Answer: b. gather and analyze data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scientific method involves several steps, including making observations, asking questions, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, gathering and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. Gathering and analyzing data are critical components of the scientific method, allowing researchers to test their hypotheses and draw meaningful conclusions based on empirical evidence. While having a scientific background (option c) can be beneficial, it is not a requirement for using the scientific method effectively. Similarly, studying living humans (option a) and constructing a hypothesis (option d) are steps within the scientific method but not the primary requirement for successfully using the method.