hypothesis-generation
Scientific Hypothesis Generation
Overview
Hypothesis generation is a systematic process for developing testable mechanistic explanations from observations. This knowhow covers the full cycle: from understanding a phenomenon through literature synthesis, generating competing hypotheses, evaluating hypothesis quality, designing experimental tests, and formulating testable predictions.
Key Concepts
1. Hypothesis vs Observation vs Prediction
- Observation: A factual statement about what was measured or seen (e.g., "Drug X reduces tumor size in mice")
- Hypothesis: A proposed mechanistic explanation for the observation (e.g., "Drug X inhibits angiogenesis via VEGF pathway blockade, reducing tumor nutrient supply")
- Prediction: A testable consequence of the hypothesis (e.g., "VEGF levels should decrease after Drug X treatment; tumors in VEGF-knockout mice should show no additional effect")
Good hypotheses are mechanistic (explain HOW/WHY), not descriptive (restate WHAT).
2. Hypothesis Quality Criteria
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