Question

exit ticket:
which statement best describes a hypothesis?
a. a hypothesis is the process of making careful observations
b. a hypothesis serves as a basis for determining what data to collect when designing an experiment
c. the conclusion drawn from the results of an experiment is written in the hypothesis
d. the facts collected from an experiment are written in the hypothesis
explanation of answer choice:

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A: A hypothesis is a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence (from careful observations) as a starting point for further investigation, which involves determining what data to collect in an experiment. This matches the role of a hypothesis.
• Option B: The part of an experiment that serves as a basis for comparison is the control group, not a hypothesis. So B is incorrect.
• Option C: The conclusion drawn from the results of an experiment is the outcome of analyzing data, not the hypothesis. The hypothesis is tested, and conclusions are drawn from the results. So C is incorrect.
• Option D: The facts collected from an experiment are the data, not the hypothesis. A hypothesis is a prediction or proposed explanation before data collection. So D is incorrect.

Answer:

A. A hypothesis is the process of making careful observations to determine what data to collect when designing an experiment (Note: More accurately, a hypothesis is a proposed explanation based on observations that guides data collection in an experiment, so this option, while phrased a bit awkwardly, is the best among the choices as the others are clearly incorrect.)