Final answer:
Hypotheses are valuable as they provide a testable prediction to begin scientific inquiry, guide further investigation, and when disproven, refine scientific theories.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypotheses are valuable, even if incorrect, because they serve as a starting point in the scientific method, leading to further investigation and refinement of scientific knowledge. A hypothesis is supported by little evidence at first but offers a testable prediction. By contrast, a scientific theory is a comprehensive explanation supported by a substantial body of evidence resulting from many experiments. Even when hypotheses are disproven, they contribute to science by eliminating incorrect paths and guiding researchers towards more accurate explanations. Hence, hypotheses are valuable because they allow theories to be disproved, inviting continuous scientific progress and the development of better theories that can withstand the rigor of experimentation.