What is the main purpose of conducting a scientific experiment?

The primary goal of conducting a scientific experiment is to test a hypothesis. A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction about the relationship between variables, and an experiment is designed to provide evidence that supports or refutes this prediction. By systematically manipulating one or more variables and observing the effects, scientists can determine whether the evidence aligns with the hypothesized outcomes. This testing process is crucial for validating scientific theories and contributing to the body of knowledge.

While documenting observations, analyzing data, and proving a hypothesis are all important aspects of the scientific method, they are secondary to the core aim of testing the hypothesis itself. The testing phase allows for results to be gathered and examined, leading to conclusions that advance understanding in a particular field of study.