Inventing an Argument

Designing and Testing a Hypothesis

What is an ArgumentAn original idea or concept that changes the way people view the world as they currently know it

What is a Hypothesis

A hypothesis is just what you would expect from science class, your idea or prediction of what would happen in a test, or simpler your explanation of why something happens.

Testing a HypothesisA hypothesis is conceptualized to be proven wrong

If you try everything you can to prove your hypothesis wrong, and still can’t, then you know your hypothesis is ready for the next level . . . . . theory

A hypothesis has two vital parts

◦ A disputable claim, that can be tested ◦ A falsifiable reason why you believe what you are

claiming

Creating Hypotheses

Examples Are they HypothesesThe chicken came first, because the chicken had to lay the eggThe egg came first, because the chicken had to come out of the egg

In the simple context these statements are not hypotheses, because the reason given is not a testable reason, it is opinion not theory

Hypotheses???

Refined ExamplesThe egg came first, because evolution teaches us that the chicken egg would have evolved from other egg laying creatures.The chicken came first, because God created all creatures as they were and as they are in the field.

Are these hypotheses???

Still not hypotheses. While this issue is heavily debated, it is accepted that God creating creatures is not falsifiable, and opponents of evolution would argue that evolution isn’t technically falsifiable either.

Hypotheses Yet???

You get the idea, this is a difficult concept and you must think thoroughly before quickly designating something as a hypothesis or not.

Your HypothesisFirst find a relevant

issue or idea and educate yourself on the topic. It can be anything from sports to people to photosynthesis.

Your HypothesisSteroids should be illegal, because they give users an unfair advantage.

Friends are a good thing to have, because they help build your confidence.

Photosynthesis is a necessity of life, because without it we wouldn’t be able to live.

Next, and most importantly, develop your own original argument about the topic and define your reason why your argument is true.

Remember it must be falsifiable.

Your hypothesis contains a reason as to why your argument is true. Now you must prove it to be true.

Testing Your Hypothesis

Testing a hypothesis is NOT finding data or opinions about your topic and make them to support your argument

Testing HypothesesThe only way to truly prove your argument beyond reasonable doubt is to do every single test and analysis to prove your argument wrong. It’s easy to find one example to support anything.

If you do everything in your power to prove something wrong and still can’t, only then can you be positive about your concept and reasoning.

Hypothesis:Online social networks are dangerous

to society, because they impede on real world communication and create an unneeded crutch for society.

Example

Take a look at this paper that is an example of how to test and make an argument out of your hypothesis. (click title)

Your ProjectYour project will be extremely ambiguous and open ended.

Your directions: Create and test a hypothesis

The topic can be absolutelyanything you want. The only requirement is that you come up withan original, FALSIFIABLE hypothesis and conduct any kind of test you can or want to prove it false.

You will then create a presentation in any format you see fit that presents your hypothesis best (lab report, essay, power point, speech, etc).

Good Luck

DO NOT FAIL ME