What is a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about study outcomes, which makes it a fundamental part of the scientific research process. It provides researchers with a clear statement that can be examined through experimentation or observation. A well-formulated hypothesis typically outlines an expected relationship between variables, indicating what the research aims to establish or demonstrate. By being testable, a hypothesis allows researchers to gather data and analyze results to determine whether the prediction holds true, ultimately contributing to the understanding of the phenomena being studied. This characteristic of being specific and measurable differentiates it from general ideas or theories, which may not be directly applicable or testable in a research context.