During which step of the scientific method is a hypothesis developed?

The development of a hypothesis occurs during the observation step of the scientific method. In this step, researchers make observations about phenomena and gather information that leads them to question how or why something occurs. Based on these observations, they formulate a hypothesis, which is a testable prediction designed to explain the behaviors or outcomes being studied. This hypothesis then guides the next steps in the research process, such as experimentation, where it can be tested through systematic investigation. The other steps, such as experimentation, data analysis, and documentation, follow after a hypothesis has been established, focusing instead on testing the hypothesis, analyzing results, and recording findings, respectively.