What is a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is fundamentally a testable prediction based on observations. It serves as a starting point for scientific inquiry and experimentation, guiding researchers on what specific outcomes they expect based on existing knowledge or preliminary observations. A good hypothesis is clear and measurable, allowing scientists to design experiments that either support or refute it. This crucial element of the scientific method enables researchers to explore causal relationships and deepen understanding of the phenomena they are investigating.

While a detailed explanation of a scientific law represents established scientific consensus based on extensive evidence, that does not align with the definition of a hypothesis. Similarly, a summary of experimental results encompasses the findings derived from experiments rather than serving as an initial prediction. Lastly, a variable that cannot be measured does not relate to the concept of a hypothesis, which must provide a framework for not only making predictions but also for testing and validation through measurable outcomes.