Question

a hypothesis states if the amount of fertilizer is increased, then the yield of corn will increase. which of the following characteristics makes this a valid scientific hypothesis?
it is based on observations of cornfields.
it proposes a relationship between two variables.
it can be tested through experimentation and potentially shown to be false.
it is a widely accepted explanation in agriculture.
a student sees that the leaves on a plant are wilting. they infer that the plant needs more water. what is the observation in this scenario?
the plant needs more water.
the student made an inference.
plants need water to survive.
the leaves on the plant are wilting.
which of the following best defines an inference?
a statement that can be proven true or false through experimentation.
a factual piece of information gathered through direct experience.
a carefully controlled procedure to test a hypothesis.
a logical conclusion or interpretation based on observations and prior knowledge.

Explanation:

• First question: A valid scientific hypothesis must be testable. The option "It can be tested through experimentation and potentially shown to be false" is correct because this is a key characteristic of a scientific hypothesis. Just being based on observations (first option) or proposing a relationship (second option) isn't enough for it to be a valid scientific hypothesis. And being widely accepted (fourth option) doesn't make it a valid hypothesis - it needs to be testable.
• Second question: An observation is a direct, factual note. "The leaves on the plant are wilting" is what the student saw (the observation). "The plant needs more water" is an inference (a conclusion based on the observation). "The student made an inference" is a statement about the student's action, not the observation. "Plants need water to survive" is a general knowledge statement, not the specific observation in this scenario.
• Third question: An inference is a logical conclusion or interpretation based on observations and prior knowledge. A statement that can be proven true or false through experimentation is a hypothesis. A factual piece of information gathered through direct experience is an observation. A carefully controlled procedure to test a hypothesis is an experiment.

Answer:

1. It can be tested through experimentation and potentially shown to be false.
2. The leaves on the plant are wilting.
3. A logical conclusion or interpretation based on observations and prior knowledge.