testing hypotheses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "testing hypotheses" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the process of conducting experiments or research to determine the validity of a proposed theory or explanation. It can be used in various contexts, such as academic writing, scientific papers, or even in everyday conversation. Example: The study aimed to test the hypothesis that increased physical activity leads to improved mental health. The researchers used a variety of methods to gather data and analyze the results in order to confirm or refute their hypothesis.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Testing hypotheses about the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis.

Nature

Students learn by proposing and immediately testing hypotheses.

University of California, Berkeley

We think that'll be very important for testing hypotheses of neural coding.

The Guardian

Certainly students could excel on topics they understand from collecting data and testing hypotheses.

The New York Times

As Karl Popper first argued in the 1930s, science proceeds largely by testing hypotheses against data.

The Guardian - Opinion

Investigations and testing hypotheses were the core of the curriculum.

The New York Times

For real progress we need a methodical approach and a better strategy for testing hypotheses.

Nature

Caldwell, C. A. & Millen, A. E. Experimental models for testing hypotheses about cumulative cultural evolution.

Nature

Computer models are ideal for testing hypotheses and assessing whether they fit with known data points.

MIT Technology Review

At some point, you learned that science is a process of proposing and testing hypotheses.

The Washington Post

Emphasis throughout the course is placed on forming and testing hypotheses.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about scientific research, use the phrase "testing hypotheses" to clearly indicate that you are describing a process of empirical investigation and validation.

Common error

Don't use "testing hypotheses" as a generic term for exploration; ensure the hypotheses are well-defined and testable. Vague or untestable ideas don't qualify for rigorous hypothesis testing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "testing hypotheses" functions as a gerund phrase typically serving as a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use. It describes the process of subjecting a hypothesis to empirical scrutiny to determine its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

23%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "testing hypotheses" is a grammatically correct and very common term, primarily used in scientific, academic, and news contexts to describe the process of empirically validating theories. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. When using the phrase, ensure that the hypotheses being tested are well-defined and that the context is appropriate for formal scientific discourse. Alternatives like "validating assumptions" or "evaluating theories" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that "testing hypotheses" is a core component of the scientific method and should be used accurately to reflect a process of rigorous investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verifying predictions

Centers on confirming expected outcomes based on a hypothesis.

validating assumptions

Focuses specifically on confirming the accuracy of underlying assumptions.

checking presumptions

Highlights the act of confirming the validity of pre-existing beliefs.

evaluating theories

Emphasizes the assessment of established theoretical frameworks.

scrutinizing models

Involves a detailed and critical examination of existing models.

experimenting with concepts

Highlights the practical, hands-on exploration of new ideas.

substantiating assertions

Focuses on providing evidence to support claims.

assessing claims

Involves a critical evaluation of statements or assertions.

proving conjectures

Emphasizes the demonstration of the truth of unproven statements.

investigating possibilities

Focuses on exploring potential opportunities or scenarios.

FAQs

How is "testing hypotheses" used in scientific research?

In scientific research, "testing hypotheses" involves designing experiments or studies to gather evidence that either supports or refutes a specific, testable prediction. The results are then analyzed to draw conclusions about the validity of the hypothesis.

What is an alternative to saying "testing hypotheses"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "validating assumptions", "evaluating theories", or "verifying predictions".

What does it mean to "formulate and test hypotheses"?

To "formulate and test hypotheses" means to first develop a specific, testable statement about a phenomenon, and then to design and conduct experiments or studies to gather evidence that either supports or refutes that statement.

Is "testing hypotheses" different from "exploring possibilities"?

"Testing hypotheses" involves a structured approach to confirm or reject a specific prediction, whereas "exploring possibilities" is a more open-ended investigation aimed at discovering new ideas or potential explanations without a predefined hypothesis.