hypothesis-formulation

Hypothesis Formulation Best Practice

Structured Hypothesis Development

1. Start with a clear observation or pattern that requires explanation
2. Review existing literature for known mechanisms and prior explanations
3. Identify what is already established vs. what remains uncertain
4. Formulate the hypothesis as a specific, testable statement
5. Ensure the hypothesis is falsifiable — define what outcome would refute it

Hypothesis Format

1. Null hypothesis (H0): There is no effect or no difference
2. Alternative hypothesis (H1): There is a specific, directional effect
3. State both explicitly; design experiments to reject H0
4. Use "If... then... because..." structure for mechanistic hypotheses:
   • If [independent variable is manipulated], then [predicted outcome], because [proposed mechanism]

Generating Competing Hypotheses

1. Propose at least 2-3 plausible explanations for the same observation
2. For each, identify unique predictions that distinguish it from alternatives