Definition:

Hypothetical questions are questions that asks how a candidate might behave in a situation. A question based on certain proven or assumed facts, and formulated to arrive at a generalised answer applicable in most such situations in the absence of dependable data. A hypothetical question is based on supposition, opinion, personal belief, or conjecture, and not facts. It is not based on reality. It mostly deals with actions and scenarios that might happen, or something that might not have happened as yet, but which could happen.

Hypothetical questions are of the form, “What would you do in this situation?

Further Reading:

BOOK: Hiring Geeks That Fit by Johanna Rothman