What is the difference between a scientific theory and a hypothesis?

Answer 1

First and foremost: those individuals responding by stating "proof" are incorrect; in science, there is no means to "prove" anything ... one can only disprove.

In simple terms:

An hypothesis is an educated guess / speculation formulated from research and prior observations of natural phenomena. However, an hypothesis has not yet been tested. It is a rational explanation of phenomenon based upon what is observed. Most hypotheses can be supported or refuted by experimentation or continued observation.

Through repeated experimentation / "testing" of this hypothesis, a theory may arise if consistency is obtained and a coherent set of propositions explaining phenomena is provided. A theory sets a framework where observations are explained and predictions are made. A theory is accepted based on the results obtained through observations and/or experiments which anyone can reproduce: the results obtained using the scientific method are repeatable.

Finally, a law is a theory that has passed the test of time and is generally accepted as truth.

Answer 2

consider-universe is expaning.if u study a small area of the night sky,u will c that after some yrs the stars are a bit more away frm each other.if u even study a large area the same conclusion is obtained.
thus a theory is something that when applied, it gives the same result in small scale as well as 4 large amounts.
on the other hand, a hypothesis is a conclusion formed only on the observation of small subjects or is merely an assumption.ex-the earth was considered 2 be in the centre of the universe.
a theory is tested in various conditions while hyp. is not.
as studies go on,theories can b modified.thus it can b assumed that every theory is a hypothesis

Answer 3

A hypothesis is an educated guess. A theory is basically proven in that it has been tested, held to scrutiny, and is generally accepted as true. In the past, many theories would have been considered scientific laws but they don't use that terminology any longer since something new may come along down the road and challenge the theory.

Answer 4

A theory is just a validated hypothesis.

A hypothesis is just a WAG (or a SWAG).

There is a branch of statistics, called hyopthesis testing, that deals with a formal way to validate a hypothesis so that it becomes a theory. Any good stat text will cover hypothesis testing if you are interested.

Answer 5

A hypothesis is an educated guess at how something works. A theory has some experimental data to confirm it. Scientific Law has been proved beyond doubt.

Answer 6

a theory has a proof while a hypothesis is just an assumption it has no proof

Answer 7

scientiific theory is based up[on sciencefiric proof

Answer 8

a hypothesis is your guess.......