Which term or phrase represents a proposed answer to a scientific question? A. direct observation B. model C. hypothesis D. empirical evidence
C. hypothesis - It's like a scientific guess, but with more pizzazz! A hypothesis is a proposed answer to a scientific question that can be tested through experiments and observations. It's like a sparkly spark of scientific imagination, lighting the way to discovery!
C. hypothesis
The term or phrase that represents a proposed answer to a scientific question is a hypothesis.
To arrive at a hypothesis, scientists typically follow these steps:
1. Identify the Problem/Question: Scientists start by identifying a specific problem or question they want to investigate.
2. Gather Background Information: They review existing knowledge and research related to their question. This helps them understand what is already known and what information is missing.
3. Formulate a Hypothesis: Based on the gathered information, scientists formulate an educated guess or proposed explanation, which is known as a hypothesis. It is a statement that can be tested through scientific methods.
4. Test the Hypothesis: Scientists design and conduct experiments or gather data to test the hypothesis. This involves making observations, collecting data, and analyzing the results.
By testing the hypothesis, scientists try to either support or reject it. If the results consistently support the hypothesis, it can then become a theory or accepted explanation. If the results do not support the hypothesis, scientists modify or construct a new hypothesis and continue the cycle of testing.