Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 94%

Which of the following is a characteristic of a good hypothesis?

Rationale

Should be testable.

A good hypothesis must be testable, meaning it can be supported or refuted through experimentation or observation. This characteristic is essential for scientific inquiry, allowing researchers to draw conclusions based on empirical evidence.

A (Original idea not based on observations) YOUR ANSWER

A good hypothesis is typically grounded in observations, prior research, or existing knowledge. An original idea that lacks observational support does not provide a basis for testing and may lead to unfounded conclusions. Therefore, this choice fails to capture a fundamental aspect of a valid hypothesis.

B (Should be testable) CORRECT

This option accurately describes a key trait of a good hypothesis. A testable hypothesis allows scientists to design experiments and gather data that either confirms or challenges the proposed explanation. Without testability, a hypothesis remains speculative and cannot contribute to scientific understanding.

C (Raises further questions) YOUR ANSWER

While a good hypothesis may indeed lead to further questions and explorations, this is not a defining characteristic. A hypothesis primarily serves as a testable statement that predicts an outcome. The ability to raise additional inquiries is a potential outcome of research but does not define a good hypothesis itself.

D (Contains more than two variables) YOUR ANSWER

A good hypothesis should ideally focus on a specific relationship between limited variables to ensure clarity and simplicity. Including more than two variables can complicate the testing process and make it difficult to draw valid conclusions. This choice does not reflect the importance of specificity in formulating a hypothesis.

Conclusion

In summary, a good hypothesis is characterized by its testability, which allows for empirical investigation and validation. While it may originate from observations and can lead to further inquiries, it should remain focused and manageable in terms of the number of variables involved. Understanding these principles is crucial for effective scientific research and inquiry.

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