What best describes a hypothesis in the context of experimentation?

A hypothesis in the context of experimentation is fundamentally a statement that predicts the expected outcome of an experiment. It reflects a proposed explanation or assumption that can be tested through experimentation. This allows researchers to formulate a specific, testable statement that they can investigate to determine if their prediction holds true when subjected to empirical evaluation. The essence of a hypothesis is its predictive nature, highlighting the relationship between variables, which directs the focus of the experiment and informs the methods used to collect and analyze data.

In contrast, a detailed report of past experiments, a list of assumptions and data, and a collection of customer feedback, while relevant in various scientific or business contexts, do not embody the concept of a hypothesis as they do not inherently involve prediction or testing of an outcome. Instead, these elements serve complementary roles in research by providing background, context, and qualitative insights, but they do not capture the essence of proposing a testable prediction about future events or outcomes.