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Researchers employ the scientific method, a process of posing and answering questions by making careful and systematic observations and gathering information. The scientific method provides an organized way of formulating questions, gathering and evaluating information, and determining and communicating answers. Its basic steps are as follows:

1 Identify the research question or problem to be studied and formulate the hypothesis, or proposed explanation, to be tested.

2 Gather information to address the research question.

3 Summarize the information gathered and determine whether the hypothesis is refuted, or shown to be false.

4 Interpret the summarized information, consider the findings in light of prior research studies, and share them with the scientific community and world at large.

In practice, the scientific method usually does not proceed in such a straightforward, linear fashion. Frequently, research studies raise as many questions as they answer—and sometimes more. Unexpected findings can prompt new studies. For example, researchers may repeat an experiment (called a replication) to see whether the results are the same as previous ones. Sometimes analyses reveal flaws in data collection methods or research design, prompting a revised study. Experts may also disagree on the interpretation of a study. Researchers may then conduct new studies to test new hypotheses and shed more light on a given topic. For all of these reasons, scientists often say the scientific method is “messy.”