Which of the following is FALSE about scientific hypotheses?
They should be falsifiable.
They should be based on opinion.
They can be strengthened over time.
They cannot be proven to be 100% true.
They should be testable.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: They should be based on opinion.
Explanation:
A scientific hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction about how something works in the natural world. To be considered scientific, a hypothesis must meet several criteria. One important criterion is that a hypothesis should not be based on opinion. It should be based on observable evidence and established scientific principles, not personal beliefs or subjective perspectives.
Here is a breakdown of the other statements that are true about hypotheses:
- They should be falsifiable: A hypothesis must be falsifiable, meaning there must be a way to test it through experimentation or observation that could potentially prove it false. This is crucial because it allows scientists to assess whether the hypothesis holds up under scrutiny.
- They can be strengthened over time: As more data is collected, hypotheses can become stronger or more refined. This process of testing and adjusting is a key part of the scientific method, which continuously seeks to improve the accuracy of explanations.
- They cannot be proven to be 100% true: One of the core features of science is that hypotheses and theories can never be proven to be absolutely true. They can only be supported by evidence. New evidence or perspectives could always emerge that challenge the validity of a hypothesis.
- They should be testable: A scientific hypothesis must be testable through experiments, observations, or other scientific methods. If it cannot be tested, it cannot be evaluated or refined based on empirical data.
In summary, while scientific hypotheses should be testable, falsifiable, and subject to refinement, they must be based on evidence rather than opinion. Scientific knowledge evolves, and a hypothesis serves as a stepping stone for further investigation and understanding.