Stage 2: Form Hypothesis

Create testable predictions (H₀ & H₁) based on your observations

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Observation → Hypothesis → Methods → Data → Analysis → Conclusions → Paper

Research Question

What specific question are you trying to answer?

Null Hypothesis (H₀)

States there is no relationship or effect

Alternative Hypothesis (H₁)

States there is a relationship or effect

Variables to Study

What will you measure? (e.g., flower size, bloom time, location)

Good Hypothesis Example

Research Question: Do epiphytic orchids have different flower sizes than terrestrial orchids?

H₀: There is no significant difference in average flower size between epiphytic and terrestrial orchids.

H₁: Epiphytic orchids have significantly smaller flowers than terrestrial orchids due to resource limitations in their aerial habitat.

Variables: Growth habit (independent), flower size in mm (dependent)

Available Data Preview

Your research will use data from:

  • 230+ orchid specimens with detailed morphological data
  • 40+ genera from diverse geographic regions
  • Multiple growth habits: epiphytic, terrestrial, lithophytic
  • Professional photographs with EXIF data and measurements