ACT Preparation / Unit 20 ACT 1927 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Does the Result Support the Hypothesis?
The idea
A support question is answered in three steps. First, state the hypothesis's prediction for this experiment: what results should appear if it is true. Second, compare the actual results with that prediction. Third, choose yes if they match and no if they contradict it, and check that the reason given in the answer matches the data.
In practice
Worked example: the invented hypothesis is that heat, not light, makes seedlings wilt. Prediction: seedlings shaded from heat but given full light should stay upright. In the invented results, shaded seedlings with full light stayed upright, and seedlings given heat in low light wilted. The results support the hypothesis, because wilting followed heat, not light.
Where people slip
Results support a hypothesis; they do not prove it. Choices saying "proves" overstate, and choices citing data from a different trial misread the evidence.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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