hypotéze

A hypotéze is a tentative explanation or educated guess that seeks to account for a specific observation or phenomenon and that can be tested through empirical evidence. It is a starting point for investigation rather than a proven fact.

Etymology and usage: The concept comes from Greek hypo- “under” and thesis “placing,” and it is cognate with the English “hypothesis” and the French “hypothèse.” The form hypotéze is a nonstandard or less common spelling.

Core features: A hypothesis should be testable and falsifiable, have a clear scope, and yield predictions that can be measured or observed. It is informed by prior knowledge and aims to be precise rather than vague.

Relation to the research process: In science, a hypothesis guides experimental design. Researchers derive predictions from it and test them via experiments or observations; results may support, refute, or require revision of the hypothesis. A hypothesis is distinct from a theory (a well-supported explanation) and from a law (a statement of observed relationships).

Statistical framing: In quantitative research, hypotheses are often stated as null and alternative hypotheses and tested with statistical methods to assess whether observed data are unlikely under the null assumption.

Examples: “If a plant receives more sunlight, its growth rate increases” and “air pollution is associated with higher respiratory symptoms.” These are testable propositions that direct data collection and analysis.

Limitations: Some hypotheses are hard to test due to practical or ethical constraints. Conclusions depend on study design and quality; replication, transparency, and peer review are important for validation.