The nature and role of hypotheses in school science investigations

Investigations form an integral and significant part of school science activities. The creation of hypotheses is an essential part of any scientific investigation, but no coherent concept of hypothesis can be derived from the current literature of science education. By focusing on the role of hypotheses as tentative solutions to problems, a basic concept of hypothesis is proposed. This is developed and differentiated in relation to the different kinds of knowledge which science education seeks to promote. It is argued that recognizing different kinds of hypothesis in this way can help to clarify both the aims and the methods of scientific investigation in schools.