Final answer:
In the scientific method, 'conduct an experiment' is the step that precedes 'analyze the data', where scientists collect the necessary data to perform the analysis. Therefore , the correct answer options is c)
Step-by-step explanation:
The step that comes right before 'analyze the data' in the scientific method is 'conduct an experiment'. During a scientific investigation, once a hypothesis is formulated, the next step is to design and perform experiments.
These experiments are systematic observations or measurements made under controlled conditions to test the hypothesis. By conducting an experiment, scientists collect the data necessary for analysis. The sequence of these steps typically follows observe phenomena, form a hypothesis, conduct an experiment, and then analyze the collected data to draw conclusions.