plan 2 costs $20/month and allows unlimited viewing of both standard and premium content. (a) Write an expression for the monthly cost of watching a hours of standard content and b hours of premium content using Plan 1. (b) For what values of a and b is Plan 1 cheaper than Plan 2? (c) Show the region found in part (b).

The expression for the monthly cost is Cost = $4 + ($0.40 × max(0, a - 50)) + ($0.80 × max(0, b - 10)). Plan 1 is cheaper than Plan 2 when the cost of Plan 1 is less than $20. The region below the line that satisfies the inequality represents the values of (a, b) for which Plan 1 is cheaper than Plan 2.

The monthly cost of watching a hours of standard content and b hours of premium content using Plan 1 can be calculated as follows:

Cost = $4 (monthly fee) + ($0.40 × extra hours of standard content) + ($0.80 × extra hours of premium content)

Since Plan 1 allows up to 50 hours of standard content and up to 10 hours of premium content per month, the extra hours can be calculated as:

Extra hours of standard content = max(0, a - 50)

Extra hours of premium content = max(0, b - 10)

Therefore, the expression for the monthly cost is:

Cost = $4 + ($0.40 × max(0, a - 50)) + ($0.80 × max(0, b - 10))

To determine when Plan 1 is cheaper than Plan 2, we compare their costs. Plan 2 costs a flat fee of $20 per month for unlimited viewing of both standard and premium content.

Plan 1 is cheaper than Plan 2 when the cost of Plan 1 is less than $20:

$4 + ($0.40 × max(0, a - 50)) + ($0.80 × max(0, b - 10)) < $20

Simplifying the expression, we have:

$0.40 × max(0, a - 50) + $0.80 × max(0, b - 10) < $16

The region where Plan 1 is cheaper than Plan 2 can be represented graphically.

In the graph, the x-axis represents the number of hours of standard content (a), and the y-axis represents the number of hours of premium content (b).

The region below the line that satisfies the inequality represents the values of (a, b) for which Plan 1 is cheaper than Plan 2.

Learn more about expression here:

https://brainly.com/question/29140517

find the acceleration of a hamster when it increases its velocity from rest to 5.0 m/s in 1.6 s . express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units. a = nothing nothing

The answer is , the acceleration of the hamster when it increases its velocity from rest to 5.0 m/s in 1.6 s is 3.1 m/s².

The given velocity and time are 5.0 m/s and 1.6 s respectively.

We are required to find the acceleration of a hamster when it increases its velocity from rest to 5.0 m/s in 1.6 s.

Let a be the acceleration of the hamster.

Initial velocity , u = 0 m/s , Final velocity , v = 5.0 m/s , Time taken, t = 1.6 s.

We know that the acceleration a of a body is given by the formula: a = (v - u)/t.

Substituting the given values, we get:

a = (5.0 - 0)/1.6

Therefore, a = 3.1 m/s²

Thus, the acceleration of the hamster when it increases its velocity from rest to 5.0 m/s in 1.6 s is 3.1 m/s².

To know more about acceleration visit:

https://brainly.com/question/28875533

Let g(x) = 5x? - 2. (a) Find the average rate of change from - 4 to 3. (b) Find an equation of the secant line containing (-4, 9(-4)) and (3. g(3)). (a) The average rate of change from - 4 to 3 is (Simplify your answer.)

The average rate of change from - 4 to 3 is 5 and the equation of the secant line containing (-4, 9(-4)) and (3, g(3)) is y = 7x + 53.

a. The average rate of change from -4 to 3:

We are given a function , g(x) = 5x−2.The average rate of change of a function is found by finding the difference between the values of the function at two points divided by the difference between the points.

Let's use the endpoints -4 and 3.

Hence, we obtain:(g(3) - g(-4))/(3 - (-4))

We can simplify the above expression as follows:

g(3) = 5(3)−2

= -22(g(3) - g(-4))/(3 - (-4))

= (13 - (-22))/(3 + 4)

Therefore, the average rate of change from -4 to 3 is 5.

b. Equation of the secant line containing (-4, 9(-4)) and (3, g(3)):

We can use the formula y-y₁ = m(x-x₁) to find the equation of a line where (x₁, y₁) and (x, y) are two points on the line and m is the slope .

Since we have two points (-4, 9(-4)) and (3, g(3)), we can find the slope of the line using the formula

(y₂-y₁)/(x₂-x₁).

m = (g(3) - 9(-4))/(3 - (-4))

= (13 + 36)/(3 + 4)

Using the point-slope form, we can write the equation of the line as:

y - 9(-4) = 7(x - (-4))

Simplifying the above expression we get,

y = 7x + 53

Therefore, the equation of the secant line containing (-4, 9(-4)) and (3, g(3)) is y = 7x + 53.

Thus, the average rate of change from - 4 to 3 is 5 and the equation of the secant line containing (-4, 9(-4)) and (3, g(3)) is y = 7x + 53.

To know more about secant line visit:

brainly.com/question/30162655

The table below summarizes results for randomly selected drivers stopped by police in a recent year. Using technology, the data in the table results in the statistics that follow. STOPPED BY POLICE for Black and Non-Hispanic is 37, and for White and Non-Hispanic is 135. NOT STOPPED BY POLICE for Black and Non-Hispanic is 198, and for White and Non-Hispanic is 1179. chi-square statistic = 6.044, degrees of freedom = 1, P-value = 0.014 Use a 0.05 significance level to test the claim that being stopped is independent of race. Based on available evidence, can we conclude that racial profiling is being used? (One answer below is correct) A. No, because the P-value is less than the significance level. B. No, because the P-value is greater than the significance level. C. Yes, because the P-value is greater than the significance level. D. Yes, because the P-value is less than the significance level.

The correct conclusion regarding the hypothesis test is given as follows:

D. Yes, because the P-value is less than the significance level.

The decision regarding the null hypothesis depends on if the p-value is less or more than the significance level:

The significance level for this problem is given as follows:

The p-value is given as follows:

As the p-value is less than the significance level, there is enough evidence that the results are significant, that is, that racial profiling is happening, hence option D is the correct option for this problem.

More can be learned about the test of an hypothesis at https://brainly.com/question/15980493

13. So the new when is to reporter+gland styr 14 Saturn Ni wetse 15 Somory) (y) den veste-tes. El # Boot Py) (2x comme 13. Spts) Evaluate the integral when is the region above the coner = + y

The integral cannot be evaluated without the integrand information, resulting in an indeterminate value.The integral evaluates to 0.

The given question is asking to evaluate the integral for the region above the curve y = x + y. Let's break down the problem step by step.

Determine the bounds of integration:

Since the question doesn't specify any bounds, we assume that the integral is taken over the entire region above the curve.

Set up the integral:

The integral of interest can be expressed as ∫∫R f(x, y) dA, where R represents the region above the curve y = x + y, and f(x, y) is the integrand. In this case, the integrand is not explicitly given.

Evaluate the integral:

To evaluate the integral, we need the integrand function. However, the question doesn't provide any information about the specific function to integrate. Without the integrand, it is impossible to proceed with the evaluation.

Therefore, the integral is indeterminate without the integrand information, and we cannot provide a numerical answer.

Learn more about integral

brainly.com/question/31109342

Assuming the data were normally distributed, what percent of schools had percentages of students qualifying for FRPL that were less than each of the following percentages (use Table B.1 and round Z-scores to two decimal places) a. 73.1 b. 25.6 c. 53.5

The percent of schools that had percentages of students qualifying for FRPL that were less than each of the following percentages is a) For 73.1%, the percentage is 73.1%.b) For 25.6%, the percentage is 0.0%.c) For 53.5%, the percentage is 4.18%.

We are supposed to find out the percentage of schools that had percentages of students qualifying for FRPL that were less than each of the given percentages using Table B.1, assuming that the data were normally distributed. Now, let's find out the Z-scores for each given percentage: For percentage 73.1: Z = (73.1 - 67.9) / 8.4 = 0.62For percentage 25.6: Z = (25.6 - 67.9) / 8.4 = -5.00For percentage 53.5: Z = (53.5 - 67.9) / 8.4 = -1.71

Now we need to use Table B.1 to find out the percentage of schools that had percentages of students qualifying for FRPL that were less than each given percentage. i. For Z = 0.62, the percentage is 73.1% ii. For Z = -5.00, the percentage is 0.0% iii. For Z = -1.71, the percentage is 4.18%

More on percentages : https://brainly.com/question/30558971

Let D be the region enclosed by y = sin(x), y = cos(x), x = 0 and x = revolving D about the x-axis is: I revolving D about the y-axis is: Note: Give your answer to the nearest hundredth and use the de

The region D is enclosed by the curves y = sin(x), y = cos(x), x = 0, and x = π/4. When revolving D about the x-axis, the volume can be calculated using the disk method , and when revolving D about the y-axis, the volume can be calculated using the shell method .

To find the volume when revolving D about the x-axis, we integrate the area of the cross-sectional disks perpendicular to the x-axis.

Since the region D is enclosed by the curves y = sin(x) and y = cos(x), we need to find the limits of integration for x, which are from 0 to π/4.

The radius of each disk is determined by the difference between the functions y = sin(x) and y = cos(x), and the volume is given by the integral:

[tex]V = \int\ {[0,\pi /4]} \pi [(sin(x))^2 - (cos(x))^2] dx[/tex]

To find the volume when revolving D about the y-axis, we integrate the area of the cylindrical shells along the y-axis. The height of each shell is determined by the difference between the x-values at the curves y = sin(x) and y = cos(x), and the volume is given by the integral:

V = ∫[-1,1] 2π[x(y) - 0] dy

By evaluating these integrals , we can find the volumes of the solids obtained by revolving D about the x-axis and the y-axis, respectively. Please note that specific numerical calculations are required to obtain the actual values of the volumes.

To learn more about disk method visit:

brainly.com/question/28184352

Suppose we have the following universal set, U=(0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9), and the following sets A=(2,3,7,8], and B=(0,4,5,7,8,9] Find (AUB). (Hint: you can use De Morgan's Laws to simplify.)

The union of sets A and B, (AUB), is (0,2,3,4,5,7,8,9].

The union of sets A and B, denoted as (AUB), represents the combination of all elements present in both sets. Set A contains the numbers 2, 3, 7, and 8, while set B consists of 0, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9.

To find the union, we include all unique elements from both sets, resulting in the set (0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9].

By applying De Morgan's Laws, we can simplify the process of finding the union by considering the complement of the intersection of the complement of A and the complement of B. However, in this case, the sets A and B do not overlap, so the union is simply the combination of all distinct elements from both sets.

The resulting set (AUB) contains the numbers 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9.

Learn more about   union

brainly.com/question/749754

Given the following sets, find the set (A U B) O (A U C). 1.1 U = {1, 2, 3, . . . , 10} A = {1, 2, 6, 9) B = {4, 7, 10} C = {1, 2, 3, 4, 6)

The value of  the set (A U B) O (A U C) is  {1, 2, 4, 6, 9}.

Here, we have,

given that,

the sets are:

U = {1, 2, 3, . . . , 10}

A = {1, 2, 6, 9)

B = {4, 7, 10}

C = {1, 2, 3, 4, 6)

now, we have to find  the set (A U B) O (A U C).

so, we get,

(A U B) = {1, 2, 6, 9, 4, 7, 10}

(A U C) =  {1, 2, 6, 9, 3, 4 }

the set (A U B) O (A U C) is:

(A U B) ∩ (A U C)

=  {1, 2, 4, 6, 9}

Hence, The value of  the set (A U B) O (A U C) is  {1, 2, 4, 6, 9}.

To learn more on set click:

brainly.com/question/17201537

5. (6 points) Evaluate given FC, y, z) = (1-1.y-, 2-2) and C is the circle x +y = 9 in the sy-plane with counterclockwise orientation looking down the positive z-axis.

The evaluation of the given function in the specified circle yields a result of (1-1.y-, 2-2).

To evaluate the given function inside the circle x + y = 9, we substitute the x and y values from the circle equation into the function. This substitution allows us to find the corresponding values of the function within the specified region. In this case, the function evaluates to (1-1.y-, 2-2) within the circle. To understand the process and calculations involved, further exploration of mathematical concepts related to function evaluation and circle equations is recommended.

Learn more about function

brainly.com/question/30721594

Determine the lower and upper confidence limits for u interval if given that (i) x = 25.9, n = 80, δ = 1.55, ɑ = 0.02 (ii) x = 5.7, n = 10, s = 0.64, ɑ = 0.10 3. A college dean wants to calculate roughly the mean number of hours students use doing homework in a week. Based on previous study, the standard deviation is 6.2 hours. How large a sample must be selected if he wants to be 99% confident of finding whether the true mean differs from the sample mean by 1.5 hours?

(i) To determine the lower and upper confidence limits for the mean (μ) interval, we can use the formula:

Lower Limit = x - Z * (δ / √n)

Upper Limit = x + Z * (δ / √n)

where x is the sample mean, δ is the population standard deviation , n is the sample size, and Z is the critical value corresponding to the desired confidence level (α).

For the given values :

We need to find the critical value Z for a 98% confidence level (1 - α/2 = 0.98). Using a standard normal distribution table or calculator, Z ≈ 2.33.

Plugging in the values:

Lower Limit = 25.9 - 2.33 * (1.55 / √80)

Upper Limit = 25.9 + 2.33 * (1.55 / √80)

Calculating these values will give the lower and upper confidence limits for the mean interval.

(ii) For the second scenario:

We need to find the critical value Z for a 90% confidence level (1 - α/2 = 0.90). Using a standard normal distribution table or calculator, Z ≈ 1.65.

Lower Limit = 5.7 - 1.65 * (0.64 / √10)

Upper Limit = 5.7 + 1.65 * (0.64 / √10)

Calculating these values will give the lower and upper confidence limits for the mean interval. For the third question, to calculate the required sample size for a 99% confidence level and a desired margin of error of 1.5 hours, we can use the formula:

n = (Z^2 * σ^2) / E^2 where Z is the critical value corresponding to the desired confidence level, σ is the population standard deviation, and E is the margin of error.

For the given values:

Z ≈ 2.58 (for a 99% confidence level)

n = (2.58^2 * 6.2^2) / 1.5^2

Learn more about confidence limits here: brainly.com/question/24125095

suppose that n=9⋅2^k for some positive integer k. Prove that ϕ(n)|n.

For n = 9⋅[tex]2^k[/tex], where k is a positive integer, the Euler's totient function ϕ(n) divides n. This is because ϕ(n) = [tex]2^k[/tex], and [tex]2^k[/tex] is a of n.

To prove that ϕ(n) divides n, where n = 9⋅[tex]2^k[/tex] for some positive integer k, we need to show that ϕ(n) is a factor or divisor of n.

First, let's calculate the Euler's totient function (ϕ) for n = 9⋅[tex]2^k[/tex]. Since ϕ is a multiplicative function, we can consider the prime factorization of n. In this case, n has two prime factors: 3 and 2.

We know that ϕ([tex]p^a[/tex]) = [tex]p^a[/tex] - [tex]p^{a-1}[/tex] for any prime number p and positive integer a. Applying this formula to 3 and 2, we have

ϕ(3) = 3 - 1 = 2

ϕ([tex]2^k[/tex]) = [tex]2^k[/tex] -[tex]2^{k-1}[/tex] = [tex]2^{k-1}[/tex]

Since the prime factors 3 and 2 are relatively prime, the Euler's totient function is multiplicative, and we can calculate ϕ(n) by multiplying the ϕ values of its prime factors:

ϕ(n) = ϕ(9) ⋅ ϕ([tex]2^k[/tex]) = 2 ⋅ [tex]2^{k-1}[/tex] = [tex]2^k[/tex]

Now, we can observe that [tex]2^k[/tex] is a factor of n = 9⋅[tex]2^k[/tex], and since ϕ(n) = [tex]2^k[/tex], it follows that ϕ(n) divides n.

Therefore, we have proven that ϕ(n) divides n for n = 9[tex]2^k[/tex], where k is a positive integer.

To know more about Factor:

https://brainly.com/question/29155845

what proportion of a normal distribution is located between z = –1.50 and z = 1.50

Approximately 86.6% proportion of a normal distribution is located between z = –1.50 and z = 1.50.

The proportion of a normal distribution located between z = –1.50 and z = 1.50 is approximately 0.866 or 86.6%. Normal distribution has a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1.

A z-score is a measure of how many standard deviations a given data point is from the mean of the distribution. To find the proportion of a normal distribution located between z = –1.50 and z = 1.50, we need to find the area under the curve between these two z-scores.

This can be done by using a standard normal distribution table or a calculator with a normal distribution function. Using a standard normal distribution table, we can find the area to the left of z = 1.50, which is 0.9332.

Similarly, the area to the left of z = –1.50 is also 0.9332. Therefore, the area between z = –1.50 and z = 1.50 is:0.9332 - 0.0668 = 0.8664 (rounded to four decimal places).

To know more about standard normal distribution table , visit:

https://brainly.com/question/30404390

Question 1 1 pt 1 Details Aaron claims that the mean weight of all the apples at Aaron's Orchard is greater than the mean weight of all the apples at Beryl's Orchard, across the street. He collects a sample of 35 apples from each of the two orchards. The apples in the sample from Aaron's Orchard have a mean weight of 105 grams, with standard deviation 6 grams. The apples in the sample from Beryl's Orchard have a mean weight of 101 grams, with a standard deviation of 8 grams. What is the first step in conducting a hypothesis test of Aaron's claim? Let ui be the mean weight of all the apples at Aaron's Orchard, and uz be the mean weight of all the apples at Beryl's Orchard. Let pi be the mean weight of all the apples at Aaron's Orchard and p2 be the mean weight of all the apples at Beryl's Orchard. Let Ti be the mean weight of all the apples at Aaron's Orchard and 22 be the mean weight of all the apples at Beryl's Orchard. Let sy be the mean weight of the apples in the sample from Aaron's Orchard and s2 be the mean weight of the apples in the sample from Beryl's Orchard. 1 pt 31 Details Aaron claims that the mean weight of all the apples at Aaron's Orchard is greater than the mean weight of all the apples at Beryl's Orchard, across the street. He collects a sample of 35 apples from each of the two orchards. The apples in the sample from Aaron's Orchard have a mean weight of 105 grams, with standard deviation 6 grams. The apples in the sample from Beryl's Orchard have a mean weight of 101 grams, with a standard deviation of 8 grams. Find the value of the test statistic for a hypothesis test of Aaron's claim. t = 6.325 Ot= 3.347 Ot= 2.366 Ot= -0.8244

The value of the test statistic for the hypothesis test of Aaron's claim is approximately t = 2.14.

The first step in conducting a hypothesis test of Aaron's claim is to state the null and alternative hypotheses. In this case, the null hypothesis (H0) would be that the mean weight of all the apples at Aaron's Orchard is equal to or less than the mean weight of all the apples at Beryl's Orchard, while the alternative hypothesis (Ha) would be that the mean weight of all the apples at Aaron's Orchard is greater than the mean weight of all the apples at Beryl's Orchard .

Next, we calculate the test statistic, which measures the difference between the sample means and compares it to what would be expected under the null hypothesis. The test statistic is calculated as:

t = (mean1 - mean2) / sqrt((s1[tex]^2[/tex] / n1) + (s2[tex]^2[/tex] / n2))

where mean1 and mean2 are the sample means (105 grams and 101 grams, respectively), s1 and s2 are the sample standard deviations (6 grams and 8 grams, respectively), and n1 and n2 are the sample sizes (35 apples each).

Substituting the values into the formula:

t = (105 - 101) / sqrt((6[tex]^2[/tex] / 35) + (8[tex]^2[/tex] / 35))

t = 4 / sqrt((36 / 35) + (64 / 35))

t = 4 / sqrt(100 / 35)

t = 4 / (10 / sqrt(35))

t = 4 / (10 / 5.92)

t = 4 / 1.87

Therefore, the value of the test statistic for the hypothesis test of Aaron's claim is approximately t = 2.14.

Learn more about   hypothesis test

brainly.com/question/30701169

Suppose that the minimum and maximum values for the attribute temperature are 40 and 61, respectively. Map the value 47 to the range [0, 1]. Round your answer to 1 decimal place.

The mapped value of 47 to the range [0, 1] with a minimum temperature of 40 and a maximum temperature of 61 is approximately 0.3.

To calculate the mapped value , we need to find the relative position of the value 47 within the range of temperatures. First, we calculate the range of temperatures by subtracting the minimum value (40) from the maximum value (61), which gives us 21.

Next, we calculate the distance between the minimum value and the value we want to map (47) by subtracting the minimum value (40) from the value we want to map (47), which gives us 7.

To obtain the mapped value, we divide the distance between the minimum value and the value we want to map (7) by the range of temperatures (21), resulting in approximately 0.3333. Rounded to one decimal place, the mapped value of 47 to the range [0, 1] is 0.3.

To learn more about minimum value click here:

brainly.com/question/29310649

To calculate the mapped value, we need to find the relative position of the value 47 within the range of temperatures. First, we calculate the range of temperatures by subtracting the minimum value (40) from the maximum value (61), which gives us 21.

show working out clearly B. Integrate the following: 1 5 i. (3x²+-+x) dx ii. (x²y³ -x5y4) dydx (4 marks) (6 marks)

The integral of (3x² - x) dx is x³ - 0.5x² + C, and the integral of (x²y³ - x⁵y⁴) dy is (0.25x²y⁴ - 0.2x⁶y⁵) + C.

To integrate the expression (3x² - x) dx, we use the power rule of integration. The power rule states that the integral of x^n dx, where n is any real number except -1, is [tex](1/(n+1))x^{(n+1)[/tex] + C, where C is the constant of integration. Applying this rule, we integrate each term separately.

For the term 3x², the power is 2, so we add 1 to the power and divide the coefficient by the new power. Therefore, the integral of 3x² dx is (3/3)[tex]x^{(2+1)[/tex] = x³ + C.

For the term -x, the power is 1. Following the power rule, we add 1 to the power and divide the coefficient by the new power. Hence, the integral of -x dx is (-1/2)[tex]x^{(1+1)[/tex] = -0.5x² + C.

Combining the integrals of both terms, we get the final result: x³ - 0.5x² + C.

Moving on to the second expression, (x²y³ - x⁵y⁴) dy, we integrate with respect to y this time. Since there is no coefficient in front of y, we can directly apply the power rule of integration .

For the term x²y³, the power of y is 3. Adding 1 to the power and dividing the coefficient by the new power, we obtain (1/4)x²y^(3+1) = (1/4)x²y⁴.

For the term -x⁵y⁴, the power of y is already 4. So the integral is simply (-1/5)x⁵[tex]y^{(4+1)[/tex] = (-1/5)x⁵y⁵.

Combining the integrals of both terms, we get the final result: (1/4)x²y⁴ - (1/5)x⁵y⁵ + C.

Learn more about Integration

brainly.com/question/31744185

Find the average rate of change of f(x) between x=-1 and x=0, given: ax³ + bx² + cx + d f(x) = -a + b c + d Oa - b + c oatbtc 2d

The average rate of change of the function over the interval is a - b + c

From the question, we have the following parameters that can be used in our computation:

f(x) = ax³ + bx² + cx + d

The interval is given as

From x = -1 to x = 0

The function is a polynomial function

This means that it does not have a constant average rate of change

So, we have

f(-1) = a(-1)³ + b(-1)² + c(-1) + d = -a + b - c + d

f(0) = a(0)³ + b(0)² + c(0) + d = d

Next, we have

Rate = (-a + b - c + d - d)/(-1 - 0)

Rate = a - b + c

Hence, the rate is a - b + c

Read more about average rate of change at

brainly.com/question/17131025

Find the limit if it exists. lim x(x-3) X-7 Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice. O A. lim x(x - 3)= (Simplify your answer.) X-7 OB. The limit does not exist.

The limit of x(x-3)/(x-7) as x approaches 7 is A. lim x(x-3) = 28. To find the limit, we can directly substitute the value 7 into the expression x(x-3)/(x-7).

However, this leads to an indeterminate form of 0/0. To resolve this, we can factor the numerator as x(x-3) = x^2 - 3x.

Now, we can rewrite the expression as (x^2 - 3x)/(x - 7). Notice that the term (x - 7) in the numerator and denominator cancels out, resulting in x.

As x approaches 7, the value of x approaches 7 itself. Therefore, the limit of x(x-3)/(x-7) is equal to 7.

Hence, the correct choice is A. lim x(x-3) = 28, as the expression approaches 28 as x approaches 7.

Learn more about indeterminate form here: brainly.com/question/31040543

Next question Save A particular city had a population of 27,000 in 1940 and a population of 31,000 in 1960. Assuming that its population continues to grow exponentially at a constant rate, what population will it have in 2000? The population of the city in 2000 will be people. (Round the final answer to the nearest whole number as needed. Round all intermediate values to six decimal places as needed.)

Population of the city in 2000 = 48,579 people. Hence, the population of the city in 2000 will be 48,579 people.

The population of a city in 2000 assuming that its population continues to grow exponentially at a constant rate, given that the population was 27,000 in 1940 and a population of 31,000 in 1960 can be calculated as follows:

First, find the rate of growth by using the formula:

[tex]r = (ln(P2/P1))/t[/tex]

where;P1 is the initial population

P2 is the population after a given time period t is the time period r is the rate of growth(ln is the natural logarithm)

Substitute the given values: r = (ln(31,000/27,000))/(1960-1940)

r = 0.010053

Next, use the formula for exponential growth : [tex]A(t) = P0ert[/tex]

where;P0 is the initial population

A(t) is the population after time t using t=60 (the population increased by 20 years from 1940 to 1960,

thus 2000-1960 = 40),

A(60) = 27,000e0.010053*60

A(60) = 27,000e0.60318

A(60) = 48,578.7

Rounding this value to the nearest whole number gives:

Population of the city in 2000 = 48,579 people.

Hence, the population of the city in 2000 will be 48,579 people.

To learn more about Population visit;

https://brainly.com/question/15889243

Changes in self-reported alcohol consumption at high and low consumption in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: A test of the polarization hypothesis

• Find this author on Google Scholar
• Find this author on PubMed
• Search for this author on this site
• ORCID record for Alexander Tran
• For correspondence: [email protected]
• Info/History
• Preview PDF

Abstract Background The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated public health measures had an impact on alcohol use. Based on the literature of past crises (health, economic, etc.), it was hypothesized that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a polarization of drinking. That is, heavy drinkers increased their drinking, while light to moderate drinkers decreased their drinking and/or temporarily abstained. The aim of the current study was to test the respective hypothesis. Methods Data from the Reducing Alcohol Related Harm Standard European Alcohol Survey for Lithuania were obtained for 2015 and 2020. Average daily consumption (in grams per day) was decomposed into deciles for each year, and compared pre-COVID to onset-of-COVID pandemic across the highest, second highest, and lowest deciles. A comparison of population-levels of mental health was conducted between pre-COVID and the onset-of-COVID. Results The findings indicated that overall, there was higher consumption in 2015, M2015 = 11.49 (SD = 8.23) vs. M2020 = 10.71 (SD = 12.12), p < .00001. However the opposite was found in the highest decile M2015 = 29.26 (SD = 5.44) vs. M2020 = 39.23 (SD = 20.58), p = .0003. This reversal pattern was not observed in the second highest nor the lowest decile. There was a lower proportion of respondents indicating bad mental health pre- vs.post-COVID (3.4% vs. 6.5%). Conclusion Although COVID was associated with nationwide declines in alcohol consumption, this was not the case for all segments of the population. In Lithuania, it appears that there was an increase in consumption among the heaviest drinkers, supporting the polarization hypothesis.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

The authors would like to acknowledge the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (Award Number 1R01AA028224) of the National Institutes of Health for funding this research.

Author Declarations

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Ethics Statement All analyses received Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Research Ethics Board (REB) approval as per protocol: #050/2020.

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Data Availability

All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors

View the discussion thread.

Thank you for your interest in spreading the word about medRxiv.

NOTE: Your email address is requested solely to identify you as the sender of this article.

Citation Manager Formats

• EndNote (tagged)
• EndNote 8 (xml)
• RefWorks Tagged
• Ref Manager
• Tweet Widget
• Facebook Like
• Google Plus One
• Addiction Medicine (336)
• Allergy and Immunology (658)
• Anesthesia (177)
• Cardiovascular Medicine (2570)
• Dentistry and Oral Medicine (310)
• Dermatology (218)
• Emergency Medicine (390)
• Endocrinology (including Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Disease) (913)
• Epidemiology (12083)
• Forensic Medicine (10)
• Gastroenterology (743)
• Genetic and Genomic Medicine (3989)
• Geriatric Medicine (375)
• Health Economics (666)
• Health Informatics (2577)
• Health Policy (992)
• Health Systems and Quality Improvement (959)
• Hematology (357)
• HIV/AIDS (825)
• Infectious Diseases (except HIV/AIDS) (13569)
• Intensive Care and Critical Care Medicine (783)
• Medical Education (396)
• Medical Ethics (107)
• Nephrology (423)
• Neurology (3756)
• Nursing (206)
• Nutrition (559)
• Obstetrics and Gynecology (718)
• Occupational and Environmental Health (687)
• Oncology (1957)
• Ophthalmology (567)
• Orthopedics (233)
• Otolaryngology (301)
• Pain Medicine (247)
• Palliative Medicine (72)
• Pathology (469)
• Pediatrics (1088)
• Pharmacology and Therapeutics (453)
• Primary Care Research (442)
• Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology (3352)
• Public and Global Health (6425)
• Radiology and Imaging (1360)
• Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy (793)
• Respiratory Medicine (858)
• Rheumatology (394)
• Sexual and Reproductive Health (399)
• Sports Medicine (336)
• Surgery (431)
• Toxicology (51)
• Transplantation (184)
• Urology (163)