This slide shows a particularly good representation of what is commonly called the scientific method. The fact that the process is circular, has neither beginning nor end, is perhaps the most important aspect of the diagram. One must observe nature, look for patterns, bring them together into a conjectured unified and simple framework which can be used to devise experiments and further observe nature. These observations will hopefully confirm the conjecture to a degree, but will also ultimately tell you where it breaks down, and force you to revise, reformulate etc....