Do Hypotheses Become Theories?

A hypothesis is not a prediction. A theory is not necessarily a well-supported explanation. A (causal) hypothesis does not become a theory if it subsequently becomes well-supported by evidence.

Can a hypothesis become a theory or law?

Correction: Hypotheses cannot become theories and theories cannot become laws. Hypotheses, theories, and laws are all scientific explanations but they differ in breadth, not in level of support. Theories apply to a broader range of phenomena than do hypotheses.

How is hypothesis related to theory?

A hypothesis is either a suggested explanation for an observable phenomenon, or a reasoned prediction of a possible causal correlation among multiple phenomena. In science, a theory is a tested, well-substantiated, unifying explanation for a set of verified, proven factors.