How will you introduce your research question for your next project? The answer will guide every step of your work, which means this hypothesis is crucial to the success of your research endeavor. As the foundation of the scientific method, the hypothesis should be carefully planned and framed.

You have a basic question in mind that you plan on answering with your experiment. But even a tiny miscalculation in the terminology and structure of your hypothesis could impact your work negatively. Before you create your next hypothesis, consider these tips to frame it.

What a Good Hypothesis Looks Like

The generally accepted definition of a research hypothesis is a prediction that is specific and testable and showcases the results you expect to find after an experiment. This tentative conclusion is usually based on other observations, theories, or previously published research findings.

However, a good hypothesis takes this definition and goes deep with it. The hypothesis begins with a question that you can explore further with a little research. Factors like clear, concise language and an obvious, solid link between the topic and the hypothesis are vital. The hypothesis must be testable, and the testing actions should be written out and brainstormed, not assumed.

From the hypothesis, you should derive possible explanations of the results that you want to explore further. Ensure your hypothesis has independent and dependent variables that can be manipulated without any unethical actions.

How to Frame Your Hypothesis

Ensuring your hypothesis is testable requires forethought and careful planning. This statement should be so detailed that it includes everything you plan to do in your experiment and what you expect to occur as an outcome. To do this, consider these essential factors as you craft your hypothesis:

●      First, compile a statement of the problem you’re trying to find a solution to with your experiment. This should define the topic and clearly point to the focus of the research project, giving you a target to return to throughout the process as you get more information and start to wander in other directions.

●      Write this in the conditional form of an if-then statement. Your hypothesis should say, “If (this action) is taken, then (this particular outcome) is expected to occur.” This is the generally accepted structure of a hypothesis in science because it works, it’s concise, and it helps you to remain focused.

●      Clearly define the independent and dependent variables you’ll use in your research project. Independent variables are those that are going to be controlled, changed, or manipulated, so ensure they can be adjusted within ethical standards. The dependent variables “depend” on the other factors that occur in the study and will be influenced by the independent variables. However, they’re still essential to the work and should be addressed in your hypothesis.

Once all of these factors are collected and compiled into one statement, you have a well-crafted, thorough hypothesis that will see you through your research. Keep in mind that your statement may prove to be true or untrue. This does not matter and you should not adjust your hypothesis or your research to force an outcome to be true to your expectations.

Did Your Work Make an Impact? Check With Impactio

After you formed your clear, concise research hypothesis, you were able to complete your work without any significant hitches. You wrote and published your manuscript, and now you want to see if your research has made an impact on the targeted field. You can do this easily by joining Impactio.

Impactio, America’s leading platform for scientific networking and impact analytics tools, is the site used by academic professionals around the world. There, you’ll find it’s easy to search for your research and review reports that clearly show you the areas of strengths and weaknesses in any published documents.

Networking is a seamless process in Impactio, as well. Search for researchers, labs, publications and journals, posts, and articles, and connect with other like-minded professionals. Impactio is the platform used by experts who want to “socialize professionally” without the unwanted aspects that come with the typical social media sites, and those who want the tools to move their careers forward. When you’re ready to take your research work to the next level, Impactio gives you the tools that can propel you there.