relating to a method of research (= a detailed study of a subject, especially in order to discover new information) in which you begin with a theory, and then do tests to see if it is correct or not

Many scientists would argue that good science is based on the hypothetico-deductive method. 许多科学家认为，好的科学是建立在假设演绎法的基础上的。

This methodology corresponds with the hypothetico-deductive model of science, where a hypothesis is tested by observation.