What Are Three Types of Hypothesis Classified By Stebbing’s?

She Classifies hypothesis into three types. They are:

a) Explanatory Hypothesis:

It is a case where a hypothesis is framed to reconstruct the existing view (explanation) in respect of the occurrence of some effects.

It involves a positive explanation in support of the effect. The explanation may differ from the existing view or the common understandings. For example, an advocate may explain the cause of a crime in such a manner that B is now regarded as the culprit in place of the common understanding that A is the culprit.

The reconstruction of the issue by the advocate can be considered as explanatory hypothesis.

b) Descriptive Hypothesis:

Very often certain probable description helps in simplifying certain complicated facts or effects. It provides a model that helps to comprehend a complicated situation. To explain some complicated phenomena, a model is thought of by a scientist.

Though it is provisional in nature it helps to carry out further observation and experiment to reach a definite conclusion. For example, Ptolemy’s proceed with the investigation with Some supposition.

This one is known as a working hypothesis. It may give some further clue to carry out investigation. When a satisfactory hypothesis is discovered, the working hypothesis is rejected. For example, in case of a theft, an investigator does not wait for a reasonable hypothesis. He starts investigation with some supposition.

That may provide some clue to ascertain the cause. This is described as working hypothesis.