What does it mean if data collected refutes a hypothesis?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question restatement: What does it mean if data collected refutes a hypothesis?

Option a: 'The data collected provides evidence that the hypothesis may not be true.' This is accurate because refuting a hypothesis means the observed data contradicts the proposed idea, suggesting it may not hold under the tested conditions. The language acknowledges that the data casts doubt, which aligns with standard scientific practice of testing and potentially falsifying hypotheses.

Option b: 'The data collected provides evidence that the hypothesis may be partially true.' While partial support can occur in nuanced research, the phrase 'refutes a hypothesis' implies strong evidence against the entire hypothesis rather than partial support. This option describes a weaker outcome than refutation and is not the best match for the given scenario.

Option c: 'No data was collected.' If no data were collected, there would be no basis to declare refutation; you cannot conclude anything about the hypothesis from nothing. This option contradicts the premise that data refuted the hypothesis and represents an inappropriate interpretation.

Option d: 'The data collected provides evidence that the hypothesis may be true.' This directly opposes refutation; if data suggests the hypothesis may be true, it would not be considered refuted. This choice misstates the meaning of refutation and leads to a logical inconsistency with the question.

Additional notes: Understanding refutation requires differentiating between falsifying evidence and partial support or confirmation. The correct interpretation hinges on the data emerging as inconsistent with the hypothesis, indicating it may not be valid under the tested conditions. The other options either imply partial support, absence of data, or confirmation, which are all incompatible with the notion of refutation.

MUF0052 ICT Unit 2 - Semester 2, 2025 7.7 Quiz: Data science - Supporting a hypothesis

What does it mean if data collected refutes a hypothesis?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Below there is a unified story, or anecdote, broken up into lettered sections (a, b, c, d, etc.). In which section of the anecdote is a hypothesis tested and falsified?

Scientists choose among competing hypotheses by

Which of the following statements can in principle be tested by scientific experiment(s)? (Select all that apply)

If I test a hypothesis by performing an experiment, and the hypothesis is not falsified,

In a consumer society, many adults channel creativity into buying things

Economic stress and unpredictable times have resulted in a booming industry for self-help products

People born without creativity never can develop it

A product has a selling price of $20, a contribution margin ratio of 40% and fixed cost of $120,000. To make a profit of $30,000. The number of units that must be sold is: Type the number without $ and a comma. Eg: 20000

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler