I am a researcher. In actuality, we don't typically think up binary hypotheses, and then put them to the test. In fact, most grand hypotheses (those that the media covers) are actually the result of much time and effort simply trying to better understand how a system works. For example, here's a question that we might investigate: What is the role in neuroprogenitor cells in remylination of neurons after stroke? How do you place bets on that? Here are some more questions: What microRNAs are released from tumor into the blood stream? What are the temporal profiles of these microRNAs in the blood? What are the affects of these microRNAs upon production of lymphocytes, and which miRNAs are involved? Do the microRNAs present in blood change depending upon the metastatic potential of the tumor? Place your bets! A hammer works great on nails, not so great on screws.