IP1.1

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What is a hypothesis?

After the thesis comes the hypothesis. A hypothesis is a statement-of-prediction regarding the

end results of the problem or issue that you have identified. In your hypothesis, briefly identify

your solution to the problem. How might your solution solve the problem? Your solution will

evolve through continued research and analysis. A hypothesis does not have to be correct! So

what is a hypothesis? A hypothesis is:

• A proposed explanation, that is made on the basis of limited evidence, as a starting point

for further investigation.

• It’s a tentative statement, about the relationship between two or more variables.

• It’s a testable prediction, about what you expect to happen, in your proposed study.

Your hypothesis should explain what you expect to happen during your proposed hypothetical

experiment. And remember: A hypothesis does not have to be correct!

What is the purpose of a hypothesis?

• A hypothesis is a guess that predicts what researchers expect to see.

• The goal of research is to determine whether this hypothetical guess is right or wrong.

Remember: A hypothesis does not have to be right. In many cases, researchers find that the

results of an experiment do not support the hypothesis. If your initial hypothesis is wrong, that’s

ok!

How to write a hypothesis

A proposed hypothesis is based on experimental observations. An experimental hypothesis often

follows a basic format of:

✓ If [this happens] then [this will happen].

Here are two simplified hypothetical experiments:

1. If [a water faucet is opened] then [the amount of water flowing through it will increase].

2. If [fenders are placed on a bicycle] then [the bicyclist will stay dry when peddling

through puddles].

You can hypothesize or propose theories for criminal justice too, such as the following two

examples:

How to Write a Hypothesis

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• If [prisoners receive job training] then [recidivism will decrease upon their release back

into society].

• If [an arrested drug addict is sent to rehabilitation instead of jail], then [he will be less

likely to get rearrested for drug possession when he is released from the program].

A hypothesis is a prediction that is based on observations and experiments.

Where do I put my hypothesis?

After you create your hypothesis, you will place it in your Unit 1 submission (your IP1 paper).

Click here to see a blank IP1 TEMPLATE where you can place your hypothesis.