Final answer:
The process typically followed in a scientific investigation is the scientific method, which includes observing a phenomenon, asking a question, researching, hypothesizing, testing, concluding, and communicating the results. It can be an iterative process rather than strictly linear, and can be adapted to suit different scenarios.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Scientific Method in Scientific Investigations
In a scientific investigation, the process most commonly followed is known as the scientific method. This method typically includes several key steps that start with making observations about the natural world. For example, when observing a moth with eye-like spots on its wings, a scientist might first record this observation and then proceed through the additional steps of the scientific method.
These steps involve asking a question based on the observations, performing background research on the topic, and then forming a hypothesis. The hypothesis is essentially an educated guess that can be tested. An experiment is designed and conducted to test the hypothesis, and the results are analyzed to draw conclusions. The final step involves communicating the results with others. While textbooks may present this process as linear, in practice, it is often iterative and can be adapted based on the situation.
The real-life application of science is not limited to this linear process—it involves creativity, repetition, and can sometimes lead science in new directions based on new questions raised or unexpected observations during the investigation. Nonetheless, the scientific method provides a foundational structure for the pursuit of knowledge and answering questions, not only in science but also in many fields of inquiry.