The expectations hypothesis suggests that long-term interest rates are determined by short-term expectations plus a fixed amount to reflect increased risk. However, most tests do not confirm this, and the reasons are disputed. The hypothesis is a starting point for an economic puzzle, and some studies suggest it becomes more accurate as the period of […]
The hygiene hypothesis suggests that exposure to bacteria and parasites in early childhood can help the immune system learn to recognize and fight harmful substances, potentially reducing allergy rates. Modern trends like antibiotic use and antimicrobial cleaners may hinder immune system development. Studies support the hypothesis, but caution against excessive exposure to harmful organisms. The […]
The clathrate gun hypothesis suggests that methane clathrates on the ocean floor may have caused global warming and mass extinction in the past. Methane clathrates are methane gas trapped in water ice, found in low concentrations on continental shelves. The hypothesis depends on an external trigger, such as a volcanic eruption, melting the clathrates and […]
A quantitative hypothesis involves a null and alternative proposition, tested through statistical analysis to determine if an independent variable affects a dependent variable. It has specific limitations and is expressed in numerical terms. Results are translated into mathematical values and analyzed through statistical analysis. A quantitative hypothesis contains a null proposition and an alternative that […]
A hypothesis is an untested explanation, while a theory has been extensively tested and accepted as accurate. The theory of evolution is supported by scientific evidence, but theories are subject to change with new knowledge. Dark energy is a current hypothesis with ongoing research and difficulty in detection. A hypothesis attempts to answer questions by […]
Hypothesis testing is a crucial part of the scientific method, involving testing tentative explanations for observed phenomena. A hypothesis must be testable, able to explain phenomena under any conditions, and likely to improve knowledge. Hypotheses are tested through experiments, and if they pass, they can become scientific theories or laws. Statistical hypothesis testing is a […]
The Aquatic Ape Hypothesis suggests that human evolution was influenced by water bodies, explaining features like bipedalism and baldness. While controversial and ultimately rejected, it offers insights into the evolutionary process. Arguments for the theory include lack of fur, bipedalism, and control over breathing, while arguments against it cite vague and changing assumptions and features […]
Scientists create hypotheses to explain observations and use statistical methods to test them. A null hypothesis is constructed to contradict the explanation, and the alternative hypothesis is tested against a sample of data. Three types of tests can be applied to a data set, and researchers must agree on an interpretation of the data based […]
The efficient market hypothesis suggests that markets quickly incorporate new information, making it difficult for individuals to make guaranteed profits. The hypothesis is based on the economic principle of arbitrage and predicts that the market will follow a “random walk.” While controversial, it remains a central element of neoclassical economics. The efficient market hypothesis is […]
Scientists use hypotheses to explain observations and make predictions that can be tested through experimentation. The null hypothesis is the belief that there will be no effect, and alternative hypotheses are contradictory possibilities. A good hypothesis is simple, explains all aspects of the observation, and can be tested. The null hypothesis is rejected if there […]
A hypothesis is an explanation that can be tested to prove or disprove it. It must be testable, simple, and based on known information. A hypothesis can be wrong or inconclusive, but it still furthers scientific research. A hypothesis is an explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested in a way that ideally proves […]
The Interaction Hypothesis proposes that personal interaction is the most effective way to learn a foreign or second language, combining the input and output hypotheses. Conversation is emphasized, with negotiation and modification output being key steps. The theory suggests interaction with native speakers for an authentic learning environment. The interaction hypothesis is a type of […]
The input hypothesis by Stephen Krashen states that language learners benefit from receiving intelligible input just beyond their current understanding level. This helps them acquire new grammatical features. Trial-and-error communication with conversation partners is the best way to gather this input. Speech output has little relevance, according to Krashen, but other researchers disagree. The input […]
The dopamine hypothesis suggests that overproduction or excessive release of dopamine causes schizophrenia. Evidence includes drugs that cause psychosis and increased activity in dopamine-dependent neural pathways. Critics note that drugs blocking dopamine receptors do not always reduce symptoms and neuroanatomical studies reveal variations in brain structure. The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia is a theory about […]
The Rare Earth Hypothesis suggests that Earth is unique in its ability to support complex life due to a long list of necessary conditions. This hypothesis is controversial, as some scientists believe other planets could support life. Future space missions may provide answers. The Rare Earth Hypothesis states that Earth is rare and that few […]
The critical period hypothesis suggests that there is a limited time in which the human mind can easily acquire language, usually the first three to ten years of development. This theory is supported by research on brain development, but difficult to prove conclusively. It also applies to secondary language acquisition, where it is believed that […]
The efficient market hypothesis suggests that markets quickly incorporate new information, making it difficult for individuals to make guaranteed profits. It is based on the economic principle of arbitrage and predicts that the market follows a random walk. The hypothesis is controversial and only works if the market is filled with intelligent and rational agents […]
The distributive hypothesis suggests that words with similar meanings are grouped together in texts. Linguists like Firth and Harris used mathematical methods to study this, leading to the development of statistical semantics and HAL. This has implications for AI and language acquisition. The distributive hypothesis proposes the idea that words with the same meaning are […]
