Which step in a scientific experiment involves collecting and analyzing data?

In a scientific experiment, the step that involves collecting and analyzing data is the experiment itself. This phase is crucial as it is where the hypotheses formulated earlier are put to the test under controlled conditions. During the experiment, various variables are manipulated and monitored, allowing researchers to gather empirical data that can either support or refute the initial hypothesis.

The data collected in this step are essential for drawing meaningful conclusions about the experiment's outcomes. This section not only includes the act of collecting measurements or observations but also encompasses the subsequent analysis, where the data are interpreted to understand patterns, relationships, or trends. This analysis is fundamental to advancing scientific knowledge and understanding the phenomena being studied.

In contrast, the other steps such as forming a hypothesis and making observations are critical parts of the scientific process but do not directly involve data collection and analysis, which are intrinsic to the experimental phase. The conclusion, although important for summarizing findings, comes after data collection and analysis have already occurred.