What is an educated scientific guess called?

An educated scientific guess is known as a hypothesis. In scientific research, a hypothesis is formulated based on existing knowledge and observations, serving as a foundational statement that can be tested through experimentation and further investigation. It provides a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or a prediction that can be tested to validate or refute its accuracy.

A hypothesis is crucial in the scientific method because it allows researchers to make specific predictions that can be experimentally examined, thereby advancing understanding in a systematic and empirical manner. This is distinct from the other terms listed; for example, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is supported by a body of evidence, while an assumption is a statement taken for granted without proof. An inference refers to a conclusion drawn from evidence or reasoning rather than from explicit statements, making it less focused than a hypothesis.