Question

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.

Short answer

1. The option “theories are hypotheses that have been proved” is false.
2. The option “hypotheses are guesses; theories are correct answers” is false.
3. The option “hypotheses usually are relatively narrow in scope; theories have broad explanatory power” is true.
4. The option “Theories are proved true; hypotheses are often contradicted by experimental results” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Explanation of option “a”

The theory is the most common approach present in science. The untested speculation is present in the concept of science which is otherwise referred to as a theory. The theory is not the hypothesis since it has only untested beliefs.

Thus, the theory is different from hypotheses, and hypotheses are not proven concepts.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option “b”

Hypotheses are the guesses or predictions made in scientific concepts. These are testable conditions. But theories are not always tested or correct concepts. They are confirmed with the help of evidence.

Thus, the theories are not always correct.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option “c”

Hypotheses are the approach focusing on assumptions and observations. It can result in the formation of testable predictions. These hypotheses are common in science are referred to as scientific hypotheses. These hypotheses are formed based on specific observations which are narrower in scope.

Theories are broader in the aspects of explanation since they can be explained with different concepts of science. Multiple views increase the scope of the theories.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option “d”

Some theories can be either true based on speculations, or they can be false if they do not agree with proper scientific concepts.

Hypotheses in research are the assumptions created for testing purposes. These hypotheses and theories can or cannot be contradictory to the predicted results.

Therefore, the given statement is false.