Tool for Success—Writing a Hypothesis—continued
Step 3. Testing a Hypothesis
After you write a hypothesis, you must design a way to test it, otherwise you remain a philosopher, not a scientist. There are several ways to test a hypothesis.
- If your hypothesis is based on observations, you must present documented proof of your observations. Other people must be able to observe the same phenomena.
- If you use experiments to support your hypothesis, other people must be able to conduct the same experiments and get the same results.
- If you use abstract reasoning to support your hypothesis (e.g., mathematical formulae, formal logic, etc.), your reasons must make sense. Other scientists must be able to follow your reasoning and perform the same calculations.
Whenever a new hypothesis is presented, scientists carefully test it. Results must be recorded and reported with just as much care. By following these guidelines and principles, you’ll be practicing the process of good science.
