How do you make a hypothesis?

Create a strong hypothesis using this basic form: "If (I do this), then (this) will happen." A hypothesis is simply an educated guess.

1. Ask a question

   Before you form a hypothesis, you have to ask a question. You cannot make a guess without first formulating a question. Ask a question in the area you in interested in studying.

2. Do background research

   You should always check to see if your question has been answered before. Research your topic of interest and determine whether your experiment has been done. If so, your research may lead you to another question.

3. Create a hypothesis

   Make an educated guess to answer your question. Make sure your hypothesis can relate to a single experiment and that it is testable.

4. Perform an experiment

   Test your hypothesis using an experiment. Your experiment should clearly demonstrate whether your hypothesis is correct or incorrect.

5. Analyze data

   Your experiment will give you a list of data which you must analyze to determine whether your hypothesis was correct.

6. Draw conclusions

   After gathering your results, form a conclusion regarding whether or not your hypothesis was correct or incorrect. Be sure to display your data in an organized fashion, so that you may communicate your results effectively.