Meaning: 'Assumptions' refer to things that are accepted as true or certain to happen, without proof, which are often the starting points for scientific investigation.

Wrong options:

• hypotheses: While 'hypotheses' are also related to scientific inquiry, they are specific testable predictions rather than general beliefs, making them less fitting in this context.
• thinking: 'Thinking' is a gerund that does not fit grammatically with 'have' as it implies an ongoing process rather than a possession.
• principles: 'Principles' refer to fundamental truths or propositions, which are broader than assumptions and do not fit the context of what scientists have in the process described.

Correct answer: experiments

Explanation: The word 'experiments' is a noun that fits well with the verb 'do,' indicating the actions scientists take to test their hypotheses. It is contextually appropriate as experiments are a core component of the scientific method.

Meaning: 'Experiments' are systematic procedures carried out to make discoveries, test hypotheses, or demonstrate known facts.

Wrong options:

• assignments: 'Assignments' refer to tasks given to students or workers, which do not fit the scientific context of testing hypotheses.
• thesis: 'Thesis' is a statement or theory put forward to be maintained or proved, which does not align with the action of conducting tests.
• essays: 'Essays' are written compositions on a particular subject, which are not relevant to the practical actions taken in scientific research.

Correct answer: results

Explanation: The word 'results' fits grammatically as a noun that follows 'got,' indicating what scientists obtain after conducting experiments. Contextually, results are the outcomes of scientific investigations, making this choice logical.

Meaning: 'Results' refer to the outcomes or findings derived from experiments, which provide evidence for or against the hypotheses.

Wrong options:

• figures: 'Figures' typically refer to numerical data or illustrations, which do not encapsulate the broader outcomes of scientific experiments.
• numbers: 'Numbers' are specific quantities and do not convey the comprehensive findings that 'results' do in a scientific context.
• proofs: 'Proofs' are logical arguments demonstrating the truth of a statement, which is not the same as the outcomes of experiments.

Correct answer: data

Explanation: The word 'data' is a plural noun that fits grammatically and contextually with 'a lot of,' indicating the information collected by scientists. It is essential in scientific research for analysis and interpretation.

Meaning: 'Data' refers to factual information used for reasoning, discussion, or calculation, crucial for scientific conclusions.

Wrong options:

• statistics: 'Statistics' refers to the study of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation, which is a subset of data rather than a general term.
• static: 'Static' refers to a lack of movement or change, which does not fit the context of information collected by scientists.
• figure: 'Figure' can refer to a numerical representation or illustration, which does not encompass the broader concept of collected information.

Correct answer: picture

Explanation: The word 'picture' fits grammatically as a noun that complements 'have,' indicating what scientists possess in terms of understanding. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of having a conceptual understanding of the world.

Meaning: 'Picture' in this context refers to a mental image or understanding of how the world operates, based on scientific knowledge.

Wrong options:

• view: 'View' implies a perspective or opinion, which does not convey the comprehensive understanding that 'picture' suggests.
• look: 'Look' is a verb that does not fit grammatically with 'have' in this context, as it does not denote possession of understanding.
• idea: 'Idea' is a more abstract concept and does not capture the holistic understanding implied by 'picture' in the context of scientific knowledge.