Question

which of the following correctly describes what researchers must do before they can put forth a hypothesis?

Answer 1

Which of which ?

Answer 2

Like what must a researcher do before they can make a hypothesis?

Answer 3

The researcher must ask questions about what is/will happen regarding the subject, and research their topic before coming to a testable hypothesis.

Answer 4

ok so like would "make an educated guess about something they would like to study" is a good answer?

Answer 5

Making an educated guess about something is the hypothesis-making itself .. I guess it depends what question exactly your instructor is asking. But that should be correct, just include background researching into your answer :)

Answer 6

Thanks ok and I actually have several questions if you don't mind because I don't want you to get tired of me asking :)

Answer 7

Sure :D

Answer 8

:) How can you summarize the essential elements of a scientific theory?

Answer 9

Good Scientific theory ..
- Makes testable predictions on the effect/change of something
- Is accurate, or at least general in that it is true over a range of sciences/applications
- Supported by much evidence (even better if by a range of different scientists)
- Doesn't conflict with other, pre-existing theories/data (much of which is already proen) (may differ, but not extremely)
- Can be adapted to fit new findings and information

Those are the main components. :)

Answer 10

Ok and why what we know about cells is called a theory and not a law?

Answer 11

There are really no 'laws' in science, only 'theories'. It's impossible to completely prove something because the rules of the universe are not set in stone and susceptible to change. Sometimes, in research and experimentation, scientists find things that change/alter things that have already been accepted (theory). 'Laws' cannot be changed, so we don't use them.
If that makes sense .. Science is adaptable.

Answer 12

Sounds good ok and we know that one of water's unique properties is that it has a strong suface tension, so what do you think would happen if water had weak surface tension?

Answer 13

That wouldn't be good. I'm not sure of the exact extent of it in the human body, where cohesion matters (might have to ask this as a separate question to people who know more about it) but physically .. Water wouldn't really be 'water' or really a liquid without the cohesion property allowing the molecules to stick together. Almost like a condensed gas.