Explain the difference between a hypothesis and a scientific theory.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
A hypothesis is a testable and specific prediction about what you expect to happen in a study. A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence and has stood up to repeated testing.
Explanation:
A hypothesis and a scientific theory are both essential components of the scientific method, but they serve different purposes and have different levels of scientific support.
A hypothesis is a tentative statement that proposes a possible explanation to a phenomenon or a prediction about the relationship between variables. It is often based on prior observations or research and must be testable and falsifiable. For example, a hypothesis might be: “If plants are given more sunlight, then they will grow faster.” Scientists design experiments to test hypotheses. If the results support the hypothesis, it gains credibility; if not, it may be revised or rejected.
In contrast, a scientific theory is a comprehensive and well-supported explanation for a wide range of phenomena. It is developed only after extensive testing and validation through repeated experiments and observations over time. Scientific theories are not guesses or assumptions; they are supported by a large body of evidence. For example, the theory of evolution explains how species change over time through natural selection, and the theory of gravity explains how objects are attracted to one another. Theories are continually tested and refined as new evidence becomes available.
One key difference is that a hypothesis is a starting point for investigation, while a scientific theory is an end result of a lot of scientific work. A theory can encompass many hypotheses and explain a wide array of observations. Although theories can be modified or expanded, they are considered some of the most reliable forms of scientific knowledge.
In summary, a hypothesis is an educated guess that can be tested, while a scientific theory is a well-established explanation built on a foundation of evidence
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