Final answer:
The stages of a scientific investigation typically include making observations, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis with experiments, accepting or modifying the hypothesis, and potentially developing laws or theories. This structured process is known as the scientific method.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stages of Scientific Investigation
The different stages of a scientific investigation can typically be summarized in the following sequence:
- Make observations: Gathering data through your senses or instruments.
- Formulate a hypothesis: An educated guess based on observations that can be tested.
- Test the hypothesis through experimentation: Design and conduct experiments to validate or refute the hypothesis.
- Accept or modify the hypothesis: Adjust the hypothesis based on the experiment's results.
- Development of a law and/or theory: If the hypothesis is repeatedly validated, it can lead to the formation of a scientific law or theory.
This methodology is called the scientific method, which guides researchers through a structured process of inquiry to gain understanding and knowledge.