What is a provisional explanation of a phenomenon that produces data through testing?

A hypothesis is a provisional explanation of a phenomenon, formulated based on existing knowledge that can be tested through experiments and observations. It serves as a starting point for scientific inquiry, allowing researchers to predict outcomes and gather data. The process of testing a hypothesis involves structured experiments that yield empirical evidence, which can either support or refute the hypothesis.

The term "hypothesis" emphasizes that this explanation is not yet solidified into a theory; it is subject to change based on the results of testing. This nature of a hypothesis is fundamental to the scientific method, as it encourages exploration and validation through experimentation. This provisional status differentiates hypotheses from theories, which have undergone rigorous testing and are generally accepted as valid explanations of a phenomenon.

In contrast, an experiment refers specifically to the procedure used to test a hypothesis, while observations refer to the data collected during this process. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation that has stood the test of time and extensive scrutiny, thus differing fundamentally from the idea of a provisional explanation.