Abstract:
This paper reports a study on the strategies one adopts when challenged to put forward hypotheses related to the phenomenon of floating. Data presented has been obtained in interviews with children and questionnaires with adults. The strategies adopted by these people were analysed in relation with their age, the form of their hypotheses and the content of these. The correct falseability strategy is precociously adopted apparently due to the differences between the mental procedures of children and adults. Statistical analyses of data point to some relationship between the strategies adopted and characteristics of hypotheses put forward. Contributions to science education are indicated.