Comparing/Contrasting Hypothesis and Theory?

Comparing/Contrasting Hypothesis and Theory (Your Name) (University) (Course Code) (Professor) July 7, 2013 Comparing/Contrasting Hypothesis and Theory How would you compare/contrast a hypothesis and theory as pertaining to science? What examples can you provide to support your answer? A theory differs from a hypothesis in that while a hypothesis is a “single conjectural statement regarding relationships between two or more variables that can be tested by empirical observation” (Heath & Bryant, 2000, p.11), a theory is a tested hypothesis. It is a more encompassing statement of many facts, events, relationships, and conclusions” (p.12).It is a “systematic and plausible set of generalizations” (Heath & Bryant, 2000, p.10) explaining phenomena that can be observed by linking constructs and variables. A hypothesis is narrower in that it is a single but testable statement, but a theory is wider in scope and encompasses many hypotheses. In addition, the two differ in terms of precedence in that a theory comes from a hypothesis or hypotheses and not the other way round as hypotheses are tested before a theory is postulated. While a theory has been tested and proven, a hypothesis is only one of the probable solutions or answers. In addition, while a hypothesis is just a tentative statement, a theory is conclusive since it has been backed by numerous tests to prove it. But apparently, there are comparisons too: the first is that both are statements what differs is length.Secondly, both are about a phenomenon, and thirdly they can both be complex at times. Both are attempts at explaining phenomena that has been observed and thus aimed at arriving at the correct and plausible explanation. An example of a hypothesis is: “Poor nutrition at early childhood negatively affects the intellectual growth of a child.”It is a hypothesis since it is narrow and addresses a specific issue. An example of a theory is: “There is a strong connection between nutrition and a number of lifestyle diseases.”It is a theory since it is broad in scope with regard to nutrition and lifestyle diseases. Why is water vital for life? What is the common theme in water’s important characteristics? Water is considered the most vital element for life for a number of reasons.First, it is the most abundant molecule in the human body (comprising up to two thirds of body weight) and the most basic necessity of all known forms of life. Secondly, plants and animals and indeed all life forms depend on water. Thirdly, it helps grow plants which act as food for animals (Alters, 1999).It is needed by human beings in cooking, drinking, agriculture, transport and for industrial production processes. It is essential in the whole biochemistry of life as it helps to bend enzymes, the essenti...