In Lewis's model, what is the correct order of the stages Observe, Hypothesise, and Experiment?

• A. Observe, Hypothesise, Experiment
• B. Hypothesise, Observe, Experiment
• C. Experiment, Observe, Hypothesise
• D. Observe, Experiment, Hypothesise

Answer: (A)

The sequence Observe → Hypothesise → Experiment follows how you turn what you see into a testable explanation and then check it. Start by carefully gathering information about the phenomenon, noting patterns, relationships, and any surprises. That evidence guides you to form a hypothesis—a tentative explanation that makes clear, testable predictions. With those predictions in hand, you design and run experiments to see if the results match what the hypothesis predicts. If the observations you collected don’t support the predictions, you revise the hypothesis or refine your approach and test again.

Starting with observation ensures you base your hypothesis on real data rather than guesses. Forming a hypothesis before seeing the data can lead to explanations that don’t fit what’s actually happening. Jumping straight into experimentation without a guiding hypothesis can produce unfocused tests that miss key relationships. This order keeps the inquiry structured, evidence-driven, and testable, which is why it’s the best fit.