Consider this hypothesis: "Drinking Echinacea tea reduces the duration and severity of colds." Which of the following statements is the best prediction based on this hypothesis?
A) If people with a cold drink Echinacea tea, then they will feel better sooner than people who don't consume the tea.
B) If people with a cold drink Echinacea tea, then an ingredient in the tea will bind to cold viruses and destroy them.
C) If people with a cold drink Echinacea tea, then the tea will reduce their stress, making them feel better.
D) If a person doesn't drink Echinacea tea, then he or she will catch a cold very easily.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hypothesis is that drinking Echinacea tea reduces the duration and severity of colds. Therefore, the best prediction based on this hypothesis would be that if people with a cold drink Echinacea tea, they will feel better sooner than people who don't consume the tea. This directly relates to the hypothesis and is a logical prediction based on the proposed effect of Echinacea tea on colds. Choice B is incorrect because it goes beyond the hypothesis by proposing a mechanism of action for the tea that is not supported by the hypothesis. Choice C is incorrect because the hypothesis does not suggest that Echinacea tea has an effect on stress. Choice D is incorrect because it is not a prediction based on the hypothesis, but rather a separate statement about the relationship between Echinacea tea and the likelihood of getting a cold.

Consider This Hypothesis: "Drinking Echinacea Tea Reduces the Duration and Severity