Identify the incorrect statement about a hypothesis:

Concept

A hypothesis is a provisional and testable explanation or prediction. It is framed to guide investigation, and its truth is not assumed in advance.

A scientific theory is a broad, well-substantiated explanation supported by repeated testing and converging evidence. A hypothesis and a theory are therefore related but distinct scientific constructs.

Application

The statements about limited evidence, a starting point for further investigation, reasoning without assuming truth, and a proposed explanation all describe the provisional role of a hypothesis. The statement “Scientific hypothesis is a scientific theory” collapses two distinct levels of scientific explanation.

Contrast

• “A hypothesis is made on the basis of limited evidence…” describes its provisional starting point.

• “A hypothesis is a basis for reasoning without any assumption of its truth” describes its tentative status.

• “A proposed explanation for a phenomenon” describes the explanatory role of a hypothesis.

• “A scientific hypothesis is a scientific theory” treats two distinct scientific constructs as identical.

Result

Therefore, the incorrect statement is “Scientific hypothesis is a scientific theory.”