A hypothesis is the most likely answer or solution to a research problem. They are the propositions or assumptions made by the researcher to try to explain a certain fact, based on prior knowledge, which serves to conduct the investigation.
An essential condition of any hypothesis is that it can be tested, that is, it can be shown whether it is true or false. For example, saying that a phenomenon is produced by an imaginary being is not demonstrable, and therefore does not serve as a hypothesis.
Here are some sample hypotheses.
Examples of hypotheses in natural sciences
1. Biological decomposition of plastics
Cows are herbivorous mammals whose diet is based on plant molecules similar to plastic polymers. In the stomach of these animals there are microorganisms responsible for the digestion of vegetable cellulose polymers.
Hypothesis: If bacteria can break down cellulose polymers, they probably can break down some types of synthetic plastics.
2. Presence of water in outer space
On Earth, clouds are formed by the condensation of water in the atmosphere.
Hypothesis: If there are clouds on some planets, then it is due to the presence of water.
3. Extraterrestrial origin of life on Earth
In some meteorites, organic molecules have been detected that are very similar to some components of cell membranes.
Hypothesis: The origin of life on Earth may come from meteorites that collided with the planet.
4. Gray hair and stress
In general, gray or white hair is the product of aging and heredity. However, public cases are known, such as some presidents who have dark hair when they start their term and after a few years begin to show gray hair.
Hypothesis: Stress accelerates hair color loss.
5. Education and the brain
Dementia is a mental illness characterized by memory impairment and behavioral changes. On the other hand, people who perform activities that require greater mental concentration maintain a better brain structure.
Hypothesis: People with a higher level of education have a lower risk of dementia.
6. Bird migration
Some species of birds move from one region of the Earth to another to escape the low temperatures and prepare for the breeding season. Climate change due to global warming is altering the temperature conditions of many regions.
Hypothesis: Temperature changes due to climate change could be modifying the migration patterns of birds.
7. Future of coral reefs
Coral reefs are ecosystems of great value to humans. The main structure is made of calcium carbonate, a salt made up of calcium, carbon and oxygen. This salt reacts with carbon dioxide to form a compound that dissolves in water.
Hypothesis: The increase in carbon dioxide in the oceans will produce the dissolution of calcium carbonate in the reefs, causing the support for life in this ecosystem to disappear.
8. Cleanliness and allergies
Allergies are excessive reactions of the immune system against food or other substances when they come into contact with the body, which has been increasing in recent years. Also recently, health conditions, particularly in relation to care and the environment where babies develop, have improved worldwide.
Hypothesis: The more controlled environments and the greater hygiene measures during infancy and childhood have resulted in an increase in allergies in recent decades.
9. Heat Tolerant Plants and Food Safety
Many regions of the world have problems with the supply of water for crops, a situation that will worsen with global warming and that may endanger food security.
Hypothesis: If edible plants are developed so that they can grow in dry environments we can ensure the production of food for the human and animal population in the future.
10. Solar power at night
Solar panels generate electricity during the day while receiving solar radiation. However, at night or on very cloudy days this option is not available.
Hypothesis: The discovery or development of a construction material that serves to store solar energy during the day will serve to protect and generate energy in a sustainable way.
11. Vaccination and cancer
Cancer is a very complex disease that is treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Vaccines are substances that activate immune cells, those in charge of attacking invaders of the human body.
Hypothesis: The creation of a vaccine that recognizes specific components of an abnormal cell could prevent the appearance of tumor cells and avoid cancer.
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Examples of hypotheses in social sciences
12. The decline of indigenous cultures in America
In pre-Columbian America, the Mayan, Aztec and Inca cultures flourished, coming into contact with Europeans at the end of the 15th century. The colonizers, in addition to bringing new technologies and knowledge, also brought with them new pathogens.
Hypothesis: The indigenous populations of the American continent were reduced after the colonization by the Europeans due to diseases transmitted by the colonizers.
The Aztec culture managed to dominate much of Central America between the 14th and 16th centuries.
13. The origin of the domesticated dog in America
There is a belief that the dog was brought by the European conquerors to the American continent during the colonization process. However, figurines and paintings of dog-like animals have been found in Aztec cultures.
Hypothesis: the dog arrived in America along with human populations that migrated to the continent long before colonization by Europeans.
14. Floods and distraction
In some low-lying areas or near rivers, floods occur at times of the year with constant rainfall. This makes it difficult to build and use these areas. In addition, in areas where there are already buildings, flooding makes circulation difficult and causes damage to buildings.
Hypothesis: If a floodable park is designed, this space could be used both in the rainy season and throughout the year.
15. Education and the Internet
People spend much of their free time surfing the Internet. This time could be used to learn new skills.
Hypothesis: An attractive educational content for the different Internet platforms would stimulate the efficient use of the time spent browsing the Internet.
16. Online classes vs. face-to-face classes
The model of classes in schools is gradually being displaced by the model of teaching through the Internet.
Hypothesis: Students who study through online classes perform better than students who receive face-to-face classes.
17. Criminal investigation
Investigation is key in the police function. At a crime scene, investigating every detail provides key information to discover who the criminal is.
Hypothesis: If several crimes have factors in common, the perpetrator is probably the same person.
18. Education and crime
Most criminals are people with a low level of education. After serving his sentence, the return of the ex-convict to society often runs parallel to the return to bad steps.
Hypothesis: Education programs in detention centers will favor people who have completed their punishment sentences to reintegrate into society.
19. Remote work and rural areas
Information and communication technologies (ICT) have revolutionized the way many human activities are carried out. In this sense, many employees can carry out their work from home through the Internet.
Hypothesis: the implementation of ICTs to carry out remote work drive the migration of people from overpopulated cities to rural towns with good connections.
20. Risk of financial crises
In the world there have been many and very diverse economic crises in different countries.
Hypothesis: Common factors in different financial crises over the years can serve as predictive indicators of new crises.
21. Work schedule and personal satisfaction
In many parts of the world, working hours are fixed from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. However, there are people who are more productive at different times.
Hypothesis: If people can choose the hours where they feel most comfortable, then they will have better performance and work effectiveness.
22. The hospital environment in the minds of hospitalized children
Being sick is not a pleasant situation, even worse if you have to be hospitalized for a long time. Children may feel more frightened in a cold and unwelcoming hospital environment.
Hypothesis: Introducing color in pediatric wards improves the mood of children admitted to the hospital.
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