A scientific hypothesis is a testable explanation of an observed phenomina http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesis
In development of an argument or line of thinking a hypothesis is a proposition, that has consequences. for instance one can consider several "What if" unrealistic hypothesis.
The orgin of the word put into simple english is " I make the hypothesis" = "I suppose" = "An educated guess"
All scientific experiments produce measurements and data. They are used to test apparatus and techniques, formulate reports, and test hypothesis. So I would argue that not all scientific experiments require hypotheses.
Statistical hypothesis is a term used in the interpretation of statistical relationships between phenomena. In this form there are two sub types of hypothesis. Null and alternative. Null is there is no relationship. The results can prove or disprove the null, or be inconclusive. If the critea is determined after the experiment the experiment is invalid.
MMX was not testing a Statistical Hypothesis, it produced a Null Result which means they measured nothing.
"Null result" means expecting to find something, but after checking everything was plugged in definitely found nothing and disproved the aether wind. http://www.bookrags.com/research/michelson-morley-experiment-wop/
this is another source http://www.drphysics.com/syllabus/M_M/M_M.html
kwnull kwmichelson kwmmx
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