Question #N288

The scientific method is a process for gaining knowledge that begins with a question. The next step in the scientific method is to make a prediction, or hypothesis, about the answer to the question. The researcher then tests the hypothesis by conducting experiments and analyzing the results. The results of the experiment are used to support or refute the hypothesis.

Which of the following choices correctly punctuates the sentence? The results of the experiment are used to support or refute the hypothesis.
A. The results of the experiment are used to support, or refute, the hypothesis.
B. The results of the experiment are used to support or, refute, the hypothesis.
C. The results of the experiment are used to support, or, refute, the hypothesis.
D. The results of the experiment are used to support or refute the hypothesis.

Correct Answer is: D

The sentence contains a pair of coordinate words that are used to express contrasting ideas: “support” and “refute.” In this case, no punctuation is needed between the two words. The comma after the conjunction is also incorrect. The conjunction, in this case, is coordinating the two words, which are used to express contrasting ideas. The correct answer is “The results of the experiment are used to support or refute the hypothesis.”