What does a hypothesis represent?

A hypothesis represents a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or problem being studied. It serves as a starting point for scientific inquiry and is formulated based on observations or existing knowledge. A hypothesis is not a definitive conclusion; rather, it is an educated guess or prediction that can be tested through experimentation and observation. The aim is to either support or refute the hypothesis based on the results obtained.

In scientific research, the hypothesis is crucial because it guides the research design and helps to focus the investigation. By clearly stating what the researcher intends to test, it allows for the development of experiments that will provide data to either confirm or challenge the hypothesis. It facilitates a systematic approach to discovering new information and deepening our understanding of specific phenomena.