05-09-2016, 03:10 PM
(05-09-2016, 01:28 PM)oncemoreuntothejimbreech Wrote: A hypothesis is a question. Going back to the germ theory, a hypothesis might be, "Are infectious diseases caused by germs?"
A theory would be; infectious diseases are caused by germs. Why is the germ theory a theory and not a hypothesis? Because the overwhelming mountain of evidence collected over hundreds of years by millions of researchers which has been reproduced by other researchers indicates that infectious diseases are, in fact, caused by germs such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.
But, you know what? Our minds are open to other possibilities. Just show us your data and let's see if we can reproduce your results.
Defintion of hypothesis: a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
So no a hypthoesis is not just a question, but instead an educated guess, as the other poster originally said.
Going back to the germ theory, a hypothesis might be, "I believe that infectious diseases are caused by these things called germs."
After a hypothesis is tested many times, theories are made. Many tests show that there is a correlation between contact with germs and infectious diseases. However, no test prove that it is a fact, or show that germs cause infectious disease. Instead, a theory is made based on the correlational data suggesting that germs and infectious disease are related. It is not fact, but more a generally accepted truth.
