What is one of the five criteria that a sound hypothesis must meet for scientific acceptability?

A sound hypothesis must be testable in order to be scientifically acceptable. This means that the hypothesis can be supported or refuted through empirical observation and experimentation. A testable hypothesis allows researchers to gather data that can confirm or disconfirm the hypothesis, thereby contributing to the scientific inquiry process. If a hypothesis is not testable, it cannot be subjected to scientific scrutiny, making it impossible to establish its validity within a scientific framework.

The requirement for testability is crucial because it ensures that the hypothesis can generate meaningful results and that other researchers can replicate the study. This process is foundational in developing scientific knowledge, allowing theories to evolve based on evidence. A testable hypothesis helps to distinguish scientific claims from those that are purely speculative or based on personal beliefs.