A provisional, explicit, and testable proposed explanation for an observed phenomenon or a relationship between variables, formulated to be empirically evaluated.

Principle

A hypothesis must be specified so that empirical tests can falsify or corroborate it; clarity about conditions and measurable outcomes is required.

Demonstration

The null hypothesis that a coin is fair (probability of heads = 0.5) is constructed so experiments can reject or fail to reject it based on observed toss frequencies.

Misapplication

Presenting an unfalsifiable, ad hoc, or poorly specified conjecture as a scientific hypothesis, or treating corroboration from limited data as proof.

Consequence

A well-formed hypothesis guides experimental design, identifies key variables, and yields clear criteria for acceptance, refinement, or rejection.

Reversal

An assertion that lacks empirical content or testability, such as a metaphysical claim or an explanation that accommodates any conceivable data.

Boundary

Applies to propositions about observable phenomena that admit empirical evaluation; excludes pure mathematics conjectures, normative claims, and unverifiable metaphysical assertions.

Semantic Tension

Often conflated with 'theory'—a hypothesis is provisional and narrow, while a theory integrates multiple hypotheses into a broader explanatory framework.

Synthesis

A scientific hypothesis is an explicit, testable proposition constructed to account for observations and to be subjected to empirical tests that may falsify or refine it.