GCSE Science

AQA Science: Glossary - Hypothesis

A proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations.

e.g. Henry notices that his Dad's Honda uses less fuel on motorways in the summer than the winter. He comes up with a hypothesis to explain this: air is denser in the winter because it's colder so air resistance on the car is greater, even at the same speed.

An hypothesis is often tested scientifically by making measurements and analysing the results.

q.v. Prediction.


Accuracy
Calibration
Data
Errors*
Evidence
Fair test
Hypothesis
Interval
Precision
Prediction
Range
Repeatable
Reproducible
Resolution
Sketch Graph
True Value
Uncertainty
Validity
Valid Conclusion
Variables*
* These terms have a number of related items.

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