How to Write a Hypothesis With Examples and Explanations

A hypothesis refers to a simple statement that predicts the findings of a research study. Basically, researchers develop propositions to provide tentative answers to research questions that address different aspects of a study objective. In writing, a scholar must use existing theories and knowledge to create a valid assumption. Besides, a researcher focuses on testing supposed claims through different methods, like experiments, observations, and statistical analysis of obtained data. In practice, the findings from a study can either support or refute a premise under examination. Then, when writing a suggestion, scholars should conduct adequate research on a specific topic, brainstorm for ideas, draft an assertion, revise a draft claim, and write a final sentence in simple language. Moreover, these steps lead to a valid development of accurate and precise propositions that identify relationships between independent and dependent variables. In practice, one should rely on a cause-and-effect theory when developing a hypothesis.

General Aspects

A good hypothesis suggests a sentence as a statement that gives a particular prediction about the findings of a research study. Basically, people make a specific hypothesis, which acts as a tentative answer to a research question. However, a proposition may lack scientific or scholarly proof. Then, a reasonable claim must address different aspects of a question under analysis. In writing, people must base their propositions on existing theories and knowledge. Besides, such a statement has to be testable through various methods, like experiments, observations, and statistical analysis. In practice, the findings from a study can either support or refute a working thesis. Therefore, writing a study assumption refers to a simple and clear statement that tries to predict the results of research.

What Is a Hypothesis and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a hypothesis is a testable statement or prediction about a specific phenomenon or a relationship between two or more variables, forming a unique basis for scientific investigation. In principle, such a statement is formulated based on observations, existing knowledge, and theoretical frameworks. For example, the main purpose of writing a hypothesis is to establish a specific direction for a particular study, enabling researchers to design experiments and collect data in a structured manner (Reichardt, 2022). Moreover, by testing a defined assertion through experimentation and analysis, people can determine whether their predictions hold true, contributing to a broader understanding of a discussed topic. This process of hypothesis testing is fundamental to a scientific method, as it allows for a particular validation, refinement, or rejection of theoretical concepts (Dillard & Flenner, 2021). In turn, the length of a hypothesis depends on academic levels and scopes of research, while general writing guidelines are:

High School

Length: 1 sentence
Word Count: 10-15 words
Detail: A simple, clear, and testable statement about a specific relationship between variables.
Example: “If plants are watered with different types of liquids, then the growth rate will vary.”

College (Undergraduate)

Length: 1 sentence
Word Count: 15-30 words
Detail: More detailed, specifying defined variables and expected outcomes with writing some contextual background.
Example: “Students who study in a quiet environment will perform better on exams than those who study in a noisy environment due to fewer distractions and improved concentration.”

University (Advanced Undergraduate or Honors Thesis)

Length: 1 sentence
Word Count: 20-35 words
Detail: Includes specific variables, a rationale based on preliminary research, and a clear expected outcome.
Example: “Exposure to natural light in the workplace will increase employee productivity compared to artificial lighting, as natural light has been shown to improve mood and energy levels.”

Master’s Thesis

Length: 1-2 sentences
Word Count: 25-40 words
Detail: Detailed and precise writing, including variables, expected relationship, and grounding in existing literature or theoretical framework.
Example: “Implementing a flipped classroom model in undergraduate biology courses will result in higher student engagement and academic performance, as this model promotes active learning and individualized instruction, which have been positively correlated with student outcomes in previous studies.”

Ph.D. Dissertation

Length: 2-4 sentences (or more, if necessary)
Word Count: 30-70+ words
Detail: Highly detailed, specifying complex relationships between multiple variables, grounded in extensive literature review and theoretical framework, with writing about clear and expected outcomes.
Example: “Incorporating machine learning algorithms into predictive models for climate change will significantly improve an overall accuracy of long-term weather forecasts. This assumption is based on a premise that machine learning can identify innovative patterns in large datasets that traditional statistical methods may miss, thus providing more reliable predictions of climatic phenomena.”

Format

Component	Content	Example
Research Question	A clear, concise question that current research aims to answer.	“Does a specific type of liquid used to water plants affect their growth rate?”
Variables	Identification of independent and dependent variables.	Independent Variable: Type of liquid used for watering.
Variables	Identification of independent and dependent variables.	Dependent Variable: Plant growth rate.
Hypothesis Statement	A testable prediction that addresses a given research question.	“If plants are watered with different types of liquids, then a growth rate will vary.”
Rationale	Explanation of a specific reasoning behind a discussed assumption, often based on literature or theory.	“Plants need water to grow, but different liquids contain various nutrients or chemicals that may affect their growth in different ways.”
Expected Outcome	Specific prediction of what will happen if a given suggestion is correct.	“Plants watered with nutrient-rich liquids will grow faster than those watered with plain water, while plants watered with sugary or acidic liquids may grow slower or not at all.”
Assumptions	Conditions assumed to be true for writing a defined purpose of an entire experiment.	“All plants used in a corresponding experiment are of the same species and health, and environmental conditions, such as light and temperature, are kept constant.”
Methodology	Brief outline of how a formulated premise will be tested.	“Plants will be divided into groups, and each group will be watered with a different type of liquid for a period of four weeks. A particular growth rate will be measured and compared.”

Note: Some writing components of a hypothesis can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, and such a statement is usually 1 sentence long. For example, the three main parts of a hypothesis statement are an independent variable, a dependent variable, and a predicted relationship between them (Lund, 2021). In a research paper, a standard hypothesis is typically found in an introduction section, where such a statement outlines an expected relationship between variables and sets a particular stage for an entire study. Further on, a hypothesis is a testable prediction about a unique relationship between variables, while a research question is a broad query that guides an entire investigation into a specific topic (Misra et al., 2021). Moreover, there is a direct relationship between a hypothesis and research objectives, as the former provides a specific, testable prediction that aligns with and helps to achieve broader goals outlined by the latter. In writing, a basic checklist to evaluate an overall effectiveness of any hypothesis includes ensuring a research assertion is a clear, specific, and testable statement that is based on existing knowledge and covers both independent and dependent variables (Rubin & Donkin, 2022). Finally, to start a hypothesis, people begin by writing an “If” statement that clearly identifies an independent variable, followed by a “then” statement predicting a specific outcome or effect on a dependent variable.

Independent and Dependent Variables

A hypothesis in some studies must contain independent and dependent variables. Basically, hypothesis testing is a statistical method that people use to determine a specific connection between suggestions and their alternative outcomes to understand what is true or not and write about them. For example. experimental and correlational studies examine relationships between two or more variables (Sharang, 2020). In turn, independent elements refer to factors people can control or change. Besides, this aspect refers to factors scholars observe or measure for their writing. Then, a null hypothesis of experimental and correlational studies must predict relationships between dependent and independent variables. Moreover, such predictions should not be guesses but should contain evidence from research studies.

Types

There are different types of hypotheses people can develop for writing their studies. In this case, common types of hypotheses include:

A simple hypothesis refers to predictions of relationships between independent and dependent variables.
A complex hypothesis predicts relationships between two or more independent and dependent variables.
An empirical hypothesis is a working prediction that exists when a person tests a specific theory by using observations and experiments. Basically, this type of assertion goes through some trial and error methods to obtain the necessary findings and write about them. In some instances, people may change some aspects around other elements.
A null hypothesis, denoted as H₀, exists when a person believes a relationship does not exist between independent and dependent variables. Basically, this statement may exist when an individual lacks adequate information to make a scientific prediction. Besides, inferences made from the findings attempt to disapprove or discredit a null theory.
An alternative hypothesis, denoted as H₁, attempts to disapprove a null proposition. In this case, people attempt to discover or affirm an alternative proposition.
A logical hypothesis refers to a proposed explanation of a concept that contains limited evidence. In writing, investigators intend to turn a reasonable assumption into an empirical claim. Besides, they put theories or postulate them to a particular testing process.
A statistical hypothesis is a claim related to studies that examine a section of a specific population. In this case, people identify a sample population and study their behaviors related to a given research question.

Steps on How to Write a Good Hypothesis

To write a good hypothesis, people clearly define specific independent and dependent variables and formulate a testable prediction about a particular relationship between them, often structured as an “If [independent variable], then [dependent variable]” statement. As such, researchers should focus on developing and writing reasonable assertation statements for their studies. For example, one should consider different factors that relate to existing studies or theories (Sharang, 2020). In writing, some predictions should pertain to research data and provide tentative answers to study questions. Hence, the following are essential writing steps a person should consider when developing a proposition.

Step 1: Researching

A first step in developing a hypothesis is to research and gather details related to writing an intended topic. Basically, researching allows a scholar to gain more knowledge concerning issues and factors and how variables change. For example, to form a hypothesis sentence, people start wording by identifying independent and dependent variables, reviewing existing literature, and then creating a clear, testable prediction that outlines an expected relationship between defined elements (Reichardt, 2022). Besides, this step will enable people to become familiar with the expected results. As a result, an entire writing process influences a relevant theory’s development.

Step 2: Asking Questions

A person should develop research questions before developing a main claim. For instance, investigators should create scientific questions that relate to studied and identified elements (Dillard & Flenner, 2021). In writing, brainstorming enhances a particular ability to determine relationships between independent and dependent variables. Basically, successful scholars remain focused on writing about one cause-and-effect theory to ensure they develop accurate ideas for a prediction. Therefore, a second writing step in developing a proposition is to brainstorm questions that reveal a specific relationship between independent and dependent elements.

Step 3: Use Clear Language

Scholars should use simple and clear language when developing any suggestion for writing a study. For instance, one should draft concise predictions that answer developed research questions (Sharang, 2020). In practice, one should write a hypothesis in a particular form of a direct proposition that an action leads to a specific result. Futher on, the three main words that should be in a hypothesis statement are “if,” “then,” and “because.” Moreover, a person should not state a supposition as a question but as an affirmative statement that predicts outcomes from a particular course of action. Therefore, a third step in developing a new theory involves selecting a simple language for writing scientific predictions.

Step 4. Revising a Statement

A scholar should revise a draft hypothesis to ensure writing any prediction makes a testable thesis through research and experimentation. For instance, a person should review a prediction to ensure such a sentence captures relationships between at least two elements (Dillard & Flenner, 2021). Hence, a scholar must revise a drafted proposition to ensure this statement captures a testable relationship between independent and dependent variables. In writing, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a hypothesis statement are:

If [independent variable] is introduced or modified, then we anticipate [dependent variable] will exhibit a measurable change in terms of … .
It is hypothesized that a particular presence or alteration of [independent element] will significantly affect [dependent element] by causing … .
We predict that variations in [independent aspect] will result in corresponding changes in [dependent aspect], specifically in key aspects of … .
A formulated assumption posits that altering [independent variable] will lead to observable differences in [dependent variable], particularly in relation to … .
Based on existing theories and previous research, it is expected that modifying [independent element] will impact [dependent element] by … .
We hypothesize an increase or decrease in [independent aspect], which will have a direct influence on [dependent aspect], leading to … .
It is proposed that a particular manipulation of [independent variable] will result in [specific outcome] within [dependent variable] due to a specific mechanism of … .
If [independent element] is systematically varied, then [dependent element] will demonstrate a change characterized by … .
A current premise suggests that specific changes in [independent aspect] will cause predictable alterations in [dependent aspect], which can be measured by … .
We expect that, by introducing [independent variable], there will be a significant impact on [dependent variable], as evidenced by changes in … .

Examples

Sociology

Research question – How does divorce affect sociological development among young children?
H₀– Challenges that lead to divorce hurt young children’s social development, which affects their ability to interact with other people.
H₁ – Most children manage to cope with domestic challenges that lead to divorce, enabling them to realize healthy sociological development.

Art

Research question – How did tenebrism influence baroque art during the 16^th and 17^th centuries?
H₀– A particular origin of tenebrism had a positive impact on a dynamic appearance of baroque art.
H₁ – Baroque art emerged as a unique art that did not have any form of external influence.

Geography

Research question – To what extent does geological activity affect the Earth?
H₀– A specific movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface results in volcanic eruptions and faults that lead to mountains and lift valleys.
H₁ – Mountains and valleys are natural features with little connection with geological activities like a particular movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface.

Philosophy

Research question – Do animals have rights and welfare in society?
H₀– Wild and domestic animals are living creatures with a right to care and protection by humans.
H₁ – Wild and domestic animals are subordinate to humans, which implies they do not have a right to care and protection.

Biology

Research question – Does a specific consumption of genetically modified plants cause health complications in humans?
H₀– Genetically modified foods are safe for human consumption and do not pose any possible health risks.
H₁ – Genetically modified foods interfere with healthy cell development, which leads to health complications.

Indigenous Studies

Research question – What role does culture play among Indigenous communities?
H₀– Cultural practices among Aboriginals promote their identity and contribute to the members’ overall well-being.
H₁ – cultural practices among Aboriginals do not significantly contribute to an overall quality of their lives.

History

Research question – Does fascism exist in the twenty-first century?
H₀– Established forms of democracy in the twenty-first century do not allow political leaders to implement all the fascism elements.
H₁ – Some political leaders in the twenty-first century adopt radical policies that promote a particular existence of fascism.

Physics

Research question – Do neutrons have mass?
H₀– Neutrons are small particles that have masses.
H₁ – Neutrons are small particles whose weight remains insignificant.

Health Studies

Research question – How do evidence-based treatment approaches enhance an overall quality of current treatments?
H₀– Evidence-based treatment methods allow doctors to gather adequate and accurate information about patients, which helps them to tailor treatment and care approaches to meet people’s needs.
H₁ – Evidence-based approaches do not enhance an overall quality of current treatments since they lead to inconsistency in the care and medications given to a patient.

Environmental Studies

Research question – To what extent do human activities contribute to global warming?
H₀– Most human activities release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which results in a particular rise in average temperatures.
H₁ – Most human activities release insignificant amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

What to Include

Element	Description
If-Then Statement	Formulate a research hypothesis using an “If [independent variable], then [dependent variable]” writing structure.
Background Information	Include relevant background or theoretical context that supports a given assertion.
Assumptions	State any assumptions that are made for a particular theory’s development.
Scope and Limitations	Write about a unique scope and acknowledge any potential limitations of a study statement.
Operational Definitions	Define how defined variables will be measured or manipulated specifically.
Comparison Groups	Identify any control or comparison groups involved for writing an entire study.
Expected Direction	State whether a particular relationship is expected to be positive, negative, or null.
Time Frame	Specify a time period over which potential effects or changes are expected to occur.
Population	Define a specific population or sample to which a current theory applies.
Alternative Hypotheses	Write about any alternative suggestions that could be considered.
Prior Findings	Reference previous studies or data and support a provided assertion.
Potential Impact	Discuss potential implications or significance of a given claim if it is supported.
Ethical Considerations	Cover any ethical issues related to testing a study hypothesis.

Common Mistakes

Being Too Vague: A hypothesis statement must be specific and clearly define corresponding variables and expected outcomes.
Not Being Testable: A prediction should be formulated in a way that can be empirically tested through experiments or observations.
Lack of Clarity: Avoid writing in ambiguous language since a scientific assertion should be clear and straightforward.
Being Too Complex: Keep a statement focused on a single relationship between variables to avoid confusion.
Ignoring Prior Research: Writing a good premise is based on existing knowledge and theories, while ignoring these concepts can lead to redundant or invalid studies.
Using Subjective Terms: Avoid writing terms that are open to interpretation because any prediction should be objective and measurable.
Making Assumptions: Do not assume outcomes without evidence since any assertion should be based on logical reasoning.
Not Aligning With a Research Question: Ensure a formulated prediction directly addresses a study question posed.
Being Too Broad: Writing a hypothesis statement should be narrow enough to be manageable within a specific scope of research.
Neglecting to Include Variables: Clearly identify and define both independent and dependent variables in a given assertion.

Writing Tips

In its simple definition, a basic hypothesis gives a specific prediction about the findings of a research paper or study. Basically, people develop scientific predictions to provide tentative answers to study questions (Reichardt, 2022). In turn, some of the factors one must consider when writing an assumption statement include:

conduct adequate research on a specific topic;
brainstorm for ideas;
draft a statement;
revise a draft proposition;
write a final assertion in simple language.

Summing Up

A hypothesis is a statement predicting a specific outcome of a research study, which is based on existing theories, literature, and knowledge. Basically, writing such a statement includes independent and dependent variables and must be testable through experiments, observations, or statistical analysis. Further on, common types of hypotheses include simple, complex, empirical, null, alternative, logical, and statistical writing formats. To develop a good hypothesis, one should research a specific topic, ask relevant questions, use clear language, and revise a formulated statement to ensure its writing captures a direct relationship between variables. Finally, accurate assumptions help in identifying cause-and-effect relationships in research.

References

Dillard, A., & Flenner, J. (2021). Crush hypothesis testing. Happy Hypotenuse Publishing.

Lund, T. (2021). Research problems and hypotheses in empirical research. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 66(7), 1183–1193. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2021.1982765

Misra, D. P., Gasparyan, A. Y., Zimba, O., Yessirkepov, M., Agarwal, V., & Kitas, G. D. (2021). Formulating hypotheses for different study designs. Journal of Korean Medical Science, 36(50), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e338

Reichardt, C. S. (2022). The method of multiple hypotheses: A guide for professional and academic researchers. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

Rubin, M., & Donkin, C. (2022). Exploratory hypothesis tests can be more compelling than confirmatory hypothesis tests. Philosophical Psychology, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515089.2022.2113771

Sharang, S. (2020). Research methodology techniques: Understanding how to write, present and defend any research report. Stephen Sharang.

Hypothesis: Basic Research Guidelines & Examples