Final answer:
The scientific method is a structured approach that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems, involving steps such as making observations, asking questions, researching, formulating hypotheses, and conducting experiments.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the pursuit of understanding the natural world, scientists engage in a sequence of activities known as the scientific method. This method is foundational to experimenting, observing, and learning in science. The scientific method often includes the following steps:
- Making initial observations to identify a phenomenon of interest.
- Asking a question that seeks to explain the observation.
- Conducting research to gather existing knowledge on the topic.
- Formulating a testable hypothesis as a potential answer.
- Executing experiments to test the validity of the hypothesis.
These steps enable a structured approach to inquiry, ensuring that conclusions are well-supported by empirical evidence. Notably, the scientific method is flexible and can vary to accommodate different scientific disciplines and types of inquiries.