Which is an example of a Hypothesis?

Which is an example of a Hypothesis?

• A. Students who sleep fewer hours will report lower GPAs.
• B. The study will observe social media use.
• C. Income level will correlate with food preference.
• D. Burnout does not affect engagement.

Answer: (A)

A hypothesis is a testable prediction about how variables relate, usually with a clear direction and a measurable outcome. The statement about sleep hours and GPA fits this perfectly because it predicts that fewer hours of sleep will be associated with a lower GPA. It links an independent variable (sleep) to a dependent variable (GPA) and makes a specific, testable prediction that researchers can examine with data. The other options don’t provide the same kind of testable relationship. Describing what the study will observe about social media use is a plan, not a prediction about how variables relate. Claiming that income level will correlate with food preference is a correlational idea, but it’s less precise about the direction or specifics of the outcome. Saying burnout does not affect engagement states a null-type claim about no effect, which is a different form of hypothesis and not the straightforward predictive statement most clearly framed as a hypothesis.

A hypothesis is a testable prediction about how variables relate, usually with a clear direction and a measurable outcome. The statement about sleep hours and GPA fits this perfectly because it predicts that fewer hours of sleep will be associated with a lower GPA. It links an independent variable (sleep) to a dependent variable (GPA) and makes a specific, testable prediction that researchers can examine with data.

The other options don’t provide the same kind of testable relationship. Describing what the study will observe about social media use is a plan, not a prediction about how variables relate. Claiming that income level will correlate with food preference is a correlational idea, but it’s less precise about the direction or specifics of the outcome. Saying burnout does not affect engagement states a null-type claim about no effect, which is a different form of hypothesis and not the straightforward predictive statement most clearly framed as a hypothesis.