Difference Between Hypothesis vs Prediction

Have you ever forecasted an event and it came to pass? If yes, could that be as a result of some innate qualities you are born with or something else? Maybe it is your gut feeling that helped you make the forecast correctly, or maybe it is something that you already knew before. Whatever it is that might have helped you, scholars have a way of classifying and explaining it in a distinct manner.

On that note, we will be taking a look at the difference between hypothesis and prediction, two terms that are often misinterpreted as a result of ignorance. They may have similar meanings, but they are not the same.

Definition of Hypothesis

Hypothesis is defined as an attempt to solve a problem by making a presumptuous declaration that is open to testing following the standards of the scientific method. To put it more lightly, this term is nothing but a sheer assumption with no proof to back it up and hopes that it can resolve a particular issue.

Since it is just an attempt, there is every possibility that it may not follow through with the testing. But if for any reason it does follow through, then it becomes verified and regarded as theory. These attempts are usually in the form of a question, an intelligent one that might have come from unique but extensive research.

Another way to answer the question of what is the difference between a hypothesis and a prediction is by taking note of their characteristics. Some of the characteristics of the former include the following.

• It should be a detailed and precise statement
• The basis of the statement should be on known facts
• It should be flexible and open to testing
• The point of view should be simple
• There should be some element of correlation between variables

Definition of Prediction

Prediction is defined as statements made based on prior knowledge that aims at forecasting a future event. With the hypothesis vs prediction definition, it is understandable how one may commonly misconstrue one for the other. But their definition also shows some disparities. For instance, the former is mostly founded on nothing while the latter is founded on some form of prior familiarity.

It is also crucial to note that some are built not on facts, but on the instincts or a person. This phenomenon is a part of our daily life as well as scientific processes. A good example is the regression analysis, a method applied in statistics for making conclusions on a certain matter.

In a realistic setting, people make great careers out of making informed conclusions about an organization. They are called futurists of predictors, and their job is to disclose possible threats, risks, events, or opportunities.

Main Differences Between Hypothesis vs Prediction

From the much we have explained so far, one can understand the meaning and difference between prediction and hypothesis. We have put up the comparison table below to help pinpoint the disparities putting the two terms side by side.

Difference Between Hypothesis and Prediction: Conclusion

This hypothesis vs prediction comparison summary has shown how these two, which are often misconstrued for the other, are in fact different from one another. The former is more informed and always made on the basis of established information. The latter, on the other hand, may or may not be informed and may not be based on verifiable information.

Also, the time it takes to arrive at these is not the same. The former takes some time to gather information while the latter does not necessarily take any time.