Start with a vague idea, like "maybe the cat is plotting against us."
Next: Theory DevelopmentAdd some half-remembered facts, like "cats are known to be 90% water."
Next: Evidence CollectionNow you have all the data, but still might be wrong about the cat.
Next: Hypothesis TestingAt this point, the cat is definitely plotting against us, or so it seems.
Next: ImplementationRealize the cat was just trying to get some snacks, and it's all your fault.
Next: Post-Mortem Analysis