Question

Which of the following is a valid scientific hypothesis ?

a. suvs are ruining the climate
b. desert mesas are beautiful
c. offshore drilling should be illegal
d. earth-like planets exist elsewhere in the universe

Answer 1

D, or 'earth-like planets exist elsewhere in the universe' is most correct. Though based on technicalities, none of them are. A proper hypothesis follows the formula of 'if-then-because.' For example, I could say that 'if prices of chocolate are lowered for a sale, then sales will go up by __% because statistics say __% of people are more willing to buy something perceived to be off lower cost than before.' Of course, that was a lousy example, but I hope you get the idea.

Answer 2

It is between A. and D.
B and C are opinions. Are mesas really beautiful? How do you test that? Why should offshore drilling be illegal? How does this conform to scientific testing.

You can Test A. Or at least it sounds like you can. Is the climate changing because we all have cars? Maybe. A clever person might be able to take that variable and isolate it.

Seti would argue that this is true scientifically, but what would be the test.

Pick A. But multiple choice questions are a real hazard to your marks. If called on it, I would argue the point, but not disrespectfully and certainly not in front of the class.