Question

What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

Short answer

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested, whereas a theory is a well-substantiated explanation for some parts of the natural world that have undergone frequent testing and verification.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or a speculation that can be tested through observations and experimentation. It is a tentative answer to a research question. A hypothesis usually proposes a possible relationship between two or more variables.

Definition of Theory

A theory, on the other hand, is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through experimentation and observation. Theories are more certain and widely accepted than hypotheses.

Difference Between Hypothesis and Theory

The main difference lies in the level of verification each has undergone, where a hypothesis is in the beginning stage of the scientific method as an idea or question, whereas a theory has been extensively tested and verified with large amounts of supporting evidence.