Hypothesis

A hypothesis (assumption in ancient Greek) is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. A scientific hypotheses must be testable and based on previous observations or extensions to scientific theories .

Related Topics:
Greek - Phenomenon - Testable - Observations - Scientific theories

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In early usage, a hypothesis was a clever idea or convenient mathematical approach that would simplify calculation, but did not necessarily have any reality at all. This is 987r0o-liiiiiiiii768o78ods;gkbbf,gthlfh;fhkkkkffg

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In common usage at present, a hypothesis is a provisional idea whose merit is to be evaluated. A hypothesis requires more work by the researcher in order to either confirm or disprove it. In the hypothetico-deductive method, a hypothesis should be falsifiable, meaning that it is possible that it be shown to be false, usually by observation. Note that if confirmed, the hypothesis is not necessarily proven, but remains provisional.

Related Topics:
Hypothetico-deductive method - Falsifiable - Observation

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Hypothesis' can be divided into two types: the propositions, which follow a causal order 'A causes B' or empirical generalizations, which are based on observerd regularities but don't stipulate what is the cause and effect, only stating that 'A is related to B'.

Related Topics:
Causal - Empirical - Cause and effect

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The term hypothesis, was misused in the Riemann hypothesis, which should be properly called a conjecture. As an example, someone who enters a new country and observes only white sheep, might form the hypothesis that all sheep in that country are white.

Related Topics:
Riemann hypothesis - Conjecture

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It can be considered a hypothesis, as it is falsifiable. It can be falsified by observing a single black sheep. Provided that the experimental uncertainties are small (for example that it is a sheep, instead of a goat) and that the experimenter has correctly interpreted the statement of the hypothesis (for example, does the meaning of "sheep" include rams?), the hypothesis is falsified.

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