What does the term "hypothesis" refer to in the scientific method?

The term "hypothesis" in the scientific method refers specifically to a testable prediction that arises from a question about a phenomenon. It is an educated guess that proposes a possible explanation for a specific observation or set of observations. This prediction can be tested through experimentation and further observation, allowing scientists to gather data to support or refute the hypothesis.

What makes a hypothesis distinct is its testability; it must be framed in such a way that it can lead to empirical evidence through experiments or observations. Successful hypotheses contribute to the broader scientific understanding by either reinforcing existing theories or prompting further questions and investigations. This process is foundational in scientific research and distinguishes it from anecdotal assertions or unproven theories, which lack the rigorous evaluation that a hypothesis undergoes through scientific testing.