which of the following is the best definition of a hypothesis? a. it is a scientific question that guides the direction of an experiment.

which of the following is the best definition of a hypothesis?

a. it is a scientific question that guides the direction of an experiment.

b. it is a prediction about the formation of a scientific theory.

c. it is a testable, possible answer to a scientific question.

d. it is a way of answering a scientific question using the scientific method.

Answer: c. it is a testable, possible answer to a scientific question.

A hypothesis is a theoretical explanation or a specific assumption that is testable but is not confirmed yet. Hypothesis is basically a base for a scientific question or problem. It rests on what we already know, see, and our own logical deductions as it represents the factual part that can be used for newer observations and experimentation. Well-worded hypothesis should be specific, and difficult to be false, and therefore, allows the researcher to organise a test or experiment correctly to confirm or falsify the hypothesis. If the experiment results or the observations lead to the confirmation of the hypothesis, it is considered credible, but if they are on the contrary and a hypothesis is proven to be wrong, it can possibly be modified or rejected. The scientific method relies on the formulation and the testing of hypotheses as a key factor of progress in scientific knowledge