Why is a testable hypothesis important

If leaf color change is related to temperature , then exposing plants to low temperatures will result in changes in leaf color. Notice that these statements contain the words , if and then. They are necessary in a formalized hypothesis. But not all if-then statements are hypotheses. For example, "If I play the lottery, then I will get rich.

In a formalized hypothesis, a tentative relationship is stated. For example, if the frequency of winning is related to frequency of buying lottery tickets. If you always ask yourself that if one thing is related to another, then you should be able to test it. Formalized hypotheses contain two variables. One is "independent" and the other is "dependent. The ultimate value of a formalized hypothesis is it forces us to think about what results we should look for in an experiment.

An acceptable hypothesis contains both aspects, not just the prediction portion. Purpose : to learn how to use the scientific method by conducting an experiment. You have learned so far that scientists use the "scientific method" in solving problems. Each lab group will Set-up both experiments; pages 4 and 5 of the lab manual. During the next week each lab group will collect data in tables. Once the data is collected your group will have to summarize the data and represent the results using a table and figure.

Step 1: Introduction material before beginning an experiment. Refer to page 4 of your lab manual for a description of the experiment.

Notice that page 4 includes introductory information that explains the underlying hypothesis of spontaneous generation. What is the general question addressed by Procedure 1?

This step is not included in a formal lab report introduction section. What background information is required to explain your formalized hypothesis? For the formal lab report you need to find appropriate cited sources to support your hypothesis.

Read the procedure on page 4 of the lab manual to determine the independent and dependent variables. Write a formalized hypothesis. Include the dependent and independent variables. Read procedure II on page 5 of the lab manual to determine the independent and dependent variables.

Are the independent and dependent variables the same for both procedures? However, there are some important things to consider when building a compelling hypothesis. Independent variables are the ones which are manipulated, controlled, or changed. Independent variables are isolated from other factors of the study.

Dependent variables , as name suggests are dependent on other factors of the study. They are influenced by the change in independent variable. Example 1 The greater number of coal plants in a region independent variable increases water pollution dependent variable. If you change the independent variable building more coal factories , it will change the dependent variable amount of water pollution.

Example 2 What is the effect of diet or regular soda independent variable on blood sugar levels dependent variable? If you change the independent variable the type of soda you consume , it will change the dependent variable blood sugar levels.

You should not ignore the importance of the above steps. The validity of your experiment and its results rely on a robust testable hypothesis. Developing a strong testable hypothesis has few advantages, it compels us to think intensely and specifically about the outcomes of a study.

Consequently, it enables us to understand the implication of the question and the different variables involved in the study. Furthermore, it helps us to make precise predictions based on prior research. Hence, forming a hypothesis would be of great value to the research. Here are some good examples of testable hypotheses. More importantly, you need to build a robust testable research hypothesis for your scientific experiments. A testable hypothesis is a hypothesis that can be proved or disproved as a result of experimentation.

To devise and perform an experiment using scientific method, you need to make sure that your hypothesis is testable. For example, a three-year longitudinal study would be impossible for a student to complete during a semester-long class.

This entry addresses some of the issues surrounding testability, such as the ability to create a testable experiment, the Show page numbers Download PDF. Search form icon-arrow-top icon-arrow-top.

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