Hypothesis Format

This page includes various tips and guidelines for creating your hypotheses.

Put only your six-digit ID numbers on your hypothesis (i.e., no names) so that grading of them can be anonymous.

Submit your text and diagram as ONE document in either MS Word (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format.

Utilize ½ inch margins for your Word document to facilitate maximum readability of your diagrams. Enlarge your diagram to fill the page.

Draw/import your diagram in a VERTICAL orientation (portrait view) for readability.

Utilize the following standard designations for your diagrams:

• All of the patient findings (from the problem list) should be BRACKETED.The point of the diagram and hypothesis is to EXPLAIN these findings.
• An ARROW should be utilized for causal relationships (A leads to B).
• Therapeutic interventions that cause part of the disease manifestation should be indicated in RED.
• A DASHED ARROW should be utilized for inhibitory relationships.
• A LINE should be utilized for associated relationships in which causality has not been established.

See also: http://www.upstate.edu/courseware/casestudy/ms2/ms2hypoformat/