Final answer:
When scientists ask what would follow if a hypothesis were true, they are identifying a prediction that is a testable and falsifiable outcome.
Step-by-step explanation:
When scientists ask, "If this hypothesis were true, what consequences would follow?" they are trying to identify a prediction. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for an observation that can be tested through scientific methods, such as an experiment. The consequences that would follow if a hypothesis were true are essentially the predicted outcomes that should be observable if the hypothesis correctly explains the phenomena in question. These outcomes are then compared with actual observations to determine whether the hypothesis is supported or contradicted by the evidence. The ability to make falsifiable predictions is a key aspect of a valid hypothesis.