Final answer:
Dr. Smith's statement is an example of a hypothesis, which is a tentative explanation that can be tested in scientific research. Rejecting a hypothesis in an experiment may still be a success if it provides valuable data. A theory is a broad, well-tested explanation supported by a body of evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. Smith's statement that "increases in frustration will lead to increases in aggressive behavior" is an example of a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for scientific observations that can be put to the test. In this context, Dr. Smith predicts a relationship between two variables: frustration and aggressive behavior.
If the hypothesis is rejected by the experiment, it doesn't necessarily mean that the experiment was a failure. On the contrary, the experiment may have been a success because it provided valuable data. It's important to understand that a theory is different from a hypothesis. A theory is a scientific explanation that has been repeatedly tested and supported by many experiments. It is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.
When testing a hypothesis through scientific research, the process may involve controlled experiments, observational studies, and the development of further hypotheses. The scientific method is essential in this process, guiding the experiment so that the results are reliable and can contribute to the understanding of the hypothesis.