What must be done with a hypothesis according to the scientific method?

In the scientific method, a hypothesis must be tested to determine its validity. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, and testing it involves conducting experiments or observations to gather data that either supports or refutes the hypothesis. This process is essential in scientific inquiry as it allows researchers to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of their initial assumptions or statements about the subject under investigation.

Testing a hypothesis involves employing various methods and strategies, such as controlled experiments or field studies, where variables can be manipulated and measured. The results of these tests can lead to the hypothesis being accepted, rejected, or modified based on the evidence collected. This systematic approach is fundamental to the advancement of scientific knowledge, ensuring that conclusions are grounded in empirical data rather than speculation.

While discussing, ignoring, or documenting a hypothesis may have their places in the scientific process, the primary and most critical action is the testing of the hypothesis, as it is through testing that genuine insights and understanding are achieved.