Hypothesis

A hypothesis is an educated guess that attempts to explain an observation or answer a question. It is then tested with experiments, and if it makes falsifiable claims and is supported by evidence, is called a theory. Thus, Gravity, Quantum Mechanics, Germ Theory, and Evolution are all referred to as theories. A hypothesis is typically tested against the null hypothesis, a default position that typically holds that something is not present, that there is no effect, or that there is no difference between treatment and control.

Hypothesis is also an important dynamic in biblical textual criticism. Compare Augustinian hypothesis, Marcan priority and Historical-critical method (Higher criticism)