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Hypothesis

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Hypothesis is a difficult word but it forms the basis of all scientific investigations. Many people say “I have a hypothesis,” but all they really mean is they are predicting or guessing what will happen.

When using the word hypothesis in a scientific investigation check the following characteristics.

  • Is it what the experiment is about?

  • Can you test the statement?

  • Is it a statement not a question?

  • Is it a proposed explanation for an observation?

  • Does it link two variables?

If you can answer yes to all these questions then you have your hypothesis.

An example of a hypothesis for the UV bead experiment could be:

UV beads change colour when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Use the Check list above to decide if this is a good hypothesis.

Six glass bottles with beads

Observe that the beads change colour, now think of the hypothesis

Another way to write a hypothesis is to consider the independent and dependent variables in the experiment. The independent variable is what is changed during the experiment and the dependent variable is what is measured.

If the independent variable is changed, then the dependent variable will respond.

If ultraviolet light is present, then the colour of the beads will change.