Final answer:
The correct answer is B. Deductive, as it requires using deductive reasoning to make specific predictions based on a hypothesis, which are then tested through experiments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before a hypothesis may be tested using the scientific method, events that will happen must be predicted by the scientist. The correct choice is B. Deductive. This entails using logical reasoning from general premises to make specific predictions about outcomes under certain conditions. Once a hypothesis is formulated, the scientist makes predictions about what outcomes should occur if the hypothesis is correct—these predictions are then tested through experiments or further observations.
For example, if a scientist hypothesizes that nitrogen fertilizer improves plant growth, the prediction might be that plants treated with nitrogen fertilizer will be taller than those that are not. A controlled experiment could then be conducted to test this prediction, comparing the growth of plants with and without the addition of fertilizer. Hypotheses are a crucial part of the scientific method because they enable scientists to make testable predictions and conduct experiments to verify or refute their hypotheses.