Which term best describes a testable explanation proposed before data collection?

Which term best describes a testable explanation proposed before data collection?

• A. Hypothesis
• B. Quantitative observation
• C. Theory
• D. Law

Answer: (A)

A hypothesis is a testable statement proposed before collecting data. It states what you expect to observe and how the variables are related. Because it can be tested and potentially falsified, you can design experiments to determine whether the prediction holds. This makes it the starting point for investigation: you put forward a claim that can be measured and checked with data. If tests repeatedly align with the prediction, the idea gains support and may contribute to a broader theory; if tests contradict it, the claim is revised or rejected. A theory is a broad, well-supported framework that accounts for many observations. A law describes a concise, universal relationship often captured in a mathematical form. A quantitative observation is numerical data, not a starting claim. So the best term for a testable claim proposed before data collection is a hypothesis.

A hypothesis is a testable statement proposed before collecting data. It states what you expect to observe and how the variables are related. Because it can be tested and potentially falsified, you can design experiments to determine whether the prediction holds. This makes it the starting point for investigation: you put forward a claim that can be measured and checked with data. If tests repeatedly align with the prediction, the idea gains support and may contribute to a broader theory; if tests contradict it, the claim is revised or rejected. A theory is a broad, well-supported framework that accounts for many observations. A law describes a concise, universal relationship often captured in a mathematical form. A quantitative observation is numerical data, not a starting claim. So the best term for a testable claim proposed before data collection is a hypothesis.