hypothesis vs. theory

They are not interchangeable. A hypothesis is an attempt to explain phenomena. It is a proposal, a guess used to understand and/or predict something. A theory is the result of testing a hypothesis and developing an explanation that is assumed to be true about something. A theory replaces the hypothesis after testing confirms the hypothesis, or the hypothesis is modified and tested again, until predictable results occur.

So, a person might make an observation and immediately form a hypothesis about why something happens the way it does. He or she then tests the hypothesis, modifies it if necessary, and eventually develops a theory. The hypothesis might change significantly as testing occurs. A hypothesis can be right or wrong, but a theory is supposed to be true based upon the scientific method. So, when a hypothesis has been verified to be true, it becomes a theory.

Despite the thumb down, my answer stands.

Cen forgive but what thumb where

Oops, edited to report a retmem. Doubtless you mean in a listing, the one to the left

I've never fully understood, 17 years now or is it 18, about these thumbs. I often use the downthumb to curtail a listing but I've always wondered if that might be construed as a criticism of some sort

Cen thanks for causing me to think a little

Shortly after I made the post, it was voted down from the standard 1 that all posts get, to 0 (zero). The simplest interpretation is that someone had clicked the thumb down icon. Now it is up to 2 so I feel vindicated.

I believe the standard use for these is to signify either approval or disapproval. I imagine if you go thumbing down willy-nilly just to hide posts for the sake of convenience you are going to annoy people and muddy the waters perhaps.

Cen indeed you should. Management or wateverucallit should do something about the ambiguity of that down-arrow

Not yet but supposing some quiet protest or at least disappointment. Still think there's gotta be a better way to curtail a listing

...with apologies to all

Thank you for your useful comments!

Wha Nat, who, me
Surely not...