Scientists tracking the populations of certain fresh water fish have found an increase in the female to male ratio of several smaller fish species over the last ten years. One group of scientists have analyzed the data and hypothesized that medications in waste water have contributed to this change in fish populations. Another group of scientists have hypothesized that this population trend is part of a cycle related to climate and ecosystem changes.

Question

anonymous · Answer

If these two groups of scientists have access to the same population data, why have they formed two very different hypotheses?

anonymous · Answer

Select one:
a. A hypothesis is an educated guess that is not based on scientific data.
b. The hypothesis does not matter as much as the resulting experiments and data.
c. Scientists interpret data in different ways to meet different agendas and goals.
d. The scientists' varied backgrounds and specialties can influence their hypotheses.

anonymous · Answer

@ganeshie8 @amistre64

amistre64 · Answer

how would you define a hypothesis?

amistre64 · Answer

i really loathe these interpretive questions ....

amistre64 · Answer

C is loaded ... scientists are not spose to try to form the data to support a position or agenda.

amistre64 · Answer

im torn between A and D ...

anonymous · Answer

so which one should I pick

amistre64 · Answer

the one you are most comfortable with of course .. its a toss up between A and D for me, but then I could be wrong as well.

amistre64 · Answer

D sounds like the most politically correct one.

amistre64 · Answer

but then a hypothesis is a testable educated guess.  It need not be based on any scientific data ... as long as it is testable and data can be gathered.

anonymous · Answer

can you check some of my other questions I just want to make sure I get them correct