Final answer:
Searching for information to help design an experiment is part of the Research step in the scientific method. This step is undertaken before formulating a hypothesis, crucial for informing the design of the experiment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you search for information that will help you design an experiment, you are engaging in the research step of the scientific process. This step typically involves reviewing existing sources of information to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and to inform the design of your experiment. Searching for information to design an experiment aligns with the Research option from the choices listed, which is a crucial part of the scientific method.
The scientific method comprises several steps starting with an observation, which leads to a question. Following this initial step, the research phase begins, where scientists gather more information about the topic. This is crucial before formulating a hypothesis, which is a tentative explanation for the observations. The hypothesis is then tested through controlled experiments, and based on these experiments, conclusions are drawn. Therefore, the correct choice in the question provided would be (a) Research.