Abstract

Advances in hydrology are greatly needed and approaches that employ hypotheses to guide research have the potential to contribute to future advances. In this context, hypotheses can serve a range of purposes. Overarching hypotheses can provide a common integrating framework for collaborative research and can be revised as research progresses over time. Hypotheses that attempt to explain unexpected field observations or experimental results can provide a guide for designing further field studies. Focused testable hypotheses can facilitate effective presentation of proposed research, and clarify alternative hypotheses. Finally, the value of employing a hypothesis‐based approach depends upon the research environment, which can act as an “environmental filter” in determining successful research outcomes.

Citation

McKnight, DM (2017): Hypothesis testing in hydrology: A view from the field: The value of hydrologic hypotheses in designing field studies and interpreting the results to advance hydrology . Water Resources Research 53: 1779-1783.

This Paper/Book acknowledges NSF CZO grant support.