A hypothesis is used in an experiment to define the relationship between two variables. The purpose of a hypothesis is to find the answer to a question. A formalized hypothesis will force us to think about what results we should look for in an experiment. The first variable is called the independent variable. A hypothesis ensures the entire research process remains scientific and reliable. Though hypotheses are essential during the research process, it can produce complications with regards to probability, significance and errors. A hypothesis is an educational guess/predication based on observations.