Is my hypothesis testable?
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What makes a hypothesis testable
A good hypothesis is a precise, falsifiable prediction — specific enough that data could prove it wrong. This checker looks for the hallmarks:
- States a relationship or difference between variables (associates, predicts, affects, differs, increases…).
- Names the variables — an independent/predictor and a dependent/outcome you can actually measure.
- Predicts a direction where prior evidence allows (more/less, higher/lower).
- Is falsifiable — avoids pure hedging (may/might) and value claims (should, best) that no result could contradict.
- Avoids vagueness — “some”, “a lot”, “better” without a measurable referent.
This is a heuristic writing aid based on wording, not a check that your variables are well operationalized or that your design can test the claim — that still needs judgement. For an adversarial deep-dive, the Hypothesis Stress Test extension probes a hypothesis against 18 attacks from philosophy of science and causal inference.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a hypothesis testable?
It states a measurable relationship between defined variables, predicts a direction, and could be shown false by data. Vague or value-laden wording breaks testability.
What does “falsifiable” mean?
There’s some result that would contradict it. “CBT helps some people” is hard to falsify; “CBT lowers mean PHQ-9 vs waitlist” can be.
Must a hypothesis be directional?
No. Directional predicts which way the effect goes; non-directional just predicts a difference. Both are testable.
Is the score definitive?
No — it’s a heuristic based on wording. Use it to catch common problems, then apply your own and your supervisor’s judgement.
Does it store anything?
No. Your text is analysed entirely in your browser; nothing is uploaded or saved.
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