Which option best describes a hypothesis?

• A. An unproved theory, proposition, supposition, etc. that is made on the basis of limited evidence and not proven but that leads to further study, discussion, or investigation, etc.
• B. An unproved theory, proposition, supposition, etc. that leads to further study
• C. A proven fact
• D. A guess

Answer: (A)

A hypothesis is a provisional, testable statement that explains a phenomenon and guides investigation. It’s built on limited evidence and isn’t proven yet, but it sets up a path for further study, discussion, or experimentation. The best description here captures that idea: an unproved proposition based on some evidence that leads to more inquiry. For example, saying that increasing sunlight will cause a plant to grow taller is a hypothesis because it’s specific, testable, and falsifiable—you can design an experiment to measure growth under different light levels. This differs from a proven fact, which isn’t a hypothesis, and from a simple guess, which may lack basis in observation and a clear way to test.