Hypothesis vs. Theory
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A Hypothesis is...
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A Theory is...
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Examples of Theories:
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Misconception Correction!
- Misconception: Hypotheses are just guesses.
- Correction: Hypotheses are well-reasoned and informed explanations. (Read more about it)
- Misconception: Theories are just hunches.
- Correction: In science, theories are broad explanations supported by many lines of evidence. (Read more about it)
- Misconception: If a hypothesis is supported by evidence, then it gets upgraded to a theory. If a theory withstands the test of time, then it will eventually gets upgraded to a "law."
- Correction: Hypotheses do not become theories and theories do not become laws. All three provide scientific explanations to a greater or lesser extent, but they differ primarily in their breadth, not level of support. Theories apply to a broader range of phenomena than do hypotheses. Laws refer to how phenomena are related, often mathematically. All three are subject to testing and falsification. (Read more about it)
Adapted from UC Berkley's "Understanding Science"