Hypothesis vs. Prediction: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Hypothesis is a proposed explanation made on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. Prediction is a statement about what will happen in the future, often based on experience or knowledge.
Key Differences
A "hypothesis" is a tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation. For instance, "Her hypothesis was that increased sunlight boosts plant growth." A "prediction," however, is a forecast or a guess about what might happen in the future, often based on data or trends, as in "His prediction was that the stock market would rise."
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Nov 15, 2023
In scientific research, a hypothesis serves as a basis for experimentation. It's a starting point to understand and explain certain behaviors or phenomena. Example: "The scientist's hypothesis was that the drug would reduce symptoms." Predictions, on the other hand, are often outcomes expected from a hypothesis, but they can also be based on patterns or past experiences, like "The meteorologist's prediction was for heavy rain based on weather patterns."
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Nov 15, 2023
Hypotheses are fundamental in the scientific method, providing a statement that can be disproven or supported by empirical evidence. For example, "The hypothesis stated that lower temperatures would slow down the chemical reaction." Predictions are more about projecting future events and may not necessarily be testable or scientific, as in "Her prediction was that the team would win based on their past performance."
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Nov 15, 2023
Hypotheses often require extensive research and testing to validate or refute. They are not mere guesses but educated assumptions needing empirical scrutiny. As in, "His hypothesis about the disease's cause required rigorous testing." Predictions can be made in everyday life based on observations and experiences, without needing scientific validation, like "His prediction that it would rain was based on the dark clouds."
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Nov 15, 2023
A hypothesis is typically broader and more complex, aiming to explain a phenomenon or relationship. Example: "The hypothesis proposed a link between diet and health." Predictions are more specific, usually about a single event or outcome, such as "Her prediction for tomorrow's weather is sunny and warm."
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Nov 15, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A proposed explanation for an observation needing further testing
A forecast about future events based on data or trends
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Role in Science
Basis for experiments and further investigation
Outcome expected from a hypothesis or based on patterns
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Testability
Requires testing and validation through evidence
May not always be testable or scientific
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Context of Use
Used in scientific and investigative contexts
Can be used in both scientific and everyday contexts
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Complexity
Often broader and complex, explaining a phenomenon
Usually specific, about a single event or outcome
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Hypothesis and Prediction Definitions
Hypothesis
Basis for experimentation
His hypothesis led to innovative experiments.
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Prediction
Expectation based on data
The prediction for sales growth was optimistic.
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Hypothesis
Tentative explanation
Her hypothesis was that sleep affects memory.
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Hypothesis
Educated assumption
Their hypothesis was based on preliminary data.
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Prediction
Outcome estimation
The prediction for the experiment was precise.
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Hypothesis
Theory needing proof
The hypothesis about global warming was tested.
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Prediction
Speculation about the future
His prediction about technology trends was bold.
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Hypothesis
A tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Hypothesis
Something taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation; an assumption.
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Oct 19, 2023
Hypothesis
(sciences) Used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. As a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation. Compare to theory, and quotation given there.
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Prediction
(statistics) A probability estimation based on statistical methods.
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Hypothesis
(general) An assumption taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation.
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Prediction
The act of foretelling; also, that which is foretold; prophecy.
The predictions of cold and long winters.
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Oct 19, 2023
Hypothesis
A supposition; a proposition or principle which is supposed or taken for granted, in order to draw a conclusion or inference for proof of the point in question; something not proved, but assumed for the purpose of argument, or to account for a fact or an occurrence; as, the hypothesis that head winds detain an overdue steamer.
An hypothesis being a mere supposition, there are no other limits to hypotheses than those of the human imagination.
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Oct 19, 2023
Hypothesis
A tentative theory or supposition provisionally adopted to explain certain facts, and to guide in the investigation of others; hence, frequently called a working hypothesis.
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Prediction
Guess about future events
Her prediction was that the movie would be a hit.
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Hypothesis
A tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena;
A scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory
He proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a prediction?
A forecast or statement about what will happen in the future.
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Nov 15, 2023
Are predictions always based on hypotheses?
No, predictions can also be based on trends or past experiences.
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What is a hypothesis?
A proposed explanation for an observation, needing further testing.
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Can a hypothesis lead to predictions?
Yes, hypotheses often lead to predictions that can be tested.
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Can predictions be non-scientific?
Yes, they can be made in everyday contexts without scientific basis.
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How does a hypothesis differ from a prediction?
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for a phenomenon, while a prediction is a forecast based on data or experience.
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Can a hypothesis be proven true?
It can be supported by evidence, but scientific hypotheses are often open to revision.
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Example of a prediction in daily life?
"Her prediction was that it would rain later in the day."
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Do hypotheses need to be tested?
Yes, they require testing and validation through evidence.
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Are predictions testable?
Some are, especially in scientific contexts, but not always.
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Is a hypothesis always scientific?
Mostly, as it is used as a starting point for scientific investigation.
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Example of a hypothesis in science?
"The hypothesis was that the drug would cure the disease."
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Can a prediction be accurate?
Yes, especially if based on solid data or trends.
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Role of a hypothesis in research?
It guides the direction and methodology of research.
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Are hypotheses and predictions interchangeable?
No, they serve different purposes and contexts.
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Nov 15, 2023
How specific is a hypothesis?
It's often broad, aiming to explain a phenomenon or relationship.
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How specific is a prediction?
Usually specific, regarding a single event or outcome.
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Role of prediction in planning?
It helps in preparing for future possibilities.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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