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'Hi William, This thread from differencebtwn.com that you have posted is incorrect, unfortunately, but does represent a common misconception that pervades student thinking. I think your source, by saying things like hypotheses have no proof to back them up and 'founded on nothing' is contrary to what a hypothesis is.
'A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested and is based on observation and/or scientific knowledge such as that which has been gained from doing background research.... Hypotheses are developed to explain observations, such as notable patterns in nature.... Calling a hypothesis a 'guess' [as implied in the source you shared] undermines the explanation that underscores a hypothesis....'
[Keeley, P., Eberle, F., and Dorsey, C. (2008). Uncovering Student Ideas in Science: Another 25 Formative Assessment Probes. NSTA Press. Arlington, VA. p. 102-103]
Hypotheses can lead to predictions, and a good prediction should include hypotheses I would think.
'The process of formulating and testing hypotheses is one of the core activities of scientists. To be useful, a hypothesis should suggest what evidence would support it and what evidence would refute it. A hypothesis that cannot in principle be put to the test of evidence may be interesting, but it is not likely to be scientifically useful.'
[American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). (1990). Science for All Americansfive nights at freddy's. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 5]
I just didn't want you to get off track from that resource, but since you posted nearly six months ago, it is possible you have already discovered that the source is in error.
Warmly,
Laura'
Mighty thanks for this. Really helpful and extremely important.
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