The scientific approach, or scientific method, is a systematic and empirical process used to investigate phenomena, acquire new knowledge, and correct or integrate previous knowledge. It is a core element of scientific inquiry and is crucial for developing reliable and accurate understandings of the world around us.

While often presented as a fixed series of steps, the scientific approach is more accurately a set of guiding principles, characterized by:

• Observation and Questioning: Starts by observing the natural world and formulating specific, testable questions about what is observed.

• Hypothesis Formation: Proposing a tentative, testable explanation for the observed phenomenon. A good hypothesis is falsifiable, meaning it can be proven wrong through experimentation.

• Prediction and Experimentation: Based on the hypothesis, scientists make predictions about the outcome of an experiment or further observation, then conduct experiments or gather data to test these predictions.

• Data Analysis and Conclusion: Collecting and analyzing the data gathered during the experiment or observation to determine whether it supports or refutes the hypothesis.

• Replication and Communication: Repeating experiments to confirm results and ensure reliability. Sharing the findings with the wider scientific community through publications and presentations.