Which statement correctly compares a hypothesis and a theory?

A.) A theory is a prediction for a specific situation, while a hypothesis is used to make predictions for many similar situations.

B.) A hypothesis is a prediction for a specific situation, while a theory is used to make predictions for many similar situations.

C.) A theory provides an explanation, but a hypothesis does not.

D.) A hypothesis provides an explanation, but a theory does not.

Respuesta :

The correct option is B.

In scientific investigation, a hypothesis refers to an educated guess that is used to explain an observed phenomenon. Scientists usually carry out experiments in order to verify whether their hypothesis about an observed phenomenon is right or wrong. A scientific theory on the other hand is an explanation for some specific phenomenon based on evidence, which has been proved true by repeated experiments by different scientists.

Answer: The correct answer is (B).

Explanation:

Hypothesis is a predictive statement which relates two or more phenomena.

  • It is tested to observe or to see whether it is true or false with the help of scientific means.
  • it relates dependent and independent factors with each other

Theory is a tested and proved framework which explains single or multiple observed phenomena

  • It is thoroughly proved and tested through experiments and observations.
  • it is strongly supported by scientific evidences and observations.

Hence, a hypothesis is a prediction for a specific situation, while a theory is used to make predictions for many similar situations.