Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a possible explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested by observation, data, or experiment.
Definition
A hypothesis organizes thinking because it turns a vague assumption into a specific proposition to be tested. In learning and problem solving, it helps distinguish interpretation from fact. It is particularly useful when, instead of immediately looking for the culprit, we want to check the mechanism.
Key ideas
- Sprawdzalne przypuszczenie
- Oddzielenie faktów od interpretacji
- Testowanie zamiast zgadywania
Practice and life
Write down the problem and add three hypotheses: a technical cause, an organizational cause, and an emotional cause. Add a verification method to each one.
Common misunderstanding
It is a mistake to commit to the first hypothesis. A hypothesis is supposed to lead to verification, not to defense of one's own opinion.
Questions for self-reflection
- Co dokładnie próbuję wyjaśnić?
- Jakie dane potwierdzą lub obalą tę hipotezę?
- Jaką alternatywną hipotezę pomijam?