What is the first step of the scientific method?

The scientific method is a systematic way of investigating phenomena and acquiring new knowledge. The first step in this process is to formulate a hypothesis, which is essentially an educated guess or a testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables. This step is crucial as it sets the direction for the research and experimentation that will follow.

By establishing a hypothesis, researchers define what they aim to prove or disprove through experimentation. It provides a clear focus for their investigation and helps to specifically outline the expected outcomes. Without a hypothesis, the subsequent stages of the scientific method—such as conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions—would lack purpose and clarity. Therefore, starting with a hypothesis allows for a structured inquiry that can be rigorously tested, leading to meaningful insights and discoveries.