Which is the first step in the scientific method?

Which is the first step in the scientific method?

• A. Making an Observation and Asking a Question
• B. Doing Background Research
• C. Creating a Hypothesis
• D. Designing and Performing Experiment

Answer: (A)

In science, you begin by noticing something in the natural world and turning that observation into a question. This step gives you a concrete phenomenon to investigate and a clear focus for what you want to learn. Once you have a question, you typically gather existing information through background research to see what’s already known and what gaps you might fill. With that foundation, you form a testable hypothesis—a specific prediction about what you expect to happen. Then you design and carry out experiments to test that prediction, analyze the results, and draw conclusions. The other steps are all important, but identifying the observed phenomenon and posing a question comes first, since it sets the direction for the entire investigation.

In science, you begin by noticing something in the natural world and turning that observation into a question. This step gives you a concrete phenomenon to investigate and a clear focus for what you want to learn. Once you have a question, you typically gather existing information through background research to see what’s already known and what gaps you might fill. With that foundation, you form a testable hypothesis—a specific prediction about what you expect to happen. Then you design and carry out experiments to test that prediction, analyze the results, and draw conclusions. The other steps are all important, but identifying the observed phenomenon and posing a question comes first, since it sets the direction for the entire investigation.