5 and 7 Step Methods The 5 Step Method: define the problem create a prediction that provides explanation create a scientific procedure to test the ideas observation of results in the procedure form a conclusion based on all of the other steps. The 7 Step Mehod: Ask and define the question. Gather information and resources through observation. Form a hypothesis. Perform one or more experiments and collect and sort data. Analyze the data. Interpret the data and make conclusions that point to a hypothesis. Formulate a "final" or "finished" hypothesis. With the investigation concluded, the published results will be verified by other investigators, and the "tested" knowledge integrated into a larger whole of scientific information.