Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good scientific hypothesis?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

A valid scientific hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable. Key knowledge points: scientific hypotheses are proposed explanations that can be evaluated by observation or experiment; they should be based on prior knowledge and observations, clearly state variables and expected relationships, be specific and measurable, and make predictions that could, in principle, be shown false (falsifiability).

Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Examine option "It is testable and falsifiable." Testability and falsifiability are central criteria (Karl Popper). If a hypothesis cannot be tested, it cannot be empirically evaluated, so this is a required characteristic. Therefore this option describes a correct characteristic of a good hypothesis.
2. Examine option "It is based on prior knowledge and observations." Good hypotheses derive from existing data, literature, or observations; they build on known information to propose explanations. Thus this is also a correct characteristic.
3. Examine option "It is subjective and cannot be objectively tested." A hypothesis that is subjective and not objectively testable fails the primary requirement of empirical science. Subjectivity prevents reproducible measurement and prevents falsification. Therefore this statement describes a trait opposite to what a good scientific hypothesis should have.
4. Examine option "It is specific and clearly defines the variables being tested." Specificity and operational definitions of variables allow clear experimental design and interpretation; this is another required characteristic.

Why the correct answer is correct: The third option explicitly negates testability and objectivity, making it incompatible with the scientific method. A hypothesis must allow objective measurements and potential refutation; subjective, untestable claims belong to opinions or metaphysics, not scientific hypotheses.

Why other options are incorrect: Options 1, 2, and 4 all state accepted positive criteria for good hypotheses. Only option 3 describes a disqualifying property.

Conclusion: The correct answer is "It is subjective and cannot be objectively tested." This matches the provided answer.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good scientific hypothesis?Single choice

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