Inventing an Argument

Designing and Testing a Hypothesis

What is an ArgumentAn original idea or concept that changes the way people view the world as they currently know it

What is a Hypothesis

A hypothesis is just what you would expect from science class, your idea or prediction of what would happen in a test, or simpler your explanation of why something happens.

Testing a HypothesisA hypothesis is conceptualized to be proven wrong

If you try everything you can to prove your hypothesis wrong, and still can’t, then you know your hypothesis is ready for the next level . . . . . theory

A hypothesis has two vital parts

◦ A disputable claim, that can be tested ◦ A falsifiable reason why you believe what you are

claiming

Creating Hypotheses

Examples Are they HypothesesThe chicken came first, because the chicken had to lay the eggThe egg came first, because the chicken had to come out of the egg

In the simple context these statements are not hypotheses, because the reason given is not a testable reason, it is opinion not theory

Hypotheses???

Refined ExamplesThe egg came first, because evolution teaches us that the chicken egg would have evolved from other egg laying creatures.The chicken came first, because God created all creatures as they were and as they are in the field.

Are these hypotheses???

Still not hypotheses. While this issue is heavily debated, it is accepted that God creating creatures is not falsifiable, and opponents of evolution would argue that evolution isn’t technically falsifiable either.

Hypotheses Yet???

You get the idea, this is a difficult concept and you must think thoroughly before quickly designating something as a hypothesis or not.

Your HypothesisFirst find a relevant

issue or idea and educate yourself on the topic. It can be anything from sports to people to photosynthesis.

Your HypothesisSteroids should be illegal, because they give users an unfair advantage.

Friends are a good thing to have, because they help build your confidence.

Photosynthesis is a necessity of life, because without it we wouldn’t be able to live.

Next, and most importantly, develop your own original argument about the topic and define your reason why your argument is true.

Remember it must be falsifiable.

Your hypothesis contains a reason as to why your argument is true. Now you must prove it to be true.

Testing Your Hypothesis

Testing a hypothesis is NOT finding data or opinions about your topic and make them to support your argument

Testing HypothesesThe only way to truly prove your argument beyond reasonable doubt is to do every single test and analysis to prove your argument wrong. It’s easy to find one example to support anything.

If you do everything in your power to prove something wrong and still can’t, only then can you be positive about your concept and reasoning.

Hypothesis:Online social networks are dangerous

to society, because they impede on real world communication and create an unneeded crutch for society.

Example

Take a look at this paper that is an example of how to test and make an argument out of your hypothesis. (click title)

Example First to develop a hypothesis you must find a subject of interest (or assignment) in this case my subject is the effect of online social networks

Once you have your subject you must develop your original argument, mine is that online social networks are destructive to society because they inhibit real world communication

Next you must test your hypothesis The first step is to decide how to best test your

hypothesis (ethnography, interviews, surveys, scientific testing, etc) this will depend on your specific project

In my case I conducted an ethnography to observe people in their natural state in Second Life, as well as interviews in Second Life and of Facebook users

It is important to remember when testing a hypothesis you are trying to disprove the

hypothesis at all costs

Example In this example project I tried to find every beneficial element of each social network to disprove my hypothesis of these networks being harmful to the real world

In the conclusion I mention how my research both supports and contradicts my hypothesis in ways, and even develop a new argument after my research

This is often the case because the real world doesn’t often deal in extremes

Specifically I saw that while there are possibly harmful parts in these social networks they also give the opportunity for social improvement

In the end my final argument stated that social networks and technology in general can be beneficial or harmful to

society, in the end it is man’s choice that will help or destroy his world

Your ProjectYour directions: Create and test a hypothesis

You will be creating a hypothesis and consequential argument about whether extracurricular activities are beneficial for college students or not. Remember you must have a FALSIFIABLE hypothesis, then you will test your hypothesis by going into your college community and trying to prove your hypothesis wrong by any meansyou wish.

You will then create a presentation in any format you see fit that presents your hypothesis/argument best (lab report, essay, power point, speech, etc). In this presentation you will need a hypothesis/argument section where you develop your original ideas.

Next a section describing your testing methods and results, make sure to be thorough here. Describe the type of testing you did and why.

Finally develop an analysis section where you explain the results you found. Last relate your results back to your hypothesis and discus if your hypothesis was correct or what changes you would make to your new argument.

Your Presentation

Good Luck

DO NOT FAIL ME