The proposed explanation or answer to a scientific question is called a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a testable statement that predicts the relationship between variables; it serves as a starting point for experimentation.
To illustrate, if a scientist observes a phenomenon and wants to understand why it occurs, they will formulate a hypothesis based on their observations. For instance, if crops in one area appear healthier than those in another, a researcher might hypothesize that different soil compositions are the cause of this difference.
Once a hypothesis is formulated, scientists conduct experiments to test its validity. Depending on the results, the hypothesis may be supported or refuted, leading to further questions and investigations that contribute to the process of scientific discovery.