Hypothesis Vs. Prediction
Difference between Hypothesis and Prediction: – Humans do not need to know things in depth to get an idea of them.
When we observe a phenomenon of any kind, we tend to formulate conjectures as a way of giving an explanation,
to that which causes us admiration and which we do not fully understand.
On some occasions, we establish correlations between different things that we observe,
And if we are not careful; we can even make big mistakes and be aimless.
Difference between Hypothesis and Prediction
Speaking of conjectures and little objectivity here,
We will explain the difference between Hypothesis and Prediction that are often confused and actually different:
Hypothesis
It is an idea or explanation given to an event or phenomenon and that may or maynot be true depending on the evidence from tests.
Hypotheses are widely used in scientific work as a basis for conducting experiments and tests.
These are generated from the collection of possible evidence.
At the end of the research, it is determined whether the hypotheses are accepted or not.
Hypothesis example: The smaller the amount of sunlight the plants receive, the greater the probability that their leaves will be discolored.
As can be seen in the previous example, the meaning of the sentence is very clear and it is understood what the conjecture that the researcher has formulated.
From this, we proceed to use the scientific method to check whether that explanation is true or not.
Prediction
Although the prediction is also used by science (for example, when we talk about the date we will see an eclipse or when we will see this or that comet.
The predictions are used more in the non-scientific fields.
Out of science, the prediction has to do with divination, prophecy, clairvoyance, and pseudo-sciences like Astrology.
Unlike hypotheses that are conjectures or explanations of something that “might” be, predictions are revelations or ideas of something that “will happen” in the future.
Example of prediction: today you have to bet on number two because that will be the winning number.
In the previous example, you can notice that there is no way to proclaim that what is affirmed is true (of course until they pass the lottery).
Leaving aside unscientific predictions, when they are made in the field of science,
they are far more evolved than hypotheses; since they come after the investigations are completed.
Key Differences between Hypothesis and Prediction
- The hypothesis is a conjecture or explanation to a phenomenon or event and that may be true or not (more used in the scientific field).
- Whereas a prediction (has a more pseudoscientific connotation) is a statement and revelation of something that is going to pass in the future.
- Hypotheses focus more on the “likelihood” of something, while the prediction focuses on the “assertion” or “certainty” that something is going to happen in the future.
- Predictions focus more on correlations between different phenomena, while hypotheses focus on causality.
- Hypothesis example: Ultraviolet light can cause skin cancer.
- Prediction example: the leaves will change color when the next season arrives.
