A research student predicts that rats raised in a stimulating environment will learn faster than rats raised in an isolated environment. This corresponds with which step in the scientific method?

The prediction made by the research student aligns with the step of formulating a hypothesis in the scientific method. A hypothesis is a testable statement that provides a possible explanation for a phenomenon or relationship observed; in this case, the student predicts that the stimulating environment will lead to faster learning in rats compared to an isolated environment. Formulating a hypothesis is a crucial early step in the scientific process, as it sets the direction for further investigation, laying the groundwork for designing experiments and collecting data.

When a hypothesis is established, it is then subjected to testing through experiments. This would involve the next steps, such as conducting experiments to observe if the predicted outcomes occur, but the act of making a predictive statement rooted in scientific observation is specifically where formulating a hypothesis fits within the scientific method. Consequently, this understanding demonstrates why “A. Formulating a hypothesis” is indeed the correct answer.