Hypothesis vs Prediction: Differences and Comparison

A hypothesis is a tentative conjecture that explains an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested through observation, investigation or scientific experimentation.

A prediction is a statement of what will happen in the future. Based on the continuous recent outcome of an event, one can make a prediction on what will happen next.

A prediction is basically a forecast. It’s a statement of what will happen in the future based on collected data, evidence, or previous knowledge.

A hypothesis is an assumption considered to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation.

In the academic world, hypotheses and predictions are important elements of the scientific process. However, there are key differences between a hypothesis vs prediction and we will be looking at those differences in this article.

What Is a Hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a tentative conjecture that explains a phenomenon, observation, or scientific problem that can be tested through scientific experimentation, observation or investigation.

It’s an assumption considered to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation. It’s a statement that gives an answer to a proposed question by using actual facts and research.

Researchers form hypotheses for the purpose of explaining a certain phenomenon. To prove their point, they make their hypotheses before starting their scientific experiments.

A hypothesis is an assumption that can be approved or disapproved. It’s considered a predictive statement for research and can be tested using scientific methods.

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What Is a Prediction?

A prediction is a statement that describes what will happen in the future. Based on the continuous recent outcome of an event, one can make a prediction on what will happen next.

It’s a statement of what will happen in the future based on collected data, evidence, or previous knowledge.

Predictions can be a guess based on the collective data or instinct. If you have noticed an occurrence regularly, you are likely to make correct predictions about that occurrence.

For instance, if a mailman comes to your house each day at exactly 3 p.m. for five days straight, you might predict the time the mailman will come to your house the next day.

Your prediction that the mailman will arrive at your house at exactly 3 p.m. is based on your previous observations.

A prediction is considered an informed guess if it comes out from a person with the subject knowledge. Using accurate data and logical reasoning based on close observation leads to a probable prediction.

Hypothesis vs Prediction: Differences between Hypothesis and Prediction

A hypothesis is a tentative conjecture that explains an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested through observation, investigation or scientific experimentation.

It’s an educated guess for a scientific problem or phenomenon, while a prediction is a statement of what will happen in the future. In science, hypotheses are based on recent knowledge and understanding.

It’s an assumption considered to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation.

Predictions describe future events or outcomes and it’s a statement of what will happen in the future based on collected data, evidence, or previous knowledge.

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Hypothesis vs Prediction: Comparison Chart

	Hypothesis	Prediction
Definition	A hypothesis is a tentative conjecture that explains a phenomenon, observation, or scientific problem that can be tested through scientific experimentation, observation or investigation.	A prediction is a statement that tells what will happen in the future. It’s a statement of what will happen in the future based on collected data, evidence, or previous knowledge.
Based on	Facts and evidences	Based on collected data, previous observation, knowledge, facts or evidences.
Formulation	Usually takes a long time	Generally takes comparatively short time
Relationship	States casual correlation between variables	Predictions does not state correlation between variables
Guess	Educated guess/sheer assumption	Pure guess

Hypothesis vs Prediction: Similarities between Hypothesis and Prediction

Both hypothesis and prediction are statements defining the relationship between variables or the result of an event. A hypothesis and a prediction can be tested, verified and rejected or supported by evidence for the purpose of future research.

While predictions describe potential future events, hypotheses are statements describing potential cause-and-effect relationships.

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Hypothesis vs Prediction: Tips on How to Write a Hypothesis

Here is how to write a hypothesis, with simple steps.

State your research question

Firstly, state your research questions orderly and clear. You should include an answer to the problem statement or research question in the hypothesis.

Next, create a topic-centric challenge once you have clearly understood the limitations of the study topic you selected. This will enable you to formulate a hypothesis and any other research you need to conduct for collecting data.

Conduct an inspection

Once you have successfully established your study, preliminary research should be carried out. Read through your previous hypothesis, any academic article, or data.

Make a three-dimensional theory

Every hypothesis often includes variables, so it’s important for you to create a correlation between your independent and dependent variables. You will do this by identifying both variables.

Write the first draft

Once you have everything set up, you can then compose your hypothesis.

Firstly, you start by writing the first draft and then write your research based on what you want it to be. Make sure that your independent and dependent variables vary, as well as the connection between them.

Hypothesis vs Prediction: Advantages of Hypothesis

Let’s explore a few advantages of using a hypothesis in scientific research.

A hypothesis can be tested and verified through scientific experimentation, observation, or investigation. It can be verified or rejected.
Hypothesis guides further research, as it suggests observations and scientific experiments that should be carried out.
Hypothesis encourages critical thinking and helps to identify cause-and-effect relationships.

Disadvantages of Hypothesis

Using a hypothesis can limit the scope. In reality, research findings may be limited by hypotheses.
Also, research findings may not be generalized if hypotheses are strictly applicable to a specific population.

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Hypothesis vs Prediction: Advantages of Prediction

Prediction can be used by both people and organizations to make future plans for specific events like weather or market trends.
Predictions help in decision-making. It provides insight into the potential results of various actions.
It helps in risk management. With predictions, stock market fluctuations or natural disasters can be foreseen.
It can provide assistance in allocating resources like inventory, budget, and workforce.

Disadvantages of Predictions

Predictions can be inaccurate and should not be totally relied on.
It can be influenced by bias, which can lead to inaccurate predictions.

Conclusion

Both hypothesis and prediction are statements defining the relationship between variables or the result of an event.