A researcher writes:

Question

Based on my observations, I hypothesize that increased sunlight enhances plant growth.

Over several years, this becomes a widely accepted explanation due to large amounts of testing and evidence that agrees with them. How has the researcher’s statement changed in scientific terms.

From a theory to a hypothesis.
From a theory to a hypothesis.

From a theory to a scientific law.
From a theory to a scientific law.

From a hypothesis to a theory.
From a hypothesis to a theory.

From a hypothesis to a scientific law.

Answer 1

The researcher’s statement has changed from a hypothesis to a theory.

A hypothesis is an initial explanation or prediction that can be tested through experimentation and observation. Once multiple studies and evidence consistently support the hypothesis, it can be elevated to the status of a theory, which provides a broader and more general explanation for a phenomenon.

In this case, since the researcher’s initial observation about increased sunlight enhancing plant growth is widely accepted due to substantial evidence, it has transitioned from a hypothesis to a theory.

Answer 2

so which one?

Answer 3

The correct answer is:

From a hypothesis to a theory.

The statement has moved from an initial hypothesis to a widely accepted theory based on testing and evidence.