Which term describes science that begins with a testable statement and uses experiments to support or refute it?

• A. Discovery based science
• B. Hypothesis driven science
• C. Descriptive science
• D. Data science

Answer: (B)

Starting with a testable statement and using experiments to support or refute it defines hypothesis-driven science. In this approach you propose a specific, falsifiable prediction and then design controlled experiments to see whether the results match that prediction. If the data align, the hypothesis gains support; if not, it’s revised or rejected. This emphasis on making testable predictions and using experiments to evaluate them is what distinguishes it from other approaches. Discovery-based science, for example, begins with broad observations to describe patterns and then may generate hypotheses afterward. Descriptive science focuses on cataloging what is seen without testing explicit predictions. Data science involves analyzing large datasets and building models, which is not inherently about testing a specific hypothesis through experimentation.