What is the term for a statement of what a researcher believes will happen during experimentation?

The term for a statement of what a researcher believes will happen during experimentation is a hypothesis. A hypothesis serves as a testable prediction that can be examined through experiments, guiding the researcher's inquiry. It typically arises from existing knowledge and leads to predictions that can be checked through research methods.

In the scientific process, the hypothesis is formulated before conducting the experiment, establishing a basis for further investigation. After testing the hypothesis through experimentation, researchers can gather data and draw conclusions based on their findings. If the hypothesis is well-supported by the experimental data, it can contribute to the development of a theory.

Understanding the role of a hypothesis is crucial in the scientific method, as it allows researchers to set clear expectations and objectives for their studies.