MSTEP Science Practice Test

What is a hypothesis?

A guess based on random observation A prediction based on background knowledge (If/Then statement) The data you collect The experiment's conclusion

Correct Answer:

A prediction based on background knowledge (If/Then statement)

Explanation:

A hypothesis is an educated, testable prediction about how changing one thing will affect another. It usually links the variable you change (the independent variable) with the outcome you measure (the dependent variable) and is often written as an If/Then statement: If I change the independent variable, then the dependent variable will respond in a certain way, because of what I know about the system. This uses background knowledge and prior observations to make a claim you can check with experiments. It's not just a guess or the data you collect, and it's not the conclusion you reach after analyzing results. This kind of statement is exactly what a hypothesis is.

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