Question

which of the following phrases is missing: predicted results/observations =/ actual results/observations -> ? refutes hypothesis proves hypothesis supports hypothesis disproves hypothesis

Explanation:

In scientific method, when predicted results/observations do not match actual ones, it refutes (or disproves) the hypothesis. But among the options, when predicted ≠ actual, the outcome is that it refutes the hypothesis? Wait, no—wait, if predicted and actual don't match, the hypothesis is not supported, and it can be refuted. Wait, the options: the scenario is Predicted ≠ Actual. So which phrase fits? Let's analyze: If predicted (from hypothesis) and actual don't match, the hypothesis is refuted. So the missing phrase is "refutes hypothesis"? Wait, no, wait the options. Wait the question is: Predicted results/observations ≠ Actual results/observations ->? The options are refutes hypothesis, proves hypothesis, supports hypothesis, disproves hypothesis. In science, a hypothesis is never "proven" (only supported or refuted), but when predicted and actual don't match, the hypothesis is refuted (or disproved). But between "refutes" and "disproves"—but the key is: when prediction (based on hypothesis) doesn't match actual, the hypothesis is refuted. So the correct option is "refutes hypothesis" (or "disproves hypothesis"—but in scientific terms, "refutes" is more accurate as we can't "prove" a negative, but "disproves" is also used. Wait, but the options: let's check the logic. If predicted = actual, it supports the hypothesis. If predicted ≠ actual, it refutes (disproves) the hypothesis. So the missing phrase here, given the inequality, is that it refutes the hypothesis. Wait, but the options: the first option is "refutes hypothesis". So the answer is "refutes hypothesis" (option with that text).

Answer:

refutes hypothesis