Which of the following is typically the first step in the scientific method?

The first step in the scientific method is to identify a question. This step is crucial because it lays the foundation for the entire research process. A question often arises from observations about the natural world, reflecting a curiosity or an area where existing knowledge might be lacking.

By formulating a clear and concise question, researchers direct their investigation and establish the scope of their study. This inquiry leads to further steps in the scientific method, such as conducting background research, forming a hypothesis, and designing experiments to test that hypothesis. The integrity and direction of subsequent steps rely significantly on the initial question posed, making it the pivotal starting point of scientific inquiry.