10 Differences Between Hypothesis and Prediction
– Difference Between Hypothesis and Prediction –
In recent times, hypothesis and prediction are used interchangeably as the two terms are used to refer to guesses at some level. The hypothesis will lead to explaining why something happened while prediction will lead to interpreting what might happen according to the present observations.
Uses of Hypothesis
Any useful hypothesis will enable predictions by reasoning (including deductive reasoning). It might predict the outcome of an experiment in a laboratory setting or the observation of a phenomenon in nature.
The prediction may also invoke statistics and only talk about probabilities.
Karl Popper, following others, has argued that a hypothesis must be falsifiable and that one cannot regard a proposition or theory as scientific if it does not admit the possibility of being shown false.
Other philosophers of science have rejected the criterion of falsifiability or supplemented it with other criteria, such as verifiability (e.g., verificationism) or coherence (e.g., confirmation holism).
The scientific method involves experimentation, to test the ability of some hypothesis to adequately answer the question under investigation
In contrast, unfettered observation is not as likely to raise unexplained issues or open questions in science, as would the formulation of a crucial experiment to test the hypothesis.
A thought experiment might also be used to test the hypothesis as well.
In framing a hypothesis, the investigator must not currently know the outcome of a test or that it remains reasonably under continuing investigation.
Only in such cases does the experiment, test or study potentially increase the probability of showing the truth of a hypothesis
If the researcher already knows the outcome, it counts as a “consequence” — and the researcher should have already considered this while formulating the hypothesis.
If one cannot assess the predictions by observation or by experience, the hypothesis needs to be tested by others providing observations.
For example, a new technology or theory might make the necessary experiments feasible.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis could be described as a scientific explanation that has been suggested to explain a certain phenomenon. It gives the explanation as a proposal, and the scientific method tests its validity using a procedure.
As indicated by the scientific technique, the hypothesis could be over and again tried for its legitimacy. The arrangement of the recognized issue is portrayed utilizing the theory.
A hypothesis is informed speculation, as it clarifies the marvel dependent on the proof.
The evidence of a phenomenon or the results of an experiment are used for the explanation, but those were conjectured already through the hypothesis.
Interestingly, the hypothesis should be able to be accepted or rejected recurrently, if the procedure followed in the test is the same.
The formulation of a hypothesis takes some time based on evidence and results of previous studies because the relationships should be sensibly studied before putting forward the educated guess.
Moreso, a hypothesis is usually a long statement used in the scientific method.
Prediction
A prediction can be defined as a thing predicted or a forecast. Hence, a prediction is a statement about something that might happen in the future.
Thus, one can guess what might happen based on the existing evidence or observations.
In the general context, although it is difficult to predict the uncertain future, one can draw conclusions as to what might happen in the future based on the observations of the present.
This will assist in avoiding negative consequences in the future when there are dangerous occurrences in the present.
Moreover, there is a link between hypothesis and prediction. A strong hypothesis will enable possible predictions. This link between a hypothesis and a prediction can be clearly observed in the field of science.
Hence, in scientific and research studies, a prediction is a specific design that can be used to test one’s hypothesis. Thus, the prediction is the outcome one can observe if their hypothesis was supported with an experiment.
Moreover, predictions are often written in the form of “if, then” statements; for example, “if my hypothesis is true, then this is what I will observe.”
Notable Distinction Between Hypothesis and Prediction
1. A hypothesis is a more intelligent guess.
2. Hypothesis is based on evidence while prediction is based on experience and knowledge.
3. Hypotheses analyze the relationships between existing variables.
4. Predictions are linked to foretelling future events.
5. Hypotheses are usually structured longer than predictions.
6. Predictions are often fictional which are pure guesses with no factual bases.
7. A prediction could be respected or disrespected based on the occurrence of the event, whereas a hypothesis is always respected.
8. Hypothesis has an explanation, but prediction does not.
9. Predictions can be proven only once while a hypothesis can still end up as a hypothesis even if it has already been proven because another scientific inquiry might prove it contrary in the future.
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CSN Team.
