A hypothesis is typically written as an if-then statement. This format clearly articulates the expected relationship between two variables and allows for predictions to be made based on that relationship.
For example, a hypothesis might be structured as: "If [independent variable] is [specific condition], then [dependent variable] will [expected outcome]."
This format highlights the cause-and-effect relationship that the researcher is investigating. While hypotheses can also be expressed in other forms, such as mathematical equations or lists of observations, the if-then format is a common and effective way to convey the proposed ideas.