A testable explanation for an observation that can be supported or refuted by evidence.
A hypothesis makes a prediction: if X, then Y. The null hypothesis states no effect. Evidence can support but never prove a hypothesis with certainty; it may refute it.
A good hypothesis is specific, testable and falsifiable. Multiple working hypotheses reduce bias. Predictions follow logically.
Key idea: experiments test predictions to support or refute hypotheses.
A testable explanation for an observation that can be supported or refuted by evidence.
Hypothesis is one of the 51 topics in Lab Methods & Biostatistics. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Scientific Method, Variables, Statistical Power.
If light intensity increases, then the rate of photosynthesis will increase until another factor limits.
Hypothesis is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Lab Methods & Biostatistics that pair well with it include Scientific Method, Variables, Control Group.
The closest topics to Hypothesis are Scientific Method, Variables, Statistical Power, P-Values and Multiple Testing. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Hypothesis. To practise the whole of Lab Methods & Biostatistics, use the Lab Methods & Biostatistics quiz.
Hypothesis: A testable explanation for an observation that can be supported or refuted by evidence. Scientific Method: A process of asking a question, forming a hypothesis, testing it with experiments and drawing conclusions. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Scientific Method and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Lab Methods & Biostatistics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
A process of asking a question, forming a hypothesis, testing it with experiments and drawing conclusions.
📊 Lab Methods & BiostatisticsThe independent variable is changed, the dependent variable is measured and controlled variables are kept constant.
📊 Lab Methods & BiostatisticsThe probability of detecting a true effect, determined by sample size, effect size and variability.
📊 Lab Methods & BiostatisticsP-values give the probability of data under the null; corrections like Bonferroni control false positives across many tests.
📊 Lab Methods & Biostatistics