Final answer:
A hypothesis is a testable and falsifiable explanation for an observation. It is a central part of the scientific method, leading to further experimentation and supporting or disproving theories. The correct option is 3) A testable explanation for an observation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observation. In the scientific method, it serves as a tentative conjecture that can lead to further experimentation and observation. This means that a hypothesis is not just any guess. It must be built on existing scientific knowledge and should be able to be tested through experimentation or observation to verify its accuracy. A hypothesis often takes the form of an if-then statement—in essence, predicting what will happen in a given set of circumstances if the hypothesis is correct.
Importantly, a hypothesis should be falsifiable, which means it can be disproven by experimental results. For instance, saying "If I study all night, then I will get a passing grade on the test" is a testable hypothesis. It bridges the gap between theoretical ideas and real-world phenomena, and as hypotheses are rigorously tested, scientific theories can be refined.
The scientific method is an empirical method of acquiring knowledge that has characterized the development of science. It involves making observations, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, and then analyzing the results. If the findings support the hypothesis, it might become a theory. Conversely, if the results consistently disprove the hypothesis, scientists will have to reject or revise the hypothesis. The process of experimentation and testing is critical to the scientific pursuit of knowledge and to understanding the natural world.