What is the Difference between Hypothesis and Theory?

Hypothesis vs. theory, both the terms are quite relevant and significant for initiating and developing a particular approach that can be proven with the help of verifiable facts. 

But what exactly is the difference between hypothesis and theory? Moreover, what is a hypothesis and what is a theory? What are some hypothesis examples and theory examples? Let's find out. 

What is a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a suggested explanation that's made on the basis of moderately available evidence for starting with the further investigation. It's basically a statement that hasn't been confirmed or proven and is just an assumption. A hypothesis is a possible and casual correlation amongst varied phenomena.

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What is a theory?

A theory is the likelihood or system of ideas that are intended towards explaining something. It is especially based upon the general principles which are autonomous of the things that are to be explained. A theory is essentially a set of statements that are considered as proven or confirmed. It's a tested and well-substantiated explanation.

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Difference between Hypothesis and Theory (Hypothesis vs Theory)

#1. Both the hypothetical observations and the theoretical models can be tested and verified.

#2. Both the statements can be claimed to be false.

#3. Theory on one side is well-substantiated whereas hypothesis lacks the same.

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#4. A hypothesis is based on a limited number of available data. A theory is initiated under multiple circumstances.

#5. Results of a hypothesis are pretty uncertain and it's based on assumptions, possibilities, and suggestions. Theories are based upon evidenced and repeated verifications.

#6. A hypothesis is instance specific and deals with observations that are quite specific and limited. However, theories are very general. They apply to various specific instances and is the establishment of general principles via multi-testing.

#7. The purpose of a theory is to explain why a certain set of observations are consistently being made. Whereas, a hypothesis is developed to present any uncertain possibility that needs to be explored through experimentation.

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#8. A hypothesis is the outcome of any particular theory. Whereas theories are formulated on the basis of proposed hypothesis.

#9. For the researchers, a hypothesis is more like a question which needs to be solved. Theory, on the other hand, keeps modifying as and when more facts and information or contradictions get accumulated on the subject.

#10. Theory of relativity is termed as a theory because it's tested at numerous levels obtaining consistent results. Not that it's an Einstein theory but because he put in all the hard work and efforts to get it right for the world. However, the science is ongoing and attempts to falsify the same is on the mind.

But on the other hand, making an educated guess that a criminal might not commit a crime if he/ she acquires a work skill while at the prison is absolutely hypothetical. It needs to be proved right or wrong until then it remains to just be a presumption.

How does a Hypothesis become a Theory?

For becoming a valid scientific theory, a hypothesis must provide a predictive utility along with being free from observational inconsistencies. However, all of the theories are provisional because potentially the current one can be amended or rejected with future potential contradictions or observations. 

So, in a layman's language, when the hypothetical statement is tested, verified and proven right after several critical examinations, it becomes a universally valid theory until further contradictions. The two are different yet work in correlation with each other.

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