What Are the Major Steps of the Scientific Method?

The scientific method has four major steps, which include observation, formulation of a hypothesis, use of the hypothesis for observation for new phenomena and conducting observational tests to support or disprove the hypothesis. The scientific method is primarily used to develop a representation of the world.

Prior to developing a hypothesis under the scientific method, it is important to observe the current situation to get an understanding of a phenomena or a group of phenomena. With a baseline understanding of the situation, the person can develop the hypothesis. This hypothesis can then be used to observe other groups of phenomena before it is finally tested to determine if it becomes a theory or law.