In order to be taken seriously, a hypothesis must be:
A) backed by empirical evidence.
B) imaginative and appealing.
C) plausible given the current theories.
D) suggested by a credible authority.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A hypothesis must be supported by empirical evidence in order for it to be considered a credible scientific hypothesis. Without empirical evidence, a hypothesis is nothing more than speculation or conjecture.

Note: While plausibility and credibility are important factors in scientific hypotheses, they are not sufficient on their own. The strongest hypotheses are those that can be tested and supported or refuted by empirical data.

In Order to Be Taken Seriously, a Hypothesis Must Be