a random hypothesis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a random hypothesis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a hypothesis that is not based on any specific evidence or reasoning, often in a scientific or analytical context. Example: "In our experiment, we decided to test a random hypothesis to see if it would yield any significant results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This isn't just a random hypothesis.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

An aROC of 0.5 reflects a random guess (null hypothesis), whereas an aROC of 1.0 represents perfect discrimination.

Epidemiologic Reviews

Results of Fischer's randomization test for Hypo1_A and Hypo1_B clearly show that the Hypo1_A and Hypo1_B are not generated by chance, because its statistics are far more superior to all random hypotheses.

BioMed Research International

When one constructs a projected network with nodes from only one set, the system heterogeneity makes it very difficult to discriminate preferential links from links which are consistent with a random null hypothesis taking into account the heterogeneity of the system.

Plosone

Subjects' detection performance on invalid trials was significantly lower than on valid trials, with reaction time distributions that were nearly or completely indistinguishable from those predicted from a random response hypothesis, indicating that cue instruction was used by the subjects to orient their attention [21].

Plosone

The proportional representation of all the biological processes from the analysed genes (3715 transcripts, 515 Unigenes, see Results) was used as an expected proportion under a random sampling hypothesis.

Evolutionary Applications

A number of recent studies suggest that over-represented network patterns, i.e. network motifs, may not necessarily have functional significance: (i) Network motifs are found by testing a "random null hypothesis", comparing the abundance of patterns in an observed network with those found in an ensemble of randomized networks [ 3].

BMC Systems Biology

This however means that the sequential pruning of the search space is lost and in complex environments the number of random hypotheses required to guarantee that all planes are detected (with a given probability) grows prohibitively.

Computer Vision and Image Understanding

To achieve the confidence level of 90%, 9 random spreadsheets and for 95% confidence level 19 (random hypotheses) were generated.

BioMed Research International

Random hypotheses were tested to estimate the level of noise associated with the set of flux distributions.

BMC Systems Biology

In other words, we evaluated quantitatively the probability that the observed correlation between LOD and volcanic eruptions may derive from a random pattern (null hypothesis).

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a random hypothesis", ensure the context clearly indicates that the hypothesis is being presented without prior evidence or specific rationale, often to explore potential outcomes or establish a baseline for comparison.

Common error

Avoid assuming that proposing "a random hypothesis" implies it is inherently worthless or lacks potential merit. It simply means the hypothesis isn't derived from specific observations or theories, and it can still be valuable for exploratory research or statistical testing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a random hypothesis" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of hypothesis. It indicates that the hypothesis being discussed is not based on any particular prior knowledge or specific reasoning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a random hypothesis" is grammatically sound and denotes a proposition without a specific basis in prior evidence. As Ludwig highlights, it's frequently utilized within scientific and news contexts. This term doesn't imply worthlessness; rather, it signifies that the hypothesis is being considered without pre-existing assumptions, often serving as a baseline for comparative analysis. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the hypothesis's lack of a specific origin, distinguishing it from mere guessing. Alternatives like "an arbitrary hypothesis" or "a speculative hypothesis" can provide nuanced emphasis. While it is good to have a random hypothesis to have a start for a research, ensure you have a good base of information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an arbitrary hypothesis

Emphasizes the lack of a specific reason or principle guiding the hypothesis.

a chance hypothesis

Suggests the hypothesis was formed by accident or coincidence.

a speculative hypothesis

Highlights the exploratory and uncertain nature of the hypothesis.

a tentative hypothesis

Indicates the hypothesis is provisional and subject to further testing.

an unsubstantiated hypothesis

Focuses on the lack of supporting evidence for the hypothesis.

a groundless hypothesis

Implies the hypothesis has no factual basis.

an unproven hypothesis

Emphasizes the hypothesis has not yet been verified.

a wild guess

Denotes a hypothesis formed with very little information or reasoning.

a shot in the dark

Similar to "a wild guess", implying a low probability of success.

an untested assumption

Highlights the lack of empirical testing of the underlying assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "a random hypothesis" in a sentence?

You can use "a random hypothesis" to describe a proposition that is not based on existing evidence or reasoning. For example, "In the absence of prior data, we started by testing "a random hypothesis" to establish a baseline".

What are some alternatives to "a random hypothesis"?

Alternatives include "an arbitrary hypothesis", "a chance hypothesis", or "a speculative hypothesis", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a random hypothesis" in research?

It's appropriate when exploring uncharted areas, setting up control conditions, or when needing a baseline for comparison. It's often used in statistical hypothesis testing, where a null hypothesis (often representing randomness) is tested against an alternative.

Is using "a random hypothesis" the same as making a completely uninformed guess?

Not necessarily. While "a random hypothesis" implies a lack of specific prior reasoning, it still serves a purpose within a structured investigation. An uninformed guess might lack any structure or relevance, whereas a random hypothesis is formulated within a testable framework.