Final answer:
The goal of science not listed is 'b. hypothesis' as it is an integral step within the scientific method, not a goal itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the goals of science, it is crucial to differentiate between basic science and applied science. Basic science, or "pure" science, aims to expand knowledge simply for the sake of understanding, without any immediate expectation of practical application. On the other hand, applied science is directed towards solving practical problems and often involves the development of products or services.
The options provided in the question suggest four possible goals of science: discovery, hypothesis, scientific method, and theory. Among these, discovery, scientific method, and theory are certainly goals or elements inherent to the scientific process. They represent the pursuit of new knowledge, the systematic approach taken to investigate questions, and the frameworks developed to explain phenomena, respectively. Hypothesis generation is indeed a part of the scientific process, but in itself, it is not a goal; rather, it serves as a proposed explanation to be tested.
Therefore, 'b. hypothesis' is not a goal per se, but an integral step within the scientific method aimed at achieving the broader goal of acquiring knowledge.