A Scientific Theory is basically an explanation. One that is supported by well established evidence. That is how it achieves the title of Theory. As new/different information from discovery or observed experiments appear, the explanation may change, based on said observation or findings.

In science, a tested explanation of why things happen that is accepted to be true is called a scientific theory. Erroneous theories are wrong, although the scientists might not realize it at the time. The discovery of new evidence will cause them to be rejected.

A scientific theory is accepted as a scientific truth, supported by evidence collected by many scientists. The germ theory of disease is a classic scientific theory in biology.

Five Steps in Hypothesis Testing:

• Specify the Null Hypothesis.
• Specify the Alternative Hypothesis.
• Set the Significance Level (a)
• Calculate the Test Statistic and Corresponding P-Value.
• Drawing a Conclusion.

The two primary features of a scientific hypothesis are falsifiability and testability, which are reflected in an “If…then” statement summarizing the idea and in the ability to be supported or refuted through observation and experimentation.

Notice there are two parts to a formalized hypothesis: the “if” portion contains the testable proposed relationship and the “then” portion is the prediction of expected results from an experiment. An acceptable hypothesis contains both aspects, not just the prediction portion.

Restate your hypothesis and then state clearly and concisely whether or not your hypothesis has been supported by the experiment. Was the experiment a success? Use simple language such as, “The results supported the hypothesis,” or “The results did not support the hypothesis.”

Generally speaking, the total number of research questions and/or hypotheses should not exceed about four or five; if there are more, sufficient analysis may not be done on each within the space constraints of a PhD thesis.

A hypothesis enables researchers not only to discover a relationship between variables, but also to predict a relationship based on theoretical guidelines and/or empirical evidence. Developing a hypothesis requires a comprehensive understanding of the research topic and an exhaustive review of previous literature.

When a researcher forms a hypothesis, this acts like a map through the research study. With this map, the researcher can interpret the information he/she collects and can make sound conclusions about the results.

A good hypothesis will become a road map for the research tasks, to the extent that it will identify the data to look for and how they are going to be related to a demonstration contributing to the advancement of knowledge. This is equally true for qualitative and quantitative research designs.

NIOSH states, “The purpose of the Roadmap is to outline a research agenda that will guide the development of specific research programs to be conducted by NIOSH and others, both within and across disciplines, to provide answers to current scientific questions, reduce scientific uncertainties, and provide a sound …

Systematic Investigation. A “Systematic Investigation” collects or analyzes data to answer a specific questions. 7 Systematic investigations are used both in Research and in Operational Investigations to validate outcomes.

A “systematic investigation” is typically a predetermined method for studying a specific topic, answering a specific question(s), testing a specific hypothesis(es) or developing theory. Examples of systematic investigations include: surveys and questionnaires.