Final answer:
The first step of the scientific method in the case study of WNS in bats is 'Collecting data,' which involves making observations of the phenomena or studying existing research before forming a hypothesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case study of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) in bats, the first step of the scientific method, which is an observation, corresponds to Collecting data. This initial phase involves making observations of natural phenomena or examining the findings of others' research. Once observations have been made, scientists infer and propose a hypothesis based on these observations. A hypothesis, however, is not the first step; it is what follows after the initial observations have been gathered or identified. These observations serve as the foundation for developing a testable hypothesis, which can eventually lead to experiments and conclusions.
The scientific process begins with observing and questioning why a particular event occurs. In the context of WNS in bats, the observation could be the recognition of a pattern where bats are affected by a certain fungal infection that leads to WNS. After the data collection, a hypothesis is formulated, which represents a scientist's tentative explanation for the observed phenomenon. The hypothesis must be based on scientific knowledge, must be logical, and must also be falsifiable. Only after these steps can a hypothesis be empirically tested through experimentation.