Final answer:
Testable and refutable explanations of observed facts are called hypotheses. They are important in science for developing and testing theories, and help distinguish factual information from opinions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Explanations of observed facts that are testable and can be refuted are called hypotheses. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for scientific observations that can be tested through experimentation or observation. The process of verifying a hypothesis involves making predictions that can be observed and measured, and if the actual data match the expected results, the hypothesis is supported. Conversely, if the actual observations differ from the expected, the hypothesis is refuted. This scientific approach helps researchers make informed decisions and differentiate between fact and opinion.