How can a hypothesis be proven correct?

Answer 1

A hypothesis is a prediction of what data should come out. If the data fits it, or is acceptably close, then you can use it as proof; if it is outside an acceptable error or is not conclusive, then you can then alter your hypothesis or discard it completely and try another.

Answer 2

In science terms, a hypothesis can only be proven "not wrong". The way it works is that scientists, including the one who stated the hypothesis, try their hardest to demonstrate that the given hypothesis is wrong. If they are successful, then the hypothesis is discarded. If, after many tries, no one can prove the hypothesis is wrong, then it might attain the glorious status of a Theory.

As an example, look at the hypothesis of global warming. Almost everyone is running around trying to prove it correct. There are very few following the true scientific process of trying to prove it wrong.

Answer 3

Hypotheses can do one thing. They can be challenged. If they stand up to the first challenge, they stand ready for the next one. The more challenges they withstand, the more confidence we can have that they reflect reality in some way. If they hold up for a considerable time, they may be thought of as theories. Depending on the nature of the hypothesis or theory, there may never ever be a strong enough or decisive enough challenge made to topple it. This does not inherently mean that a successful challenge is not possible.

Hypotheses about the existence or the location of a specific observable thing or process may be able to be proven, in the sense that the observable thing or process might be definitively uncovered. But theories about the most fundamental nature of the real world are the more elusive kind mentioned above.

Answer 4

Yes