Which of the following statements best distinguishes hypotheses from theories in science? a. Theories are hypotheses that have been proved. b. Hypotheses are guesses; theories are correct answers. c. Hypotheses usually are relatively narrow in scope; theories have broad explanatory power. d. Theories are proved true; hypotheses are often contradicted by experimental results.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions: A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation. A theory, on the other hand, is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.
2. Analyze option a: Theories are not simply hypotheses that have been proved. They are broader explanations that are supported by a large body of evidence.
3. Analyze option b: Hypotheses are not merely guesses; they are informed by previous knowledge and observations and are testable. Theories are not just correct answers but are supported by extensive evidence.
4. Analyze option d: Theories are not 'proved true' in the absolute sense but are supported by substantial evidence and may be modified or rejected if new evidence arises. Hypotheses can indeed be contradicted by experimental results, but this is a simplification of their role in scientific inquiry.
5. Choose the best option: Option c is the most accurate as it correctly distinguishes between the scope and explanatory power of hypotheses and theories. Hypotheses are usually narrower and are testable predictions, while theories have broad explanatory power and are supported by a wide range of evidence.

Key Concepts

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a testable prediction or educated guess about the relationship between two or more variables. It is typically narrow in scope and serves as a starting point for scientific investigation. Researchers formulate hypotheses based on existing knowledge and observations, which can then be tested through experiments.

Theory

In science, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence. Theories are broader than hypotheses and can encompass multiple hypotheses that have been repeatedly tested and confirmed. They provide a framework for understanding complex phenomena and can evolve with new evidence.

Scientific Method

The scientific method is a systematic approach to inquiry that involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions. This process allows scientists to test hypotheses and develop theories based on empirical evidence. Understanding the scientific method is crucial for distinguishing between hypotheses and theories, as it highlights the iterative nature of scientific research.