Question

which of the following phrases is missing: predicted results/observations =/ actual results/observations -> ?

Explanation:

In scientific method, when predicted results differ from actual results (Predicted ≠ Actual), it means the hypothesis is not supported and is refuted/disproven. Both "refutes hypothesis" and "disproves hypothesis" fit, but since the options are presented, the logic is that a mismatch between predicted and actual observations leads to the hypothesis being refuted or disproven. The phrase that logically follows is about rejecting the hypothesis, so either "refutes hypothesis" or "disproves hypothesis" (both convey that the hypothesis is not valid due to the mismatch).

Answer:

A. refutes hypothesis (or B. disproves hypothesis, as both are correct in this context; if forced to pick one, "refutes hypothesis" and "disproves hypothesis" are synonymous here and either can be the answer based on the scientific method principle that a mismatch between predicted and actual results challenges the hypothesis).