Question

Which word means an educated guess? A) theory B) hypothesis C) variable D) law

Short answer

B) hypothesis

Step-by-step solution

Define Each Option

Let's begin by understanding what each term means. 1. **Theory**: A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment. 2. **Hypothesis**: A hypothesis is an educated guess or a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, made as a starting point for further investigation. 3. **Variable**: In scientific experiments, a variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. 4. **Law**: A law is a statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspect of the world, generally expressed in mathematical terms.

Identify Key Features

Now, identify the key feature related to the question: the phrase 'educated guess.' A hypothesis is specifically termed as an educated guess because it is is a tentative explanation that can be tested by further investigation.

Match the Definition

Match the appropriate definition from Step 1 with the key feature identified in Step 2. The term 'hypothesis' corresponds directly to 'educated guess.' This makes it the correct answer.

Key concepts

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a vital component of the scientific method. It is an educated guess based on observation. The hypothesis is not a random guess; rather, it is based on existing knowledge and past experience.
A hypothesis serves as a starting point for further investigation and guides the direction of the scientific inquiry.

A good hypothesis is:

• Testable: It must be possible to prove it right or wrong through experimentation.
• Falsifiable: There should be a potential to refute it if evidence goes against it.
• Specific: It should clearly state the expected outcomes.
• Based on previous research or observations.

A well-formed hypothesis narrows down research focus and provides a clear path for gathering and analyzing data. For example, a biologist may hypothesize that the growth rate of plants is affected by the amount of sunlight they receive. This hypothesis can then be tested through a scientific experiment.

Theory

In science, a theory is significantly more robust than a simple guess or hypothesis. A theory is a carefully thought-out explanation for observed phenomena. It is grounded in extensive research and evidence collected through multiple experiments and observations over time.
Unlike a hypothesis, which is a single proposition, a theory integrates hypotheses, observations, and facts into a coherent whole.

Theories must meet several criteria:

• They must explain a broad range of observations.
• They should be supported by a large body of evidence.
• They must be predictive, allowing scientists to make accurate predictions about future events or discoveries.
• They are open to revision if new evidence is discovered.

An example of a scientific theory is the theory of evolution, which explains the diversity of life on Earth. It has been supported by a wealth of evidence from various scientific disciplines such as genetics, paleontology, and biochemistry.

Scientific Experiment

A scientific experiment is at the heart of the empirical aspect of the scientific method. Experiments are conducted to test a hypothesis and gather data under controlled conditions. By manipulating certain variables, scientists can determine cause-and-effect relationships and explore phenomenons systematically.
Literally anything in the experiment that can change and alter the results is called a variable.

An experiment typically involves:

• Identifying independent and dependent variables.
• Establishing control and experimental groups.
• Conducting tests in a systematic and repeatable manner.
• Collecting data, often quantitatively, and analyzing results.
• Ensuring that repeatability and reliability of the experiment are possible.

Scientific experiments help validate or invalidate hypotheses and build the foundation for scientific theories and laws. For instance, the famous experiments conducted by Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics, beautifully illustrate how scientific experiments confirm hypotheses about inheritance patterns.

Laws of Science

Laws of science, or scientific laws, describe patterns observed in nature and articulate relationships between variables. These laws remain constant and have been verified repeatedly through experimentation and observation.
They often have a strong mathematical foundation that allows them to be expressed in concise formulas or equations.

Features of scientific laws include:

• They describe what happens under certain conditions, often with mathematical precision.
• They are the result of many experimental observations by different scientists leading to a natural consistency.
• They do not explain why a phenomenon occurs, nor do they offer a mechanism behind the observations.
• They remain valid under the conditions they describe, though they can be modified with new evidence.

Famous scientific laws include Newton's laws of motion, which describe the relationship between a body and the forces acting upon it. These laws are crucial for predicting the behavior of objects in motion.