Match each description with a step in the scientific method from the key. a. conclusion b. experiment c. hypothesis d. observation c. theory Hypothesis supported by many studies

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, based on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. It's essentially a well-educated guess about what might happen under certain conditions and is a foundational step in the scientific method.

For instance, if a student notices that plants in their garden grow more quickly in one spot than another, they might form a hypothesis that the increased growth is due to more sunlight in that particular area. The hypothesis should be testable and falsifiable, meaning there must be a possibility to prove it wrong through evidence.

An experiment is a set of actions and observations, performed to validate or refute a hypothesis. It's a core part of the scientific method as it provides the structured process through which scientists gather data. Experiments must be reproducible and follow a consistent methodology.

Let's take our student with the hypothesis about plants growing faster in more sunlight. They might design an experiment by placing two identical plants in different spots—one in the shade and one in the sun—and measuring their growth over time. Through this experiment, they can collect quantifiable data to support or refute their hypothesis.

Observation is the action of carefully watching and taking notes of phenomena as they occur in order to gain information. This process lays the groundwork for forming a hypothesis and can spark questions leading to further scientific investigation.

For example, the initial observation of varied plant growth in our student's garden is what started their inquiry. Observations can be qualitative, describing qualities like color, shape, or behavior, or quantitative, involving measurements and numbers.

The conclusion in the scientific method is the judgment based on the results obtained from the experiments or studies conducted. It indicates whether the hypothesis has been supported or refuted based on the evidence collected.

In the context of our hypothetical student, if the experiment demonstrates that the plant in the sun indeed grows faster, then the conclusion would align with the hypothesis. If the opposite is true, or there is no significant difference, then the hypothesis would be considered unsupported, and the student would need to reassess their initial idea or conduct further experiments.

A theory is a principle set to explain phenomena already supported by data. In the scientific field, a theory is much more than a simple guess. It is a comprehensive explanation built upon a reliable foundation of repeatedly validated hypotheses and observations.

The word 'theory' can confuse because in everyday language it often means a supposition based on limited knowledge. However, in science, a theory is one of the highest levels of certification for a scientific idea, coming after rigorous testing and widespread acceptance in the scientific community. For example, well-established theories such as the theory of gravity or the theory of evolution have vast amounts of observational and experimental support.