What is the Difference Between Hypothesis and Assumption?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a hypothesis and an assumption lies in their definition, purpose, and the way they are tested:
- Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or proposition put forward by a scientist to explain a set of phenomena. It is not considered a theory until it has been tested and verified under different circumstances. A hypothesis is typically explicit and is tested explicitly in an experiment. Once a hypothesis has been proven and verified, it can be regarded as a theory.
- Assumption: An assumption is a statement or proposition that is believed to be true without any proof. Assumptions are often considered implicit and are tested implicitly. They are taken for granted and are not intended to be investigated.
In summary:
- A hypothesis is an educated guess or proposition that aims to explain a phenomenon and is tested explicitly in an experiment.
- An assumption is a statement believed to be true without any proof and is tested implicitly.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Hypothesis and Assumption? Comparative Table: Hypothesis vs Assumption
Comparative Table: Hypothesis vs Assumption
Here is a table comparing the differences between a hypothesis and an assumption:
| Feature | Hypothesis | Assumption |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction based on evidence and observations. It is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through further investigation. | An assumption is a belief or idea that is taken for granted without evidence or proof. |
| Purpose | Hypotheses are used to guide research and form the basis for further investigation. | Assumptions are beliefs or opinions that may or may not be true and are often used as a starting point for further exploration or to simplify a complex situation. |
| Evidence | Hypotheses are based on research and evidence. | Assumptions may be based on personal beliefs, opinions, or intuition without any supporting evidence. |
| Testability | Hypotheses can be tested and either proven or disproven through further investigation and evidence. | Assumptions may not be easily testable or falsifiable. |
| Role in Research | Hypotheses play a crucial role in the scientific method, as they are used to form predictions that can be tested through experiments or observations. | Assumptions are often used to simplify complex situations or to provide a starting point for further exploration, but they may not be directly tested or validated within the research process. |
In summary, a hypothesis is an educated guess based on research and evidence, while an assumption is a belief or opinion without any evidence to support it. Hypotheses are used to guide research and can be tested, whereas assumptions may not be easily testable and are often used to simplify complex situations or provide a starting point for further exploration.
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- Hypothesis vs Aim
- Null vs Alternative Hypothesis
- Postulate vs Theorem
- Inference vs Prediction
- Hope vs Expectation
- Theory vs Research
- Observation vs Inference
- Induction vs Deduction
- Fact vs Theory
- Inductive vs Deductive
- Syllogism vs Statement vs Conclusion