Final answer:
The approach that uses the scientific method to test explanations for natural phenomena is called hypothesis testing. Discovery-based science is focused more on observations and discovery, whereas hypothesis testing involves forming and experimentally testing hypotheses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The approach that involves the implementation of the scientific method to test an explanation for a natural phenomenon is known as hypothesis testing. This process starts by forming a hypothesis, which is a proposed explanation for an observation or natural phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation.
The scientific method includes several steps such as collecting data, making a hypothesis, testing it by experiment, and rejecting or refining the hypothesis based on the results. The whole idea is to use experiments and careful observation to support or refute the hypothesis.
While discovery-based science also plays a crucial role in the scientific process, primarily focusing on observation, exploration, and discovery, it is the hypothesis testing that specifically employs the scientific method to test explanations. Thus, the answer to the question would be option c, Hypothesis testing.
It is important to note that while some disciplines might combine elements of both descriptive science and hypothesis-based science, it is the latter that involves the scientific method to test hypotheses directly.