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Multiple Choice
How does a hypothesis help scientists understand the natural world?
A
It serves as a final conclusion that does not require further testing.
B
It guarantees that the results of an experiment will be correct.
C
It describes only the observations without making any predictions.
D
It provides a testable explanation that can be supported or refuted through experimentation.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the definition of a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon based on prior knowledge and observations. It is not a final conclusion but rather a starting point for scientific investigation.
Step 2: Recognize the role of a hypothesis in the scientific method. A hypothesis provides a testable explanation that can be supported or refuted through experimentation. This makes it a critical tool for understanding the natural world.
Step 3: Differentiate a hypothesis from other scientific statements. Unlike observations, which describe phenomena, a hypothesis makes predictions that can be tested. It is not a guarantee of correctness but a framework for investigation.
Step 4: Consider how experimentation works with a hypothesis. Scientists design experiments to test the predictions made by the hypothesis. The results of these experiments either support or refute the hypothesis, contributing to scientific knowledge.
Step 5: Reflect on the iterative nature of science. If a hypothesis is refuted, scientists revise it or propose new hypotheses, continuing the cycle of testing and discovery to better understand the natural world.