What best describes a Hypothesis (H)?

What best describes a Hypothesis (H)?

• A. A testable prediction that states a relationship between variables.
• B. A description of a research setting.
• C. A summary of findings.
• D. A general statement of the topic.

Answer: (A)

A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between variables. It specifies how one variable is expected to change when another variable changes, and it’s framed so that it can be examined with data. The key is testability and falsifiability—you should be able to collect evidence that supports or refutes it. For example, you might predict that increasing study time leads to higher exam scores, or that a particular intervention reduces stress levels. This differs from descriptions of the research setting, which tell you where or how the study is conducted; it isn’t about what you expect to happen, just where the study happens. It also isn’t a summary of findings, which comes after data have been collected and analyzed. And it isn’t a general statement of the topic, which would outline what’s being studied rather than making a specific, testable claim about relationships between variables.

A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between variables. It specifies how one variable is expected to change when another variable changes, and it’s framed so that it can be examined with data. The key is testability and falsifiability—you should be able to collect evidence that supports or refutes it. For example, you might predict that increasing study time leads to higher exam scores, or that a particular intervention reduces stress levels.

This differs from descriptions of the research setting, which tell you where or how the study is conducted; it isn’t about what you expect to happen, just where the study happens. It also isn’t a summary of findings, which comes after data have been collected and analyzed. And it isn’t a general statement of the topic, which would outline what’s being studied rather than making a specific, testable claim about relationships between variables.