HYPOTHESIS

Etymology

The word 'hypothesis' comes from the Greek word 'hupothesis', meaning 'a placing under'.

Definition

A hypothesis is an assumption or proposed explanation for a phenomenon that is based on known facts but has not yet been proven. It is a crucial step in the scientific method and is used to make testable predictions.

Historical Context

The concept of hypothesis has been integral to the development of scientific inquiry, dating back to ancient Greece. It plays a key role in forming the basis for experimentation and discovery.

Cultural Significance

Hypotheses are not only used in scientific research but also in everyday life to form theories or guesses about various phenomena. They help guide investigations and experiments to uncover new knowledge.

Related Concepts

• Theory: A hypothesis that has been extensively tested and supported by evidence may become a scientific theory.
• Experimentation: Hypotheses are tested through experimentation to determine their validity.

See Also

• Theory
• Scientific Method
• Experimentation