How would you define a hypothesis in research?

A hypothesis is defined as a testable statement predicting a relationship between two or more variables. It serves as a foundational element in research, guiding the direction of the study and framing the type of data that will be collected and analyzed. A well-formed hypothesis makes a specific prediction that can be empirically tested through observation or experimentation. In the context of sociological research, a hypothesis might pertain to expected outcomes regarding social behaviors or relationships within a specific population.

The other choices do not accurately define a hypothesis. For example, a data collection method refers to the techniques used to gather information during research and does not involve making predictions. A summary of research findings provides an overview of what was learned after the research is completed, rather than predicting outcomes prior to conducting the study. Finally, a theoretical framework is a structure that supports and guides research, providing a lens through which to interpret data, but it does not make predictions in the way a hypothesis does.