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Multiple Hypothesis Generation

What It Is: A diagnostic technique for brainstorming and clarifying a comprehensive set of alternative explanations or outcomes.

When to Use It: At the beginning of an analysis to ensure that a full range of possibilities is being considered.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. STEP 1: Brainstorm hypotheses. Write them down and consolidate similar ideas. (Beebe and Pherson, 2015, p. 207)
  2. STEP 2: Clarify each hypothesis using Who, What, When, Where, and Why. (Beebe and Pherson, 2015, p. 207)
  3. STEP 3: Select the most promising hypotheses for further analysis. (Beebe and Pherson, 2015, p. 207)

Multiple Hypothesis Generation Table:

HypothesisWhoWhatWhenWhereWhy
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 4
Hypothesis 5