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Chapter 1: Problem 1

What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The main difference between a hypothesis and a theory lies in the level of testing and confirmation. A hypothesis is an initial, testable explanation for an observed phenomenon or a specific question, while a theory is a well-tested and confirmed explanation with extensive supporting evidence. In the scientific process, a hypothesis comes before a theory.

Step by step solution

01

Hypothesis Definition

A hypothesis is a preliminary, testable explanation for an observed phenomenon or a specific question. It is often based on background research and observations and is considered an educated guess that can be tested through experiments or observations.
02

Theory Definition

A theory, on the other hand, is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that is acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through experimentation and observation. Theories are founded on a large body of evidence and have been proven to be consistent and reliable.
03

Understanding the Difference

A hypothesis and a theory can be distinguished by the level of testing and confirmation. A hypothesis is an initial explanation or educated guess that is subjected to testing, while a theory is a well-tested and confirmed explanation with extensive supporting evidence. In other words, a hypothesis comes before a theory in the scientific process.
04

Example of a Hypothesis and a Theory

For example, when you observe that plants in your house grow better in one location compared to another, you can form a hypothesis that plants growing near a window receive more sunlight and therefore grow better. To test your hypothesis, you can move different plants to various locations in your house and measure their growth. If your hypothesis is tested by multiple people and supported by extensive evidence, the idea can eventually become a theory. One well-known theory is the theory of evolution by natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin. This theory was formed based on a large body of evidence and has been tested and confirmed by numerous scientists over the years.

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