Question

What type of evidence is needed for a hypothesis to be supported or not supported?

circumstantial evidence
demonstrative evidence
observational evidence
physical evidence

Answer 1

The type of evidence needed to support or not support a hypothesis generally includes **observational evidence**. This type of evidence involves gathering data through observation and experiments to see if they align with the predictions made by the hypothesis.

- **Circumstantial evidence** refers to evidence that implies a fact but does not directly prove it, which may not be sufficient to conclusively support a hypothesis.
- **Demonstrative evidence** typically refers to evidence presented through visual or physical demonstrations, which can support a hypothesis but is not the primary form of evidence for hypothesis testing.
- **Physical evidence** pertains to tangible items collected in experiments or research, and while useful, it often falls under the broader category of observational evidence.

In scientific inquiry, hypotheses are primarily supported or refuted based on systematic observation, experimentation, and data analysis.