A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, while an experiment is a procedure designed to test that explanation.
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
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Hypothesis:
- Definition: A testable prediction or educated guess about the relationship between variables.
- Purpose: To provide a possible answer to a scientific question.
- Nature: It's an idea or statement that needs to be investigated.
- Example: "If I increase the amount of fertilizer, then plant growth will increase."
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Experiment:
- Definition: A controlled procedure to collect data and test a hypothesis.
- Purpose: To determine whether the evidence supports or rejects the hypothesis.
- Nature: It's a set of actions and observations to gather evidence.
- Example: Setting up multiple plants with varying amounts of fertilizer, controlling other factors like water and sunlight, and measuring their growth over time.
In essence, a hypothesis guides the design of the experiment. The experiment then generates data which is analyzed to determine if the hypothesis is supported or refuted. The hypothesis comes before the experiment. You formulate a hypothesis, and then design and conduct an experiment to test it.
| Feature | Hypothesis | Experiment |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A proposed explanation or prediction | A procedure to test a hypothesis |
| Purpose | To suggest a possible answer to a question | To gather data and determine if the hypothesis is correct |
| Nature | An idea or statement | A set of actions and observations |
| Order | Comes before the experiment | Comes after the hypothesis |
