Dr. James isolated Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria, from the leg wound of a ten year old boy. He suspected these bacteria would grow better at body temperature than room temperature (72°F), but thought that he should collect data to support his thinking. Dr. James introduced the same number of Staphylococcus bacteria into each of six test tubes containing the same amount of nutrient broth. Three test tubes were incubated at 98.6°F (Group 1), while three test tubes (Group 2) sat at 72°F. After 24 hours, Dr. James compared the turbidity (indicative of growth) of all six tubes and rated each on a scale of 0 - 4. 0 indicates no turbidity (no growth), while 4 indicates high turbidity (high growth). The following data was collected:

Choose which of the following statements is a hypothesis for an experiment.

1) Based on the data collected during an experiment, S. aureus grows better at body temperature than room temperature.

2) Based on previous experience, it is predicted that S. aureus will grow better at body temperature than at room temperature.

3) S. aureus grew equally well at room temperature and at body temperature.

4) Based on the data collected during the experiment, it is confirmed that S. aureus grew better at room temperature.