Natural Science CLEP Prep Practice Exam

The scientific method is a systematic approach used by scientists to answer questions or solve problems in their field of study. This method involves a series of steps, of which testing a hypothesis is a critical part. Option A, "ask questions", is an important component of the method, but it is not the primary purpose of the scientific method. Option B, "determine a hypothesis", is a step that precedes testing a hypothesis, hence it is not the purpose of the method. Option D, "make observations", is a step that occurs after testing a hypothesis, so it is also not the primary purpose of the method. Overall, the scientific method is primarily used to test and validate hypotheses through controlled experiments or observations.