Hypothesis vs Theory – Difference and Comparison

What is Hypothesis?

The hypothesis is a proposed explanation based on limited evidence as a starting point for detailed investigation.

A hypothesis is called an unproven statement or an assumption that needs to be proved or disproved in which a researcher is interested.

As defined by the theoretical framework, the link between two or more phenomena is the subject of this provisional assertion. A test must be performed on the hypothesis to determine its viability.

It is a brief statement that concerns two or more phenomena and is specified by the theoretical framework. The hypothesis has to go experimented with to prove its validity.

We can say that a hypothesis is a predictive statement with an objective, tested and verified scientifically by different methods, and relates independent factors to dependent ones.

For a researcher, a hypothesis is more like a question he tries to resolve. the main feature of the hypothesis is

  1. It must be clear and precise.
  2. It must undergo a scientific test.
  3. The hypothesis should state the relationship between variables if it is relational.
  4. The hypothesis must be open and responsive to the test within a specific time.
  5. It must be clearly defined.

What is Theory?

A theory is based on hypotheses that aim to explain the aim or cause and effect relationship between multiple observed phenomena.

It might be a broad-range idea, or an assumption tested and scientifically proved, called a theory. A theory is a logical imagination regarding a phenomenon or the conclusions of such an image.

Contemplative and rational thought are frequently linked to procedures like observational study or research. Theories can come from a science discipline, a non-scientific one, or none at all.

A theory’s claims may, for instance, provide broad explanations of how nature functions depending on the situation. Although the word has Greek roots, it now has similar connotations.

The term “theory” in modern science refers to scientific theories, a sort of well-supported natural explanation that follows the scientific method and meets the standards demanded by modern science.

Such theories are constructed so that empirical confirmation (“falsification”) of them by scientific tests is expected to be possible.

Contrary to another frequent usage of the word “theory,” which implies that something is unverified or speculative, scientific theories are the most trustworthy, rigorous, and comprehensive kind of scientific knowledge.

  1. Which, in formal terms, is better featured by the word hypothesis.
  2. Scientific theories differ from hypotheses, which are individual hypotheses that may empirically test, and from scientific laws, which are narratives that describe how

Difference Between Hypothesis and Theory

A hypothesis is proposed or supposed based on a few pieces of evidence, and further research and investigation are necessary. At the same time, the theory is a well-certified explanation of a phenomenon validated by experimentation and observation.

The hypothesis is based on little data, while the theory is based on a well-researched and comprehensive data set. A hypothesis is an unapproved statement that can be tested scientifically. On the other hand, the theory is scientifically tested and has a proven explanation.

The hypothesis relies on suggestions and possibilities while, on the other hand, the theory is assumed to be tried and true.

Comparison Table Between Hypothesis and Theory

Parameters  HypothesisTheory
Definition  It is a proposed explanation or phenomenon.  It is a rational abstract or thinking or a phenomenon.
Based onLimited data.Wide Data.
Testing and proving                    It is not scientifically proven.It is scientifically proven.
Relies onProjection or Possibility.Evidence-based or verified.
Results  UncertainCertain

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