Science relies on which of the following to validate hypotheses?

The reliance on experiments is fundamental in science for validating hypotheses because experimentation involves manipulating variables to observe outcomes, which directly tests the predictions made by a hypothesis. Through controlled experiments, scientists can establish cause-and-effect relationships, gather empirical evidence, and be able to replicate results under similar conditions, which strengthens the validity of the findings.

Experiments are designed to be repeatable and systematic, ensuring that scientists can draw reliable conclusions from the data collected. By observing how changes in one variable affect another, researchers can confirm whether their hypotheses hold true or if they need to be revised. This structured approach to inquiry is what underpins much of scientific methodology.

Data analysis, while crucial for interpreting the results of experiments, is a subsequent step that builds on the initial process of testing a hypothesis. Theories are broader explanations that may emerge from numerous tested hypotheses but are not directly used to validate individual hypotheses. Surveys can provide data and insights, but they do not inherently involve the same experimental manipulation that validates specific causal relationships.