Ashfaq is asked to explain the difference between a hypothesis, theory, and scientific law, which are terms used when discussing experiments, research, and scientific methodology. He knows that each term has a distinct meaning, and the terms are not interchangeable. Match the descriptive phrases to the correct term. A hypothesis may still be useful even when evidence does not support it. A scientific law is a well-tested explanation for a range of phenomena. A theory ideally should be tested by an experiment in which only one variable is changed. A hypothesis is a highly reliable scientific explanation of events in the natural world that unifies many repeated observations. Scientific laws are concise, specific descriptions of how some aspects of the natural world are expected to behave in a certain situation. A scientific law is a tentative scientific explanation that can be tested by further observation or by experimentation. A scientific law may still be useful even when evidence does not support it.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
In scientific methodology, the terms hypothesis, theory, and scientific law have distinct meanings, and it’s crucial to differentiate them based on their definitions and roles in experiments and research. Here’s how they match with the descriptive phrases:
- Hypothesis:
- “A hypothesis is a tentative scientific explanation that can be tested by further observation or by experimentation.”
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon based on limited evidence or observation. It serves as a starting point for investigation. It can be tested and refined through experiments and observations. - “A hypothesis may still be useful even when evidence does not support it.”
Sometimes, even if the evidence doesn’t support a hypothesis, it can guide further inquiry or open new lines of questioning. A hypothesis that is not supported may lead to alternative hypotheses and deeper understanding.
- “A hypothesis is a tentative scientific explanation that can be tested by further observation or by experimentation.”
- Theory:
- “A theory is a highly reliable scientific explanation of events in the natural world that unifies many repeated observations.”
A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world. It unifies multiple observations and experiments, providing a coherent framework that explains a wide range of phenomena. It is supported by evidence and is generally accepted in the scientific community. - “A theory ideally should be tested by an experiment in which only one variable is changed.”
A theory is tested through experiments, often with the goal of isolating variables to see their effects on the phenomenon being studied. Theories help explain relationships between variables, and a controlled experiment ensures the validity of these explanations.
- “A theory is a highly reliable scientific explanation of events in the natural world that unifies many repeated observations.”
- Scientific Law:
- “A scientific law is a well-tested explanation for a range of phenomena.”
A scientific law explains a consistent and universal observation. For example, laws of motion or laws of thermodynamics explain broad principles that hold true in specific conditions. Laws can often be expressed as concise, mathematical equations. - “Scientific laws are concise, specific descriptions of how some aspects of the natural world are expected to behave in a certain situation.”
Unlike theories, which explain why something happens, laws describe what happens under certain conditions. Laws have been repeatedly validated by experimentation and observation and have stood the test of time. - “A scientific law may still be useful even when evidence does not support it.”
Even when new evidence challenges certain aspects of a law, it still provides a useful framework for understanding specific conditions and phenomena, unless it is definitively disproven.
- “A scientific law is a well-tested explanation for a range of phenomena.”
In summary, a hypothesis is a testable prediction, a theory is an explanation supported by extensive evidence, and a scientific law is a statement that describes a consistent relationship in nature. They all play key roles in the scientific process, but they differ in their level of support and the type of information they provide.
