Question

the basis of the scientific method is...
to test a hypothesis in conditions that are conclusive to its success.
to test a hypothesis, and if it is disproved, abandon the investigation.
to formulate a research problem and disprove the hypothesis.
to formulate a research problem and test the hypothesis in carefully controlled conditions that challenge the hypothesis.

Explanation:

The scientific method involves formulating a research problem, creating a hypothesis, and then testing it in controlled conditions that can challenge (and potentially falsify) the hypothesis. The first option is incorrect as the scientific method doesn't aim for conditions conclusive to success (it aims for objective testing). The second is wrong because disproving a hypothesis doesn't mean abandoning the investigation (it leads to revising or new hypotheses). The third is incorrect as the goal isn't to disprove the hypothesis but to test it (it can be supported or disproven). The fourth option correctly describes the basis: formulating a problem and testing the hypothesis in controlled, challenging conditions.

Answer:

D. to formulate a research problem and test the hypothesis in carefully controlled conditions that challenge the hypothesis. (Note: Assuming the options are labeled A, B, C, D in order. If original labels differ, adjust, but the correct option text is "to formulate a research problem and test the hypothesis in carefully controlled conditions that challenge the hypothesis".)