2007-01-17 08:27:25 · 16 answers · asked by Brittany B 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
1 a : an assumption or concession made for the sake of argument b : an interpretation of a practical situation or condition taken as the ground for action
2 : a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences
3 : the antecedent clause of a conditional statement
2007-01-17 08:30:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Others have given definitions, I'll add some practical comments.
In experiments, one generally forms and tests a null hypothesis. An experiment is a test in which the effect of some deliberate act is observed. All experiments are out to prove something. And they can only prove something that actually happens! Any finite number of tests can never prove that something won't happen. Therefore, the question being tested by the experiment must seek a "yes" answer. The null hypothesis is a tentative negative assumption which the experiment tests. If the null hypothesis is proved wrong, then you have a clearly decisive result. But if you did not prove it wrong, then that's the only conclusion you can provide (i.e. not proven). A null hypothesis can never be proven, it can only possibly be disproved.
2007-01-17 16:54:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An Hypothesis is an educated guess. It would be used by scientists when trying an experiment.
Also, a tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation. OR..
Something taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation; an assumption. OR.. The antecedent of a
conditional statement.
For more definitions go to: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hypothesis
2007-01-17 16:33:50 · answer #3 · answered by Alex 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A hypothesis is an educated guess.
So like, if you know that epinephrine is a vasocontrictor of the skin, when you put epinephrine on a fishes tail, your hypothesis would be that the epinephrine would cause the capillaries in the fishes tail to constrict.
2007-01-17 16:44:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A hypothesis is a speculation and a cause for that speculation.
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Simple example:
Drop a piece of paper and a rock at the same time from same heights. Which will reach the ground first?
HYPOTHESIS: I think the rock will reach the ground first. The rock is heavier and so it has a stronger gravitational pull pulling it towards the ground.
2007-01-17 16:31:50 · answer #5 · answered by lemon drops 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
an assumption or concession made for the sake of argument. Basically a prediction of what you think will happen in an experinment. It is usually used in this format. IF_________ THAN-__________. Get it`?
* don't mind me I attend a school that focuses mostly on sciences.
2007-01-17 16:40:54 · answer #6 · answered by sexyvicky09104 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a good educated guess. All you can do is try your best to figure it out and rule out everything else.. not really correct, not really wrong.. just an educated guess...
2007-01-17 16:33:19 · answer #7 · answered by bleakpurity999 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an educated guess what you think will happen in an experiment.
2007-01-17 16:32:11 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A guess. A speculation. =) Check it up on dictionary.com
2007-01-17 16:29:10 · answer #9 · answered by craz34jason 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something you think it might happen, but it has not been scientifically proved.
2007-01-17 16:36:58 · answer #10 · answered by a.j. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋