The steps of the scientific method generally include the following sequence:
- Ask a Question – Identify a specific question based on an observation about the natural world that you want to answer
- Do Background Research – Gather existing information and knowledge related to the question to avoid repeating past mistakes and to help design the experiment
- Construct a Hypothesis – Formulate a testable explanation or prediction that addresses the question
- Design and Conduct an Experiment – Perform a controlled test to collect empirical data that will support or refute the hypothesis
- Analyze the Data – Examine the experimental results to determine whether they support the hypothesis
- Draw Conclusions – Summarize the findings and decide if the hypothesis is supported, needs modification, or should be rejected
- Communicate Results and Repeat – Share findings with the scientific community and often repeat the process to refine understanding or explore new questions
While the exact number and order of steps can vary slightly depending on the source or scientific discipline, this framework captures the core elements of the scientific method used to systematically investigate questions and build knowledge
