In the scientific method, which component is a suggested explanation that can be tested?

• A. Observation
• B. Prediction
• C. Hypothesis
• D. Experiment

Answer: (C)

A hypothesis is a suggested explanation for what you’ve observed that can be tested. It goes beyond a mere guess by offering a possible mechanism or cause and by making predictions that you can check with data. The strength of a hypothesis lies in its testability and falsifiability: designed experiments or careful observations can support or contradict it, leading you to refine or discard the idea.

Observations are the data you collect, not explanations. A prediction is a specific outcome expected if the hypothesis is true, and experiments are the procedures used to test whether those predictions hold.