When a researcher tests his or her hypothesis, he or she is often hoping to gather information that is consistent with a particular theory. What, more specifically, allows a researcher to say that he or she has "proven" a theory?

Any time a hypothesis confirms one theory and simultaneously disconfirms all other known theories, a theory has been "proven."

Any time a hypothesis is confirmed, a theory is automatically "proven."

Any time a hypothesis confirms one theory and simultaneously disconfirms at least one other theory, a theory has been "proven."

A researcher is never able to say that he or she has "proven" a theory.