Which of the following best describes a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is fundamentally a testable idea or explanation meant to address a specific scientific question or phenomenon. It serves as a starting point for scientific inquiry and allows researchers to establish predictions that can be tested through experimentation or observation. This characteristic of being "testable" is crucial, as it differentiates a hypothesis from mere assumptions or beliefs that lack the framework for empirical validation.

In scientific research, a hypothesis typically emerges from previous observations or theories, and it provides a basis for making predictions that can be experimentally verified. This process is essential for advancing knowledge in scientific fields, as it leads to new insights and understandings based on evidence gathered during the investigative process. Therefore, identifying a hypothesis as a testable idea underscores its role in the scientific method, enabling researchers to confirm or refute proposed explanations through systematic investigation.