UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 135: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
Two important characteristics of a hypothesis are that it should be testable and that it should be stated in a manner that it can be refuted. Which one of the following hypotheses fulfils these characteristics?
AnswerThe answer is (a).
A good hypothesis can be tested against evidence and could be shown false. 'Intelligent persons have good memory' links two measurable traits, so data on intelligence and memory could confirm or refute it. 'Some' statements are confirmed by one case and cannot be refuted by any finite search, and 'All men are mortal' cannot be fully tested while people are alive.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: it links two measurable traits and can be tested and refuted.
- (b) 'Some birds are animals' is true by definition, so nothing can refute it.
- (c) A 'some' statement is confirmed by one case and cannot be refuted by a finite search.
- (d) 'All men are mortal' cannot be fully tested while people are alive.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.