Step 4: Hypothesis and Thesis

Step 4: Hypothesis and Thesis Statement

A hypothesis is an educated guess based on the information currently available. Worded as a question, your hypothesis should be a guide for your research. Later, the answer to the hypothesis becomes the thesis statement or controlling idea for the paper. Then, as you do your research, the topic (expressed by your hypothesis) does not change, but the thesis statement (the answer to the hypothesis) most certainly can change. As a thinking human being, you need room to reach your own conclusions after you have done all the research. Your topic should let you do that—and report your conclusions. Remember, the best topics allow for judgment, not the simple reporting of facts. Remember that this is a persuasive statement.

A thesis statement is vital for organization in writing, and in this SEP research paper, it will tell the reader three pieces of information. First, it will define the subject of the paper. Next, it will indicate the direction the paper will proceed. Third, it will give reasons why the discussion should proceed in that direction. An easy way to remember the three parts of a thesis sentence is this formula, (S+D+3R), which stands for: SUBJECT + DIRECTION + THREE REASONS

In order to constitute valid research, your hypothesis and its subsequent thesis statement must exhibit original thinking on a worthwhile topic and launch you and your readers on a journey of discovery.

Refutation: the act of arguing or disproving a theory. Your paper will include a refutation that follows the three points and is positioned before the conclusion.

Here are the basic components of a refutation:

Name: Briefly identify a counter-argument

Explain: Give supporting evidence for this opposing viewpoint.

Answer: State why the opposition is wrong.

Examples: “Exercise can be dangerous” can refute the benefits of exercise

“Extinction or endangerment" can refute the benefits of hunting

Sample Thesis Statements

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy can improve the spiritual health, physical stamina, and emotional well-being of a patient.
• Americans need to embrace green construction principles because of the social, economic, and environmental benefits they present to the country.
• It is important to preserve America’s historical sites in order to understand the nation’s heritage, to carry out environmentally and economically responsible practices, and to preserve history for the benefit of future generations.
• High school mentoring programs are beneficial to youth because they offer skill assistance, provide opportunities to develop self-confidence, and also provide educational support.
• Campaign finance reform would benefit society because it would shorten the campaign season, inform electors about who spends the campaign money, and regulate the spending of campaigns.
• With minimal self-defense training, a basic understanding of the situation, and some degree of self-confidence, more women can react to an attack, and effectively defend themselves.
• Color choice is critical to interior design because color affects emotions, stimulates reactions, and affects behavior of the people who view the decorating.
• The mass media has changed from reporting the facts to giving a biased opinion on issues leading to a polarized electorate, a negative effect on campaigns, and a decreased chance of compromise.