Chapter 1
Foundational Reading Comprehension Strategies
Course: Gre
Subject: Gre Verbal Reasoning
Chapter: Critical Analysis And Argumentation
Introduction: The Starting Point of Discovery
Every scientific discovery, from the theory of gravity to the development of vaccines, began with a question. And every question that led to discovery began with a hypothesis—a specific, testable prediction about how something works.
A hypothesis is more than just a guess. It is an educated prediction based on prior research and observation. It provides the framework for an experiment, guiding what variables will be tested and what outcomes will be measured. This lesson will explore what a hypothesis is, how to formulate one, and how it differs from a scientific theory.
What Is a Hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables. It is based on previous research and can be tested through experimentation. A hypothesis answers a question and provides a clear direction for an experiment.