Final answer:
Formulating a hypothesis involves creating a testable statement based on scientific knowledge and observations. In the context of health care, for example, one could hypothesize that comprehensive discharge plans would reduce patient readmission rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
To formulate a hypothesis means creating a testable statement based on observations and scientific knowledge. It is a tentative explanation that provides a basis for further investigation. A good hypothesis should align with existing scientific knowledge, be logical, testable, falsifiable, and ideally, simple enough that it can be tested in a practical manner. When considering health care services, one might observe a particular health outcome and seek to find a contributing factor or cause.
For example, in a health care setting, a possible hypothesis could be: "If patients are provided with comprehensive discharge plans that include follow-up calls, then their readmission rates will decrease." This hypothesis is based on the observation that patients often readmit to the hospital when they do not have a clear understanding or support after discharge. It is a prediction that can be tested by comparing patient readmission rates before and after implementing the comprehensive discharge plans.