Difference Between Thesis and Hypothesis with Proper Definition and Brief Explanation

Main Difference – Thesis vs Hypothesis                    

Thesis and hypothesis are two common terms that are often found in research studies. The hypothesis is a logical proposition that is based on existing knowledge that serves as the starting point of an investigation. A thesis is a claim that is presented as a premise that must be maintained or proven. The main difference between thesis and hypothesis is that the thesis is found in all research studies, whereas a hypothesis is mainly found in experimental quantitative research studies.

This article explains,

1. What is a thesis?
     – Definition, characteristics, function

2. What is a hypothesis?
     – Definition, characteristics, function

3. What is the difference between thesis and hypothesis?

What is a thesis?                                 

The word thesis has two meanings in a research study. Thesis can refer to a thesis or a thesis statement. Thesis or dissertation is the long essay or document that consists of the research study. The thesis can also refer to a theory or statement that is used as a premise to maintain or demonstrate.

The thesis statement in a research article is a sentence found at the beginning of the article and presents the main argument of the article. The remainder of the document will collect, organize, and present evidence to support this argument. The thesis statement will basically present the topic of the document and indicate what position the researcher will take in relation to this topic. Generally, a thesis statement can be found at the end of the first paragraph (introductory paragraph) of the document.

What is a hypothesis?                    Difference Between Thesis and Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a logical assumption based on the available evidence. Hypothesis is defined as “an assumption or proposed explanation based on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation” in the Oxford Dictionary and as “an idea or theory that is unproven but leads to further study or discussion.” at The Merriam-Webster Dictionary. In simple words, it is an educated assumption that has not been tested with concrete scientific evidence. Once it has been scientifically tested and proven, it becomes a theory. However, it is important to note that a hypothesis can be accurate or inaccurate.

Hypotheses are used primarily in experiments and research studies. However, hypotheses are not used in all research studies. They are used primarily in quantitative research studies dealing with experiments. Hypotheses are often used to test a specific model or theory. They can be used only when the researcher has sufficient knowledge on the subject, since hypotheses are always based on existing knowledge. Once the hypothesis is built, the researcher can find and analyze data and use it to prove or disprove the hypothesis.

Difference between thesis and hypothesis

Definition

Thesis: A thesis is a “statement or theory that is presented as a premise to be maintained or proven” or “a long essay or thesis on personal research, written by a candidate for a university degree” (Oxford dictionary).

Hypothesis: A hypothesis is “an assumption or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation” (Oxford Dictionary).

Use

Thesis: The thesis statement can be found in all research papers.

Hypotheses: Hypotheses are often found in experimental quantitative research studies.

Content

Thesis: The thesis statement can explain the hypothesis and how the researcher intends to support it.

Hypothesis: The hypothesis is a conjecture based on existing knowledge.