Which term describes a testable prediction based on observations?

A testable prediction based on observations is referred to as a hypothesis. In the scientific method, a hypothesis is formulated to explain a phenomenon and can be tested through experiments or further observations. It serves as a foundational statement that can lead to verification or falsification based on empirical evidence.

A hypothesis is specific and usually formulated in a way that allows it to be supported or refuted through scientific experimentation. This distinguishes it from other terms such as a theory or a law. A theory is a broader explanation that integrates many hypotheses and has been well-substantiated through a significant body of evidence. A law, on the other hand, describes a natural phenomenon that consistently occurs under specific conditions without providing an explanation. Assumptions are accepted as true without proof and may form the basis for hypotheses but do not themselves constitute testable predictions.

Thus, the strength of a hypothesis lies in its ability to provoke further inquiry and experimentation, making it a crucial step in the scientific investigative process.