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Question:
A hypothesis is an assumption that may be true, but has not yet been tested by doing experiments and collecting data.
A hypothesis says what the researchers expect their research study will show. Hypotheses enable researchers to predict what could cause or influence something else.
For example:
Scientists do experiments in laboratories to see if their results support their hypotheses.
A long time ago, people thought that the earth was flat. Magellan sailed around the world to prove that this hypothesis was not true.
a logical guess that nobody has tested yet.
a prediction that can be tested by experiments.
something that someone proved is true.
something that scientists can confirm.
Which answers best complete the sentence below? Choose the 3 correct answers.
A hypothesis is...
Response:
Variables are factors that researchers measure in a study.
A hypothesis is a statement that
- can be tested scientifically to see if is true.
- suggests a possible explanation for a relationship between variables.
- tells us what researchers expect to find in their study.
If you increase the amount of water you give to plants, then they will grow faster.
Less air pollution will result in fewer health problems.
Teachers should try to focus on positive aspects of children's behavior.
Increased amounts of negative criticism are related to decreases in children's self-confidence.
Which answers below are examples of hypotheses? Choose the 3 correct answers.
Read the paragraph and answer the question below.
Increased amounts of junk food are related to increased body weight.
People who weigh more should exercise more.
Why is a Hypothesis Important?
The central purpose of a hypothesis is to predict the expected relationship between different variables. For example, formulating a hypothesis requires the researcher to predict what will happen to the dependent variable (Y) when the independent variable (X) is increased or decreased. Hypotheses help the researcher decide which data to focus on in order to answer their research questions.
Now it's your turn to formulate a hypothesis. Imagine that you want to test whether eating more junk food makes people fat. What would your hypothesis be? Choose 1 correct answer.