Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                

Hypothesizing Reading WS

Download as doc, pdf, or txt
Download as doc, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 2

Ways to Write a Hypothesis

Background Information:

You have learned that variables are important not only in writing research questions but

also in making predictions. Predicting is the process of using observations or data along

with other kinds of scientific knowledge to forecast future events or relationships. A

hypothesis expresses a logical explanation that can be tested. Investigators find them

useful because they specify an exact focus for an experiment. Here are two methods to

form hypotheses. These are not the only methods but are examples of some ways to do

it.

Example 1: Statement Format

Students noticed that when they went to lunch each day the pizza line was always the

longest. It never mattered what kind of food was being served at the other window; the

pizza line was always longer. Since they were the last lunch shift the pepperoni pizza

always seemed to run out. Some students wondered if it was the time of the lunch shift

or the popularity of the pepperoni that was to blame.

Problem: Some students want to find out what kind of pizza is preferred by their

classmates.

Research Question: What kind of evidence indicates that middle school students

prefer one type of pizza over another?

Hypothesis: Middle school students prefer pepperoni pizza over cheese pizza.
Example 2: If-then Format

An investigator has observed that chickens lay more eggs at certain times of the year.

It has also been observed that this occurs during the late spring and summer months.

An inference has been made that the extra eggs are due to longer daylight hours.

Amount of daylight and chicken egg production are the variables the investigator has

decided to look into.

Problem: The investigator wants to know why chickens lay more eggs at certain

times of the year.

Research Question: What is the effect of the length of daylight on chicken egg

production?

Hypothesis: If the length of daylight increases, then chicken egg production will

increase.

Steps for Writing a Good Hypothesis:

• Identify variables in a given event.

• Identify a pair of variables that might be logically related.

• Identify the manipulated (independent) and responding (dependent) variables.

• Write the hypothesis using a format such as one of the following:

o It is hypothesized that there is a direct relationship between


_______________________ and ______________________.
o The hypothesis of this research project is that ______________ will cause a
significant change in ________________________.
o It is hypothesized that _____________________ will result in
________________________________________________.
o If _________________ is changed then __________________ will occur.

You might also like