Which phase of the scientific method precedes the experimentation phase?

The phase that precedes the experimentation phase in the scientific method is the hypothesis development. This is where researchers formulate a testable statement based on observations and existing knowledge. The hypothesis provides a focused question that guides the design of the experiment. It anticipates the relationship between variables and outlines what the researcher expects to find.

In this process, after making observations, a scientist generates a hypothesis that offers a potential explanation or prediction. This forms the basis for the experimentation that will follow, as the experiment is designed to test the validity of the hypothesis through controlled conditions.