A hypothesis is an explanation proposed for a set of observed data. Why do we see the pattern that appears to be there? Any hypothesis is only as good as the last piece of
supporting data. A hypothesis can never
be proven, only supported or refuted.
Which brings up a problem that is all too common.
A good scientist is led by the data. That means one does not set out to find data to support a proposed hypothesis. Doing so leads to ignoring data that don't. One collects data relevant to the question that is of concern and then tries to figure out an explanation that fits. If the data don't fit the original hypothesis,
then the hypothesis is wrong, the data are bad, or both. You have to figure out which and adjust accordingly. And you are obligated to continue to collect
data to test and retest the hypothesis.
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