Final answer:
The four-step approach to conducting an incident investigation involves making observations, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis through experimentation, and accepting or modifying the hypothesis. These steps help investigators gather evidence and reach conclusions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steps of the Four-Step Approach to Conducting an Incident Investigation:
- Step 1: Make observations. This involves carefully observing the incident and noting any relevant details or evidence.
- Step 2: Formulate a hypothesis. Based on the observations, the investigator proposes a possible explanation or hypothesis for the incident.
- Step 3: Test the hypothesis through experimentation. The investigator designs and conducts experiments to gather more evidence and determine the validity of the hypothesis.
- Step 4: Accept or modify the hypothesis. Based on the results of the experiments, the investigator evaluates and either accepts or modifies the hypothesis.
- Step 5: Development of a law and/or theory. If the hypothesis is consistently supported by evidence, it may lead to the development of a scientific law or theory.