What is the main difference between a hypothesis and a theory in scientific research?

A: a hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested by experiments, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation based on a body of evidence.

B: a hypothesis can never be modified, whereas a theory is subject to change with new evidence.

C: a hypothesis is a well-substantiated explanation of natural phenomena, while a theory is an educated guess that needs to be tested.

D: a hypothesis is a general principle that explains a wide range of phenomena, while a theory is a specific prediction about the out of an experiment

1 answer

The correct answer is:

A: a hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested by experiments, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation based on a body of evidence.

This distinction highlights that a hypothesis is a starting point for investigation, while a theory is an established framework that has been repeatedly validated through extensive evidence and research.