The steps in the scientific method generally include the following:
- Make an Observation / Ask a Question
Begin by observing a phenomenon or identifying a problem you want to understand. This leads to formulating a specific, measurable question, often starting with how, what, when, why, or where
- Do Background Research
Gather existing information and knowledge about the topic to avoid repeating past mistakes and to refine your question or approach
- Formulate a Hypothesis
Develop a testable explanation or prediction based on your observations and research. The hypothesis should be clear and falsifiable
- Make Predictions
Derive specific predictions from your hypothesis that can be tested experimentally
- Design and Conduct an Experiment
Plan and perform experiments to test the hypothesis under controlled conditions, collecting data systematically
- Analyze the Data
Examine the experimental results to determine whether they support or refute the hypothesis
- Draw Conclusions
Interpret the data and decide if the hypothesis is supported, needs modification, or should be rejected. This may lead to new questions and hypotheses
- Repeat / Iterate
Repeat the process to verify results, refine hypotheses, or explore new questions. Scientific knowledge builds through this iterative process
- Publish Results (optional but common in scientific practice)
Share findings with the scientific community for review and further testing
These steps form a cyclical and flexible process rather than a rigid sequence, allowing scientists to revisit earlier steps as needed
. In summary, the core steps are:
- Ask a question
- Research
- Hypothesize
- Predict
- Experiment
- Analyze
- Conclude
- Repeat
This method ensures systematic, objective, and reproducible investigation of natural phenomena
