What is the role of a research hypothesis?

The role of a research hypothesis is to provide a clear statement that can be tested through research. A research hypothesis typically predicts a relationship between variables and guides the research process, allowing for the formulation of experiments and data collection methods aimed at testing this assertion.

A well-constructed hypothesis is specific, measurable, and directly relates to the research question. This clearly defined statement aids researchers in designing studies that focus on gathering evidence to support or refute the hypothesis, ultimately contributing to the body of knowledge in a particular field.

In contrast to other options, a research hypothesis is not merely an untested assumption, a vague idea, or a summary of past findings. It is fundamentally a testable statement that serves as a foundation for scientific inquiry.