Overview
Step 1: Read A faulty hypothesis
Step 2: Complete this week's assignment
Purpose: Being able to generate a specific, objective, testable hypothesis is an essential skill in biology. The purpose of this activity is to analyze poorly developed hypotheses and revise them to contain the key elements of a hypothesis, thereby building your own hypothesis writing skills.
Task: Select 10 of the statements below. Revise the language to generate a strong hypothesis statement. You can upload your statements in the text box below or using a docx or pdf document. Please keep the original numbering system of the statements for easier comparison.
Criteria for success: Strong hypothesis statements have key features (specific, objective, testable), as we discussed in class. You will be evaluated on how your revisions address these criteria. If your statement is specific, objective, and testable, you will earn full credit (you will not be graded on what you hypothesize about the scenario). Before submitting, review your statements to ensure all traces of doubt and ambiguity have been removed.
Starting poor hypotheses:
- I don't think energy drinks are bad for you.
- If I sleep more, I will be able to concentrate.
- Plants will grow better with fertilizer application.
- Hermit crabs like bright shells.
- Eating breakfast makes you a better student at school.
- You should play music for your plants.
- Chicken soup is good for the common cold.
- There is bias in medical testing of new pharmaceuticals, treatments, and risk factors.
- Antibiotics should not be used for viral infections.
- Regular exercise and eating well make you feel better.
- Smoking is not good for your health.
- Ladybugs are a wonderful all-natural treatment for infected plants.