The type of evidence needed for a hypothesis to be supported or not supported can vary depending on the nature of the hypothesis and the field of study. Generally, empirical evidence is required for a hypothesis to be supported or not supported. This includes:
1. Demonstrative evidence: This involves direct and clear evidence that directly supports or refutes a hypothesis. For example, if a hypothesis states that a certain drug will cure a specific disease, demonstrative evidence would involve conducting a well-controlled experiment where the drug is administered to a group of patients and their improvement is measured and compared to a control group.
2. Physical evidence: This refers to tangible evidence that can be observed or measured. In areas such as forensic science or archaeology, physical evidence like DNA samples, fingerprints, or artifacts can be used to support or disprove hypotheses.
3. Observational evidence: This involves careful and systematic observations of phenomena to gather evidence for or against a hypothesis. This type of evidence is commonly used in fields such as astronomy or ecology, where direct experimentation may not always be possible. For example, if a hypothesis suggests that a certain species of bird migrates to a specific location during the winter months, observational evidence could involve long-term monitoring and recording of bird movements.
4. Circumstantial evidence: This involves indirect evidence that implies a certain hypothesis is likely true or false. It is based on logical deductions. For example, if a hypothesis states that a person committed a crime, circumstantial evidence such as witnesses seeing them at the crime scene or having a motive could support the hypothesis.
It is important to note that the type and strength of evidence required to support or refute a hypothesis can vary depending on the scientific field, the complexity of the hypothesis, and the standards of evidence within that field.
What type of evidence is needed for a hypothesis to be supported or not supported
demostrative evidence
physically evidence
observational evidence
circumstantial evidence
1 answer