The scientific method has been, at least, since the 17th century. This can be described as an empirical method by which you can acquire knowledge, which has been known to closely have to do with the development of science. This method involves a careful and skeptical observation of a thing, such as an experiment or substance, or occurrence.
Subsequently, assumptions can be drawn out through the observations made. This method also deals with formulating hypotheses, from which experiments are made, and measurements are drawn out, and of which the hypothesis can as well be eliminated.
The fact that people can be inquisitive, wanting to know about things around them, it makes them develop predictions or hypothesis based on the imminent occurrence from their observation. Science approach this by carrying our experiment to examine the verdict of the hypothesis. A hypothesis can be altered, refined, expanded, or rejected; but when it is accepted, it becomes a theory.