Edward Jenner’s smallpox inoculation experiment was based on his observation that dairymaids who had had cowpox did not contract smallpox. How did Jenner form his hypothesis from this observation?
Answer
A
He asked what would happen if he inoculated a person with cowpox fluid and then later with smallpox fluid.
B
He tested different existing inoculations to see which one was most effective in preventing smallpox.
C
He observed dairymaids who had contracted cowpox to see whether they became immune to smallpox.
D
He drew a conclusion about dairymaids who got cowpox becoming immune to getting smallpox.
Explanation
Jenner’s observation suggested that cowpox might protect people from smallpox. He formed a testable hypothesis by asking what would happen if he inoculated someone with cowpox fluid and later exposed them to smallpox fluid. Choice A describes that proposed test; choice D restates the observation as a conclusion rather than forming a hypothesis to test.
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