The aim of an experiment is not to prove that a hypothesis is correct. Rather, the aim is to demonstrate that it is highly probable that the hypothesis is correct. Researchers ask the question in the following way: "What is the probability that the results I have obtained could have been found by chance alone?" Hence, social psychology, like most other sciences, deals with probabilities rather than absolutes. Stephen Worchel, et al., Understanding Social Psychology, 5^th edition A) Argument; conclusion: Researchers ask the question ... chance alone" B) Argument; conclusion: Social psychology ... probabilities rather than absolutes. C) Argument; conclusion: Rather, the aim ... probable that the hypothesis is correct. D) Argument; conclusion: The aim of an experiment ... the hypothesis is correct. E) Nonargument.

Question

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The passage presents an argument that culminates in the conclusion that social psychology, like most sciences, deals with probabilities rather than absolutes. This is supported by the preceding discussion about the nature of experiments and hypothesis testing in social psychology.

The Aim of an Experiment Is Not to Prove That