Judge the following statements as true or false. If you believe a statement to be false, provide a corrected version. (f) A hypothesis is more weakly supported by experimental evidence than a theory.

Key Concepts

Hypothesis vs. Theory

A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between variables, often based on limited evidence. In contrast, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world, supported by a body of evidence and repeated testing. The distinction lies in the level of support and validation, with theories being more robust than hypotheses.

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 this method is crucial for evaluating the strength of scientific claims.

Evidence in Science

In scientific research, evidence refers to the data and observations collected through experiments and studies that support or refute a hypothesis or theory. The strength of a hypothesis is determined by the quality and quantity of evidence available, with a well-supported hypothesis potentially evolving into a theory if it withstands rigorous testing.