What best describes a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is indeed best described as an educated guess based on inductive reasoning. It is a preliminary, testable statement that predicts an outcome based on observations and existing knowledge. In the scientific method, a hypothesis serves as a foundation for further investigation. Researchers form a hypothesis after reviewing relevant information and making generalizations about a phenomenon. This guess is not a definitive conclusion but rather a starting point that guides the design of an experiment or study to test its validity.

Further, hypotheses are structured in a way that they can be tested and refined as more data is gathered. They pave the way for scientists to conduct experiments and analyze results, which may either support or contradict the initial prediction. This process is integral to advancing scientific knowledge.

In contrast, the other options present definitions that do not align with the concept of a hypothesis. A proven fact is an established conclusion derived from extensive research, while a conclusion drawn from experimental data represents the outcomes or results of a study, not the initial statement being tested. Lastly, a statement that cannot be tested does not meet the criteria to be a hypothesis, as testability is a fundamental component of what constitutes a strong hypothesis in scientific inquiry.