The scientific method is a systematic, empirical process used to acquire knowledge and answer questions about the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis. It involves several key steps:

• Observation or Question: Noticing a phenomenon or posing a question about it.
• Background Research: Gathering existing information relevant to the question.
• Hypothesis Formation: Proposing a testable explanation or prediction based on the observation.
• Prediction: Deriving logical consequences or expected outcomes from the hypothesis.
• Experimentation: Conducting controlled tests to collect empirical data.
• Analysis and Conclusion: Interpreting the data to determine whether it supports or refutes the hypothesis.
• Iteration: Revising the hypothesis and repeating the process as needed to refine understanding

This method is not a rigid sequence but a flexible framework that guides scientific inquiry, ensuring objectivity and reproducibility. It helps build reliable knowledge by relying on evidence rather than assumptions or biases. The scientific method has been fundamental since the 17th century in advancing science and remains central to disciplines ranging from biology and chemistry to social sciences