Hipotez

Hipotez is a tentative explanation or educated guess that makes a specific, testable prediction about a phenomenon. In Turkish and other languages, hipotez corresponds to the English term hypothesis. A hipotez must be falsifiable, meaning that it can be shown wrong by evidence. It typically describes a relationship between variables, such as an independent variable and a dependent variable.

In scientific practice, a hipotez is tested through observation or experimentation. Researchers derive predictions from the hipotez and design methods to determine whether the predicted outcomes occur. The process involves collecting data, applying appropriate analyses, and deciding whether the results support, refute, or remain inconclusive regarding the hipotez. Two common forms are the null hipotez (H0), which posits no effect or relationship, and the alternative hipotez (Ha), which posits a real effect or relationship. Statistical tests assess how likely the observed data would be if the null hipotez were true, guiding inference about the alternative.

A hipotez is distinct from a theory, which is a broad, well-supported explanation of many related phenomena, and from a scientific law, which describes a consistently observed relationship. Rather than being final truth, a hipotez represents a point of inquiry that can be refined, revised, or rejected as new evidence becomes available. Formulating clear hipotez promotes focused testing and cumulative knowledge, and it is a foundational element of the scientific method. Example: if a plant receives more light, then it will grow taller, all else being equal.