Scientific Method and Hypothesis: TEAS Practice Question with Answer & Explanation
An original TEAS 7-style science practice question, written for nursing-school applicants — with a full breakdown of every answer choice.
Question
A researcher is designing a study to investigate the effect of soil salinity on the germination of radish seeds. Which of the following statements represents a valid hypothesis for this study?
- A.A. How much salt should be added to the water to make the seeds grow fastest?
- B.B. If the concentration of salt in the water increases, then the germination rate of the seeds will decrease.Correct
- C.C. The height of the seedlings was measured in centimeters every three days.
- D.D. All seeds were kept in the same incubator at a constant temperature of 25°C.
Correct answer: B. A hypothesis is a testable prediction. Option B correctly predicts a relationship between salt concentration and seed germination.
Understanding Scientific Hypotheses
In the context of the TEAS 7 Science section, a hypothesis is defined as a testable, tentative statement that predicts the relationship between two variables. It serves as the foundation of the scientific method, guiding the researcher on what to measure and what to expect.
Why Choice B is Correct
Choice B ("If the concentration of salt in the water increases, then the germination rate of the seeds will decrease") is the correct answer because it follows the classic "If... then..." format.
- It is predictive: It makes a specific claim about what will happen.
- It is testable: You can measure the salt (independent variable) and count the seeds that sprout (dependent variable).
- It identifies variables: It clearly links salt concentration to the germination rate.
Analyzing the Incorrect Options
- Choice A ("How much salt...") is a research question, not a hypothesis. While a hypothesis is based on a question, the hypothesis itself must be a statement that can be proven or disproven.
- Choice C ("The height of the seedlings...") describes the data collection method or procedure. It explains how the experiment was conducted, but it doesn't predict an outcome.
- Choice D ("All seeds were kept...") describes the controlled variables (constants). These are factors kept the same to ensure the experiment is fair, but they do not represent the predicted relationship being tested.
The Anatomy of a TEAS Hypothesis
On your exam, remember that a strong hypothesis usually connects the independent variable (the thing you change, like salt levels) to the dependent variable (the thing you measure, like growth). It should never be phrased as a question and should not contain personal opinions like "I think" or "I like."
Study Tip: The 'If/Then' Test
When looking for a hypothesis on the TEAS, look for the "If/Then" structure. If the statement can be rephrased into "If [Independent Variable] changes, then [Dependent Variable] will do X," you have found your hypothesis!
Quick study tip: Always look for a 'testable statement' that predicts a relationship between two variables rather than a question or a list of steps.
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