# Hypothesis Formulation

Structured scientific hypothesis generation from observations.

- Repository: https://github.com/aiming-lab/AutoResearchClaw (14798 stars)
- Category: Data and ML
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-08-19
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add aiming-lab/AutoResearchClaw --skill hypothesis-formulation -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add aiming-lab/AutoResearchClaw --skill hypothesis-formulation -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add aiming-lab/AutoResearchClaw --skill hypothesis-formulation -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add aiming-lab/AutoResearchClaw --skill hypothesis-formulation -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Structured scientific hypothesis generation from observations. Use when formulating testable hypotheses, competing explanations, or experimental predictions.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

## Hypothesis Formulation Best Practice

### Structured Hypothesis Development
1. Start with a clear observation or pattern that requires explanation
2. Review existing literature for known mechanisms and prior explanations
3. Identify what is already established vs. what remains uncertain
4. Formulate the hypothesis as a specific, testable statement
5. Ensure the hypothesis is falsifiable, define what outcome would refute it

### Hypothesis Format
1. **Null hypothesis (H0)**: There is no effect or no difference
2. **Alternative hypothesis (H1)**: There is a specific, directional effect
3. State both explicitly; design experiments to reject H0
4. Use "If... then... because..." structure for mechanistic hypotheses:
   - If [independent variable is manipulated], then [predicted outcome], because [proposed mechanism]

### Generating Competing Hypotheses
1. Propose at least 2-3 plausible explanations for the same observation
2. For each, identify unique predictions that distinguish it from alternatives
3. Rank hypotheses by parsimony, consistency with prior evidence, and testability
4. Design experiments that can discriminate between competing hypotheses
5. Consider confounding variables that could produce the same observation

### Testable Predictions
1. Derive specific, measurable predictions from each hypothesis
2. Define expected effect direction AND approximate magnitude
3. Specify what experimental conditions would confirm vs. refute the prediction
4. Identify potential confounds and plan controls to address them
5. Ensure predictions are achievable with available methods and resources

The rest: https://github.com/aiming-lab/AutoResearchClaw/blob/HEAD/.claude/skills/hypothesis-formulation/SKILL.md