Hypothesis vs Theory
Curiosity has driven people to search for the underlying causes of various phenomena. In the scientific method, explanations were developed based on theories that stemmed from hypotheses. A hypothesis becomes a theory when it is accepted, but a rejected hypothesis will never achieve that status. As such, it can be inferred that a hypothesis and a theory represent two stages of the scientific method, with varying degrees of scientific presence.
Hypothesis
A hypothesis can be defined as a proposed scientific explanation for a particular phenomenon. It offers an explanation as a proposal, and the scientific method tests its validity through a specific procedure. A hypothesis can be repeatedly tested for validity as per the scientific method. It provides a solution to the identified problem and is considered an educated guess, as it explains the phenomenon based on evidence. The evidence for a phenomenon or the results of an experiment are used for the explanation, but these were already conjectured through the hypothesis. Notably, a hypothesis should be able to be accepted or rejected repeatedly if the same procedure is followed in the test. Formulating a hypothesis based on evidence and the results of previous studies takes time because the relationships must be sensibly examined before presenting the educated guess. Furthermore, a hypothesis is typically a long statement used in the scientific method.
Theory
A theory is the simplest tool that can be used to explain a specific phenomenon. The formulation of a theory involves several steps, with the final theory being proposed based on the results and their viability. The results are obtained from a test, which is based on the hypothesis or the proposed possible explanation using evidence and literature. Once a hypothesis has been accepted through favorable results, the next step is the formation of a theory. However, a theory may not cover the entire scope of the explained phenomenon, and its validity is not guaranteed because the proof of the theory relies on empirical data obtained for a specific place and time. A theory would not qualify as a law unless the data or the results of a study are universal. Thus, a theory is an accurate but debatable explanation for a particular phenomenon. For example, Charles Darwin’s explanation of the mechanism of evolution is still a theory, while Pythagoras’s explanation about the lengths of the sides of right-angled triangles is a law.
Key Takeaways
– A hypothesis is a prediction based on evidence, while a theory is a proven hypothesis based on results.
– A theory has greater validity than a hypothesis.
– A hypothesis can become a theory but not vice versa.
