Which of the following statements about hypotheses is true?

• A. Hypotheses are always proven true
• B. Hypotheses must be testable and falsifiable
• C. All hypotheses are derived from theories
• D. Hypotheses do not need to be questioned

Answer: (B)

The statement that hypotheses must be testable and falsifiable is a fundamental principle of scientific inquiry. A hypothesis serves as a tentative explanation or prediction that can be investigated through experiments or observations. To be considered a valid hypothesis, it must be formulated in such a way that it can be tested through the scientific method. This means that there should be a clear way to observe, measure, or experiment to gather evidence that could potentially support or refute the hypothesis.

For example, if a hypothesis states that a certain fertilizer increases plant growth, one could design an experiment to apply the fertilizer to one group of plants while keeping another group without it. The outcomes can then be compared to determine if the hypothesis holds true. If the results suggest that the fertilizer does not lead to increased growth, the hypothesis can be shown to be false. This process of testing and refining hypotheses is essential for advancing scientific understanding.