Which sequence correctly lists basic steps of the scientific method?

Which sequence correctly lists basic steps of the scientific method?

• A. Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Conclusion
• B. Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Observation, Conclusion
• C. Question, Observation, Hypothesis, Experiment, Conclusion
• D. Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Observation, Conclusion

Answer: (B)

Think of the scientific method as a flow from curiosity to a testable explanation to data and interpretation. You begin with a question that arises from what you’ve observed. Then you state a hypothesis—an educated guess that can be tested. You perform an experiment designed to challenge that hypothesis, collecting data as you go. After the experiment, you examine the results and determine whether the data support or contradict the hypothesis, leading to a conclusion. This ordering keeps testing the idea before final interpretation, which helps ensure conclusions are based on evidence. In real work, you might refine or revisit earlier steps if the results aren’t clear, but this sequence provides a clear progression from question to hypothesis to experiment to observation to conclusion.

Think of the scientific method as a flow from curiosity to a testable explanation to data and interpretation. You begin with a question that arises from what you’ve observed. Then you state a hypothesis—an educated guess that can be tested. You perform an experiment designed to challenge that hypothesis, collecting data as you go. After the experiment, you examine the results and determine whether the data support or contradict the hypothesis, leading to a conclusion. This ordering keeps testing the idea before final interpretation, which helps ensure conclusions are based on evidence. In real work, you might refine or revisit earlier steps if the results aren’t clear, but this sequence provides a clear progression from question to hypothesis to experiment to observation to conclusion.