Final answer:
The scientific method consists of four steps: observation and description, hypothesis testing, data analysis, and conclusion and interpretation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scientific method is a series of defined steps that include experiments and careful observation. The four steps of the scientific method are:
- Observation and description: This is the initial step where the scientist makes observations and gathers information about a particular phenomenon.
- Hypothesis testing: After making observations, the scientist then forms a hypothesis, which is a proposed explanation for the phenomenon. The hypothesis is tested through experimentation.
- Data analysis: The scientist collects data during the experiment and analyzes it to draw conclusions.
- Conclusion and interpretation: Based on the data analysis, the scientist interprets the results and draws conclusions about whether the hypothesis is supported or not.
Therefore, the answer is d) Conclusion and interpretation is NOT one of the steps of the scientific method.