Scientists use observations, research, and collected data to develop explanations. … Scientists ask questions, state hypothesis, make plans to test their hypothesis, do the tests, collect data, and draw conclusions from the data they collected.

How are scientific explanations developed?

Scientists develop and test theories by using deductive logic, trying to show that empirical observations are instances of more general laws. Scientific theories are hypothetical explanations that state the possible relationships among scientific concepts.

How do scientists develop and evaluate a scientific explanation?

A scientific theory or explanation must be tested using hypothesis derived from the theory. An experiment or set of observations are used to test the explanation. The results of the experiment or set of observations are used to evaluate the theory.