Final answer:
The fundamental way to obtain new scientific knowledge is through experiment as it is the most direct method to test a hypothesis, which after being developed from initial observations, must be verified or refuted through experimental testing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fundamental way to obtain new scientific knowledge and understanding is through a process that encompasses a cycle involving observation, the development of a hypothesis, and experimental testing. Scientists start by making observations, then form a hypothesis which is a tentative explanation for those observations. To verify if this hypothesis is accurate, it is necessary to conduct an experiment. If the results of the experiment align with the hypothesis, it may be supported, but if not, the hypothesis is either adjusted or rejected, and further experiments are conducted. This iterative process is key to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
An experiment is, therefore, the most straightforward approach to test a hypothesis in science. For example, if the hypothesis suggests that mixing hydrogen and oxygen will result in water, the experiment would involve actually combining these elements under controlled conditions to observe the outcome. Regardless of whether the hypothesis is validated or rejected, the experiment can still be a success, as it provides valuable data for advancing understanding. Performing experiments is a core aspect of the scientific method.