The scientific method begins with the ______ of a natural event called observation. Scientists use ______ reasoning to combine isolated facts into a plausible explanation, or ______. Scientists use ______ reasoning to design an experiment to test their ______. Scientists develop a good experimental design that contains both a ______ group in which the experimental variable is altered, and a ______ group in which the experimental variable is not altered. Occasionally, scientists are forced to use a ______ to represent the actual phenomenon, usually because of ethical, financial, or logistical limitations. The results of an experiment are called ______ and must be analyzed in order for a ______ to be reached.