Hypothesis and hyperthesis are educated guesses about a phenomenon based on observations or drawn from established theories. The credibility of a hypothesis depends upon its verifiability or falsifiability by using scientific methods. A hypothesis remains a proposition until or unless it is tested repetitively. It becomes a theory after a thorough and rigorous experimentation process. A hypothesis becomes a theory when it is widely regarded as the correct explanation for an observation.

On the other hand, hyperthesis denotes the gap that exists between scientific hypothesis and scientific theory. There is no established definition of hyperthesis, since it is an evolving concept. Some researchers coined this term to denote the missing link that exists between hypothesis and theory. Hyperthesis refers to the intermediary process that exists between a scientific hypothesis and when it turns into a theory. This article will highlight the difference between hypothesis and hyperthesis.

In order to understand the concept of hyperthesis, it is essential to grasp the concept of hypothesis and theory. A theory is a verified, well-supported, cohesive description of a group of tested, confirmed hypotheses. A hypothesis is simply a suggestion or an educated guess that a researcher can verify or falsify. But, a hypothesis that undergoes rigorous trials and experiments becomes a theory. Consequently, a theory has the explanatory power about a phenomenon that has the backing of evidence. 

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Hypothesis

A hypothesis is either a reasonable assumption for an observed occurrence or a logical estimate of a plausible causal correlation among many variables. It is a speculative solution to the research challenge or an educated estimate regarding the study’s conclusion. However, there are many students who prefer to buy dissertation online rather than writing a hypothesis on their own.

What Is The Criteria Of Constructing A Hypothesis?

A hypothesis is never constructed as an interrogative sentence; rather, it must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

• A hypothesis should be empirically verifiable regardless of the fact that it is right or wrong
• It must be exact and specific
• The hypothesis statement should not be conflicting.
• Specify the variables that are necessary to establish the relationship
• It should only discuss one problem.
• It can be either descriptive or relational
• A hypothesis can be directional, non-directional, null, or alternative hypothesis

Features of a Hypothesis

An empirically verifiable hypothesis has the following features:

• The hypothesis should be concise and to the point.
• Must conform to the falsifiability and verifiability criteria
• If it is a relational hypothesis, it will describe the relationship among variables
• A hypothesis should not be broad because it becomes difficult to test them. It must be narrow and specific
• A hypothesis must be expressed in the simplest language possible so that everyone can clearly understand it

What Are The Types Of Hypotheses?

There are two types of hypothesis which are the following:

1. Null Hypothesis
2. Alternative Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis

A null hypothesis states that the two variables in the hypothesis have no significant relationship. The researcher is attempting to debunk this hypothesis. The null hypothesis challenges a researcher, who usually aims to refute it by proving that the two variables in the hypothesis have a strong correlation. We denote the null hypothesis with the symbol H₀. Researchers try to find proof that contradicts the null hypothesis in their hypothesis testing. They seek to acquire a p-value that is less than the threshold of significance alpha, which would allow them to reject the null hypothesis. If the p-value is bigger than alpha, the null hypothesis remains intact. 

Alternative Hypothesis

An alternative hypothesis is a hypothesis that replaces the null hypothesis. The alternative hypothesis is the one that contradicts the null hypothesis. The symbol of the alternative hypothesis is H_a. When researchers affirm the null hypothesis H_0, it leads to the rejection of alternative hypothesis H_a. Similarly, when researchers affirm the alternative hypothesis, it leads to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

Purpose of Null and Alternative Hypothesis

Both null and alternative hypotheses aim to establish an adequate understanding of a phenomenon. It facilitates the researchers to construct relational statements that they can verify through experimentation and data collection. The goal is to establish a structure for summarising the study’s findings. Null and Alternative hypothesis demonstrates that the research is free from personal biases and it is objective.

Working Definition of Hyperthesis

Scientific viewpoints can take multiple shapes and, as defined by the famous philosopher Thomas Kuhn, science undergoes paradigm shifts. At one point, a community of scientists might agree on some general principles and theories that become scientific laws. Later on, in the light of new evidence gathered by individual scientists or multiple scientists, the data might refute the established practices and generate new theories about an observable phenomenon. In this regard, hypothesis is a conjecture that can be validated or refuted by the theory. But once the hypothesis undergoes trial and investigation and when it becomes a theory, it holds to be true for a significant period of time unless new evidence comes to light and challenges the explanatory power of that theory. But, the concept of hyperthesis can help us understand the following questions:

• What is the missing link that exists when the hypothesis is in the process of becoming a theory?
• What do we call the intermediary process?
• How will we define it?

What Is The Reason Of Coining The Term “Hyperthesis”?

A meta-analysis of the literature reveals that researchers often undertake a study that does not fit into the category of a hypothesis or a theory in education. Most of the researches that do not have the potential of becoming a theory based on a hypothesis, we may consider as a hyperthesis. Sometimes we explain and sometimes we explain incorrect because of new findings and data. Hyperthesis can explain empirical concepts that have undergone observational analysis multiple times. It will demonstrate the pervasiveness of the concept. The difference between hypothesis and hyperthesis is about the focus of both concepts. It varies from a hypothesis because it does not emphasise the suggested assumptions drawn from the theory. Instead, hyperthesis evaluates all aspects of the assumption, resulting in its verification.

Conclusion

Hypothesis and hyperthesis are interlinked to theory since a hypothesis that evolves into theory stands out amid the rigorous tests and experiments. In contrast, hyperthesis is a developing concept through which researchers seek to explain the intermediary process of a hypothesis turning into a theory.