Question

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of hypothesis?

• A. A shrewd hunch suggestive of a possible solution to a problem
• B. A causal relationship between two/more variables
• C. An empirical conclusion foregone
• D. A theoretically derived statement that denies refutability

Hint:

For a hypothesis to be scientific, it must be falsifiable, testable, and based on observable evidence.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Nature of a hypothesis.
A hypothesis is a tentative, testable statement suggesting a possible relationship between variables. It must be empirically verifiable and open to refutation (falsifiability).
Step 2: Evaluate options.
- (A) is correct: hypotheses often originate as shrewd guesses or tentative explanations.
- (B) is correct: hypotheses typically posit relationships between variables.
- (C) is acceptable: hypotheses are empirical in nature, though not yet foregone conclusions.
- (D) is NOT correct: a hypothesis must allow refutability; if it denies refutability, it ceases to be scientific.
Thus, the correct answer is (D).