NESA Physics Questioning and Predicting
1 sample question with marking guides and sample answers
Which one of the following best describes a hypothesis?
a testable scientific explanation
a well-tested scientific explanation
a scientific explanation by a famous scientist
a widely believed and highly plausible explanation
Reveal Answer
a testable scientific explanation
A hypothesis is fundamentally a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation or observation. Testability is the core requirement of any scientific hypothesis.
a well-tested scientific explanation
A well-tested and broadly accepted scientific explanation is known as a scientific theory, not a hypothesis. A hypothesis is an initial proposal made before extensive testing occurs.
a scientific explanation by a famous scientist
The scientific method relies on empirical evidence and testability, not the authority or fame of the person making the claim.
a widely believed and highly plausible explanation
Popular belief or plausibility does not define a hypothesis. A hypothesis must be specifically testable through scientific methods, regardless of how many people currently believe it.