Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a specific prediction regarding the outcome of a particular scientific study. In the hypothetico-deductive method, hypotheses are derived directly from broader theories and are then tested empirically to support or reevaluate those theories. Importantly, disconfirming a hypothesis does not necessarily mean that the underlying theory from which it was derived has been disproved.

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References
OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
APA Dictionary of Psychology
OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
KPU Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition
KPU Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition
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Social Science
Empirical Science
Science
Ch.1 Introduction to Psychology - Psychology @ OpenStax
OpenStax
Psychology @ OpenStax
Ch.2 Psychological Research - Psychology @ OpenStax
Introduction to Psychology @ OpenStax Course
OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
Psychology
KPU
Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
Related
Hypothesis
Independent Variable
Dependent Variable
Confederate
Basic Two-Group Experimental Design
Random Assignment
A researcher wants to test if a new public speaking workshop reduces anxiety. They measure the anxiety levels of 50 volunteers before they participate in the workshop. A week after the workshop is completed, the researcher measures their anxiety levels again and finds that the average anxiety level has decreased. The researcher concludes the workshop is effective. What is the most significant flaw in this study's design?
Operational Definition
Simple Random Sampling
Hypothesis
Testing the Falsifiability of the James-Lange Theory
A researcher is considering two different statements about human memory.
Statement 1: "Recalling memories is an inherently good and noble process for the human spirit." Statement 2: "Individuals who get at least 8 hours of sleep will recall a list of 20 words more accurately than individuals who get fewer than 6 hours of sleep."
Based on the principles of scientific inquiry, which statement is considered testable and why?
Example of a Falsifiable Claim
Example of an Unfalsifiable Claim
Testable and Falsifiable Hypothesis
In the context of psychological research, how is the concept of falsifiability best defined?
According to the principle of falsifiability, what is a defining characteristic of any scientific claim?
Hypothesis
Evaluation of Scientific Theories
Zajonc's Drive Theory
Habituation Theory
Number-of-Examples Theory
Ease-of-Retrieval Theory
Post-Hoc Theory Explanation Approach
Benefits of Using Established Theories
Which of the following best describes the nature of a scientific theory?
Model of Theoretically Motivated Research
Example of an 'If-Then' Hypothesis: Cockroach Study
Theory-Driven Hypothesis Testing Approach
Ways to Incorporate Theory into Research
Hypothesis Disconfirmation in Formal Logic
Theory
Hypothesis
Arrange the steps of the hypothetico-deductive method in the correct cyclical order, starting from the foundational framework.
Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory as an Example of a Non-Falsifiable Theory
A researcher observes that employees who take short, 15-minute breaks every 90 minutes report higher job satisfaction and are more productive than employees who work for four hours straight. After several controlled experiments confirm this pattern, the researcher proposes a comprehensive explanation. Which of the following statements best represents a scientific theory based on these findings?
A psychologist repeatedly observes that individuals in a group are less likely to help someone in an emergency compared to when they are alone. After reviewing dozens of studies and conducting controlled experiments that replicate this finding, the psychologist seeks to explain this phenomenon. Which of the following statements best represents a theory derived from these observations?
Testing Complex Scientific Theories
Theory-Driven Hypothesis Testing Approach
Post-Hoc Theory Explanation Approach
Benefits of Using Established Theories
The Hypothetico-Deductive Method
Hypothesis
According to the principles of psychological research, what is a key characteristic of a scientific theory?
Learn After
Deductive Reasoning
Generating Hypotheses
Example of a Non-Testable Hypothesis
Example of a Hypothesis
Role of Hypothesis Testing in Theory Refinement
Sources of Hypotheses: Observation and Prior Research
The Scientific Standard for Establishing Causality: Controlled Experiments
A researcher is investigating the connection between the amount of time spent on a social media app and users' self-reported levels of happiness. The researcher starts with the general idea that excessive social media use might negatively affect well-being. Which of the following statements represents the most effective and scientifically testable hypothesis for an experiment on this topic?
The 'If-Then' Relationship between Theories and Hypotheses
Testing Competing Theories with Hypotheses
Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis
The Cyclical Process of Scientific Inquiry
Deriving a Hypothesis from the James-Lange Theory
Falsifiability and Confidence in Scientific Research
Requirement of a Hypothesis for Scientific Experiments
A-theoretical Hypothesis
Variable
Population
Which of the following statements best describes a scientific hypothesis?