Good and bad hypotheses Circle each of the following that co

Good and bad hypotheses

Circle each of the following that could be used as scientific hypotheses. (Remember: What question is being asked? What observation is it based on? Could the hypothesis be tested scientifically with an experiment? Look closely at the word choice.)

a) Geraniums are happy during a full moon.

b) The ozone layer has decreased in thickness over the past century.

c) Following the Paleo diet has a positive effect on human blood cholesterol levels.

d) The time of year controls immoral behavior.

e) Reading the lab manual positively affects lab quiz grades.

f) Coconut trees produce no more than 7 coconuts per year.

g) Ghosts exist.

Solution

The statements that can be used as scientific hypotheses are :

c)Following the Paleo diet has a positive effect on human blood cholesterol levels.

Reason: The question is effect of paleo diet on human blood cholesterol levels.The observation is :positive effect on human blood cholesterol level.Yes, the hypothesis can be tested scientifically with an experiment.

e) Reading the lab manual positively affects lab quiz grades.

Reason: The question is effect of reading lab manual on lab quiz grades.The observation is :positive effect on lab quiz grades.Yes, the hypothesis can be tested scientifically with an experiment.