How to Write a Good Hypothesis

Use the If, then, because format.

If(describe a change in the manipulated variable), then(tell how the responding variable
will react to the change), because(explain your reasoning or tell why something will happen)
Manipulated variable: This is the variable that you, the scientist, change or manipulate. This is
the cause in the experiment and is the same as the independent variable in math class.
Responding variable: This is the variable that responds to changes in the manipulated variable.
This is the effect in an experiment and is the same as the dependent variable in math class.
Controlled variables: These are variables that are kept the same in all experiments to minimize
scientific error, and to isolate the manipulated variable.
Example:
Experimental/Problem Question: How does fertilizer affect plant growth?
Hypothesis: If the amount of fertilizer is increased on grass plants, then the grass plants will
grow taller, because plants will have more nutrients to grow taller provided by the fertilizer
increase.
Amount of fertilizer = manipulated variable
Plant growth = responding variable
Controlled variables in this experiment would be the amount of water and light the plants the
would receive, and the overall growing environment.
Practice: Experimental/Problem Question How does the amount of water given affect plant
growth?

HYPOTHESIS BOOTCAMP WORKSHEET

Identify the dependent and independent variable for each. Then, write a hypothesis for each of
the following research problems (if, then because).
1. What effect does an increase in temperature have on radish germination?
Independent variable:
Dependent variable:
IF ___
THEN____
BECAUSE __
2. What effect does studying with music have on student test scores?
Independent variable:
Dependent variable:
IF __
THEN __
BECAUSE ___
3.What effect does food color have on the amount of food fish eat?
Independent variable:
Dependent variable:
IF ____
THEN __
BECAUSE __
4. What effect does an increase in light exposure have on plant growth?
Independent variable:
Dependent variable:
IF ____
THEN __
BECAUSE __

HYPOTHESIS WORKSHEET
Write a hypothesis for each of the following research problems. Identify the dependent and
independent variable for each.
1. What effect does smiling have on teacher giving no homework?
Independent variable:
Dependent variable:
2. If plants are watered, then growth height will increase.
Independent variable:
Dependent variable:
3. If chocolate is given to teachers, then amount of homework will decrease.
Independent variable:
Dependent variable:
4. If trees have leaves, then bird nests will increase.
Independent variable:
Dependent variable:
5. If acid rain is in water, then fish population will increase.
Independent variable:
Dependent variable:
6. If calcium is given, then bone strength will increase.
Independent variable:
Dependent variable: