Generate Hypotheses

ANSWERS

A hypothesis is a logical assumption, a reasonable guess, or an educated guess. It offers a preliminary explanation for a phenomenon under investigation. A hypothesis is essential because it directs the research. An investigator may use the hypothesis to guide his or her thought process toward solving the research problem or problems. The hypothesis assists an investigator in gathering the appropriate types of data for the investigation.

Hypotheses are also helpful because they assist an investigator in locating the information required to solve the research problem or subproblems. A hypothesis becomes a theory as a growing body of data continually supports it over time. A theory is “an organized collection of concepts and principles intended to explain a specific phenomenon.” A theory, like a hypothesis, offers a tentative explanation for a phenomenon that new data will either support or refute. Both are supported or rejected based on testing conducted by different investigators under various conditions. A theory continually validated by a growing body of data over time becomes a law.

ANSWERS

Generate Hypotheses

Nursing. Healthcare.