In the sequence of the scientific method, which step directly follows asking a question?

In the sequence of the scientific method, which step directly follows asking a question?

• A. Plan and conduct experiments.
• B. Form a hypothesis.
• C. Share results.
• D. Observe and record data.

Answer: (B)

After asking a question, the next move is to propose a hypothesis—an educated, testable explanation or educated guess about what you expect to happen. This gives the investigation a clear direction and measurable criteria to test. Once you have a hypothesis, you design and conduct experiments specifically to see if the hypothesis holds up under controlled conditions. Observing and recording data happens during those tests, as you gather evidence to evaluate the hypothesis. Sharing results comes after you’ve analyzed the data and drawn conclusions. So the immediate follow-up to asking a question is stating a hypothesis.

After asking a question, the next move is to propose a hypothesis—an educated, testable explanation or educated guess about what you expect to happen. This gives the investigation a clear direction and measurable criteria to test. Once you have a hypothesis, you design and conduct experiments specifically to see if the hypothesis holds up under controlled conditions.

Observing and recording data happens during those tests, as you gather evidence to evaluate the hypothesis. Sharing results comes after you’ve analyzed the data and drawn conclusions. So the immediate follow-up to asking a question is stating a hypothesis.