What is the relationship between a prediction and a hypothesis in research methodology?

The distinction between a hypothesis and a prediction in research methodology is an important one. A hypothesis in research methodology is a general testable statement that is used as a way to attempt to anticipate, before a study is conducted, what will occur. This means the hypothesis will test the interaction of at least two different variables. A strong hypothesis has four main characteristics. First, it must be based on well defined variables. Secondly, it must be able to be tested. Thirdly, it must be possible to be proven incorrect, and lastly, it should be written in the simplest possible way a researcher can explain what is being investigated. Typically the hypothesis is the basis for an entire research project, and all experiments in the project look to shed light on the overarching hypothesis.

A prediction in research methodology is a much more directed statement. Predictions typically make claims about what the researcher thinks will occur in very specific experiments. Predictions are used to further investigate the proposed hypothesis, and are important in defining what a researcher thinks will be the final observed outcome of each experiment. It is in a prediction that very specific details about the variables being tested are utilized. This differs from a hypothesis which uses much more general terms to describe the overarching theme the researcher thinks the will occur. Hope this helps!