Difference Between Hypothesis and Aim

Hypothesis vs Aim

Hypothesis and Aim are two terms between which some differences can be identified in their meanings and purposes. First let us pay attention to the meanings of the two words. A hypothesis is an explanation of something that is observed as a regular practice but has to be verified and tested on the basis of the observation. A hypothesis can be accepted only if it is verified and proved. On the other hand, an aim is the very goal of an exercise or an endeavor. This is the main difference between hypothesis and aim. This article attempts to clarify the difference between the two words.

What is Hypothesis?

As mentioned in the introduction, a hypothesis is an explanation of something that is observed as a regular practice but has to be verified and tested on the basis of the observation. A hypothesis can be accepted only if it is verified and proved. It is understood from the definition of the hypothesis given above that a hypothesis cannot always be true. It can be false too.

It is true that the scientists experienced many ups and downs while trying to evaluate and verify the hypotheses that they formulated. They, in fact, used all the mathematical models that came their way to establish the truth about the hypotheses they formulated. They did all that only to establish the truth and the authenticity that is, in fact, the aim of the whole process.

To understand the nature of hypothesis let us look at an example, taken from social research on language and education.

The increasing significance of English language in tertiary courses has led to an increase in private English language classes in the urban context.

This hypothesis is an observation of the researcher that needs to be proven to formulate his theory, and achieve his aim.

What is an Aim?

An aim is an ultimate goal that is to be accomplished. An aim can never be false. Since it is always true, a hypothesis can be proved by the aim. This is how a hypothesis should be proved or verified keeping the aim of the experiment in view.

The well-known scientists of the past did exactly the same. They had the aim on hand or in other words they had the aim in view at all times. They formulated hypotheses and did their best to verify them by the aim for which they strived hard to achieve.

Thus, it can be said that the aim is the very purpose of an undertaking. It is, in fact, the goal behind the testing of the hypothesis. This shows that every hypothesis should have a goal to reach. There cannot be a hypothesis without aim. This clearly highlights that in research both aims and hypothesis have a unique role to play, although they are different from one another. This difference can be summarized as follows.

What is the Difference Between Hypothesis and Aim?

Definitions of Hypothesis and Aim:

Hypothesis: A hypothesis is an explanation of something that is observed as a regular practice but has to be verified and tested on the basis of the observation.

Aim: An aim is the very goal of an exercise or an endeavor.

Characteristics of Hypothesis and Aim:

Verification:

Hypothesis: A hypothesis has to be tested to find whether the observation is accurate or not.

Aim: An aim is not verified. It is the overall goal towards which the individual works.

Accuracy:

Hypothesis: A hypothesis cannot always be true. At times, it can be false too.

Aim:  An aim can never be false.

Relationship:

Hypothesis: Every hypothesis should have a goal to reach. There cannot be a hypothesis without aim.

Aim: Aim is the very purpose of an undertaking. It is, in fact, the goal behind the testing of the hypothesis.

Image Courtesy:

1. Research process (Based on Reeve, 2009, Figure 1.1) By Jtneill (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

2. “Microscopy lab” by Idaho National Laboratory – Flickr: Microscopy lab. [CC BY 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons