A hypothesis is an assumption that is attributed the possibility of leading to the extraction of a consequence or effect.
Originating from the Latin term hypothesis , which in turn derives from a Greek concept, a hypothesis is something that is assumed and given a certain degree of possibility to extract an effect or consequence from it. Its validity depends on subjecting it to various tests, based on the theories developed.
For example: "My hypothesis is that, if we launch the new product before the end of the year, we will be able to increase market share" , "The coach does not consider any other hypothesis than Romania's victory in the next match" , "The police still "He has no hypothesis about the girl's murder."
In colloquial language, its indiscriminate use is very common, with a degree of inaccuracy comparable to that suffered by the word philosophy . Given the close relationship between hypotheses and organized research , its use to talk about vague opinions about sports, politics and economics, among other controversial topics, is incoherent. Likewise, this term is very often confused with theory , the first component of a hypothesis.
Development of a hypothesis
For the scientific method , a hypothesis is a provisional solution that has not yet been confirmed for a given problem. According to the empirical information that can be obtained in the field work, the hypothesis may have a lower or higher degree of reliability. Below, we find the steps to follow for its construction and development :
* Preparation of questions, which arise naturally from ignorance about the natural phenomenon being studied.
* Search for possible answers, as long as they are based on procedures and theories that can be tested in the field of science . On the contrary, those that cannot be proven are considered speculation and are ignored.
* Prediction of the results that will be obtained when putting the prepared answers into practice.
Hypotheses are important in the development of research.
* Experimentation and detailed recording of the findings, so that they can be reproduced as many times as necessary if the same conditions are met.
* Analysis and processing of the results obtained. An attempt is made to find a relationship between the data that have been recorded throughout the various experiments. Furthermore, this information is contrasted with the aforementioned prediction. Generally, this analysis culminates in a mathematical expression to organize the hypothesis, prediction, and results.
* Finally, it is concluded whether the hypothesis is true or false, depending on the degree of accuracy of the prediction.
These steps become a new hypothesis, which will generate more predictions and experiments , understanding the research cycles that result in scientific advances.
Classification according to type
Association or covariation hypotheses : these are those that establish a certain relationship between two or more of its variables, in such a way that by modifying one of them, we directly or indirectly alter the dependent variable. A simple example: If the value of y depends on x , let's say that increasing x can result in either an increase or a decrease in y .
Production relationship hypothesis : the behavior or alteration of a variable modifies or influences the dependent variable . Example of influence: news of illness causes anxiety. Regarding behavior change: acquiring knowledge about possible treatments improves the patient's habits, to obtain a faster cure.
Causal relationship hypotheses : they explain and predict facts and phenomena considering certain margins of error . This type of hypothesis occurs when the behavior or alteration of a variable is the effect of another, cause , which is not strange or random and which takes place before the first. A clear example is claiming that reading improves spelling, since reading (the cause) occurs before the supposed improvement in writing (the effect), and the result is not always the same.