What is a Scientific Hypothesis?

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a scientific hypothesis?

To summarize the results of an experiment

To make an educated guess about an experiment's outcome (correct)

To prove a theory

To disprove a competitor's theory

When should a scientific hypothesis be written?

During the experiment

Before the experiment takes place (correct)

After the experiment is completed

When the results are being analyzed

What is a characteristic of a well-written scientific hypothesis?

It is necessarily true

It is only based on personal observations

It is easily supported or refuted based on the results of an experiment (correct)

It is extremely complex

What is the first step in creating a scientific hypothesis?

Ask a question Signup and view all the answers

What type of research is important to gather during preliminary research?

Research that addresses all sides of your question Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to gather research from multiple sources during preliminary research?

To get a more comprehensive understanding of the topic Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of a good scientific hypothesis?

It must be testable through a scientific experiment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting preliminary research?

To inform and guide the formation of a hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a well-written scientific hypothesis?

It includes variables being studied and a predicted outcome Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a poorly-written scientific hypothesis?

It doesn't matter if you do your homework or not. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to develop a scientific hypothesis?

To guide further research and experimentation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of forming a hypothesis?

To guide further research and experimentation Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a well-written scientific hypothesis?

If a person gets 8 hours of sleep at night, then their memory during the day will improve. Signup and view all the answers

What should a good scientific hypothesis predict?

A specific outcome of an experiment Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid using opinions in a scientific hypothesis?

Because opinions are not based on facts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is a Scientific Hypothesis

A scientific hypothesis is a testable, clear statement about what will happen in a science experiment, based on observations and prior knowledge.
It is written before an experiment takes place to determine if the experiment supports or refutes the hypothesis.

How to Create and Develop a Hypothesis

Step 1: Ask a question that is specific and can be researched using who, what, when, where, why, or how.
Examples of questions: How does sleep deprivation affect driving performance? What flavor of ice cream melts the fastest?
Step 2: Conduct preliminary research using reliable sources, case studies, and own observations or prior knowledge.
Gather research that addresses all sides of the question.
Step 3: Answer the initial question based on preliminary research.
Step 4: Write a hypothesis that includes the variables being studied and the predicted result of the experiment.

Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis

A good hypothesis is testable and clearly states the relationship between the variables being tested.
It should not be written as a question or an opinion.
It should include the variables being studied and the predicted outcome of the experiment.

Examples of Scientific Hypotheses

"If a person experiences more sleep deprivation, then their driving performance will be negatively impacted."
"If a person gets 8 hours of sleep at night, then their memory during the day will improve."
"If teeth are brushed twice a day, then a person is less likely to develop cavities."

Examples of Poor Hypotheses

"It doesn't matter if you do your homework or not." (cannot be tested and lacks specific variables)
"Lightning is caused by ghosts in the sky." (cannot be tested)
"Fertilizer is better for flowers than it is for vegetable plants." (uses the word "better" which is an opinion)
"Ice cream tastes the best at midnight" (an opinion and cannot be tested)

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Description

Learn about the concept of a scientific hypothesis, its definition, and its importance in the scientific method. Understand how to write a clear and testable hypothesis before conducting an experiment.