What step follows developing a hypothesis in the scientific method?

After developing a hypothesis in the scientific method, the next logical step is to test the hypothesis. This involves conducting experiments or gathering additional evidence to determine whether the hypothesis holds true under various conditions. The goal of testing is to either support the hypothesis, leading to further investigation, or to reject it, which would require refinement of the hypothesis or an exploration of other hypotheses.

Testing the hypothesis is crucial because it allows investigators to move beyond speculation and make conclusions based on empirical evidence. This step is foundational to the scientific method, as it provides a structured approach to validate or invalidate the initial hypothesis through observation and experimentation. The integrity of the scientific process relies on rigorous testing and scrutiny to develop reliable conclusions that can inform future investigations and understandings.