Hypothetical explanations that withstand the test of experimentation may be promoted to the realm of theory, a complete explanation leading to a prediction of experimental results. While we have progressed greatly in our knowledge of human biology, there are, as in all of science, relatively few such theories, and much yet to learn. The scientific method can be described as a series of events leading to new knowledge. Observation and description 2. A hypothesis is proposed if appropriate, but is not required.
Experimentation is undertaken to test the hypothesis and the results are evaluated.
Revise and refine the hypothesis. New experimenation obtains new data. Conclusions or new iterations may follow. While this may seem to be a purely academic exercise, new knowledge can lead to surprising results. Yesterday's engineers who researched and invented the first transistors enabled the invention and manufacture of the modern computer.