Why is it important to form a hypothesis when conducting a scientific investigation?

Question

Responses

A hypothesis offers a testable statement that guides the direction of the experiment.
A hypothesis offers a testable statement that guides the direction of the experiment.

A hypothesis helps to develop a theory immediately.
A hypothesis helps to develop a theory immediately.

A hypothesis provides a final conclusion for the investigation.
A hypothesis provides a final conclusion for the investigation.

A hypothesis ensures that the results will be accurate.

Answer 1

The most accurate response to the importance of forming a hypothesis when conducting a scientific investigation is:

A hypothesis offers a testable statement that guides the direction of the experiment.

This highlights that a hypothesis is a proposed explanation based on limited evidence that can be tested through experimentation, helping to direct the research and focus the investigation. The other responses either misrepresent the role of a hypothesis or imply certainty about outcomes, which is not the case in scientific research.