Final answer:
The correct answer is option A. An assumption is an unproven idea accepted as true without proof, used as a starting point in fields like history and science, whereas a hypothesis is an assumption that is tested against evidence and can lead to a scientific theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
An assumption can be defined as an idea or principle that a writer accepts as true without making an effort to prove or substantiate it. This understanding is important in various fields, including history and the sciences, where assumptions serve as starting points for further inquiry. A hypothesis, on the other hand, is a proposal that someone puts forward and tests against the evidence to draw conclusions or devise theories. In social sciences, a hypothesis could predict how one form of human behavior affects another, and this assumption requires testing to be confirmed or refuted.
For example, in the field of history, scholars may use assumptions to interpret ancient artifacts such as the Shang bones, which could lead to hypotheses about the culture and beliefs of the time. In science, assumptions can lead to hypotheses, which can eventually be supported by empirical evidence and become part of a scientific theory. It is crucial to note that while all theories are based on assumptions that have been rigorously tested, not all assumptions will become part of a theory.
Understanding assumptions is crucial for evaluating arguments and inferences, as well as for identifying potential fallacies of unwarranted assumption, which rely on beliefs that require further justification. It is also integral to the process of formulating a hypothesis in social research, where it makes conjectural statements about relationships between variables.