Final answer:
The scientific method includes four main steps: making observations, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis through experimentation, and accepting or modifying the hypothesis based on the data.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steps of the Scientific Method
The scientific method is a systematic process that scientists use to conduct investigations and gain reliable knowledge about the natural world. The four main steps are as follows:
Accept or modify the hypothesis: Analyzing the experimental data to determine whether it supports the hypothesis and, if not, modifying the hypothesis or formulating a new one.
Following these steps ensures that scientific investigations are carried out systematically, thereby enhancing the verifiability and reproducibility of results. The ultimate goal is the development of scientific theories and laws that describe the workings of the natural world.