Question

the goal of data analysis is to reach a conclusion about whether the ____ was supported or refuted.
question
observation
hypothesis
variable

Explanation:

In data - analysis, the main objective is to test a hypothesis to see if it is supported or refuted by the data. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction that is tested through data collection and analysis. Questions guide the research but are not what is directly supported or refuted. Observations are part of data collection, and variables are factors in the study, but the key element here is the hypothesis.

Answer:

C. hypothesis