This document discusses generating and testing hypotheses. It explains that hypotheses can be approached inductively by drawing conclusions from known information, or deductively by making predictions using general rules. Six types of tasks that employ hypotheses are described: system analysis, problem solving, historical investigation, invention, experimental inquiry, and decision making. The document emphasizes that teachers should provide support for students to clearly explain their hypotheses and conclusions, such as templates, sentence stems, rubrics, and opportunities to present their thinking to others.

1. Generating and Testing
Hypotheses
Classroom Instruction That Works
Chapter 9
Robert J. Marzano
Debra J. Pickering
Jane E. Pollock

2. Hypothesis and Testing
Hypothesis and testing can be approached
inductively or deductively:
Inductive: drawing conclusions based on
information we know or are presented with
(Reading – inference)
*Deductive: using a general rule to make a
prediction about a future action or event
( Math – problem solving)
*generally produces best results

3. Six Types of Tasks
That Employ Hypotheses

4. 1. System Analysis
Explain the purpose of the
system
Describe
Identify the parts
Test your hypothesis

5. 1. System Analysis

6. 2. Problem Solving
Identify the goal
Describe the barriers
Identify solutions
Try your solution
Evaluate hypothesis

7. 2. Problem Solving

8. 3. Historical Investigation
Describe the historical event
Identify what you know
Offer a hypothetical scenario
Analyze evidence

9. 3. Historical Investigation

10. 4. Invention
 Describe a situation which needs
improvement
 Identify standards
 Brainstorm ideas
 Draft, sketch, or actually create the
invention
 Test your hypothesis
 Revise your invention

11. 4. Invention

12. 5. Experimental Inquiry
Observe something of
interest
Apply theories or rules
Generate a hypothesis
Set up an experiment
Explain the results

13. 5. Experimental Inquiry

14. 6. Decision Making
 Describe the decision
 Identify the criteria
 Rate each alternative
 Apply a formula
 Examine the scores
 Based on your reaction to the
selected alternative, determine
possible changes

15. 6. Decision Making

16. Teachers should ask students to clearly
explain their hypotheses and their
conclusions
 Provide templates
 Provide sentence stems
 Create audiotapes
 Develop rubrics
 Set up events during which parents
or community members ask students
to explain their thinking

17. Generating and Testing Hypotheses
 “We commonly think of generating
and testing hypotheses as the
purview of the science teacher only.
As this chapter has shown, this basic
cognitive skill applies to a variety of
tasks that are applicable to many
subject areas.”
-Robert Marzano, Classroom
Instruction That Works