And this is where natural evolution breaks down, they cannot go from step 3 to step 4 because of the length of time required. Thus it is improper to speak of natural evolution as a theory, it should more correctly be described as an hypothesis. If the evolutionists would present their ideas as such there would be no problem. It is when they insist that it is fact that they go beyond proper science and are making a creedal statement.
The Scientific Method: 1. State the problem 2. Make Observations 3. Form a Hypothesis 4. Do the Experiment 5. Draw a conclusion And this is where natural evolution breaks down, they cannot go from step 3 to step 4 because of the length of time required.
There isn't a single scientific method. There is a difference between the scientific methodology between an experimental science compared to a historical science. Evolution is partly a historical science so the method is slightly different.
1. Make Observations - in this case the fossil record, genome analysis, etc. These must be reproducable.
2. Form a Hypothesis - can be various hypothese about past evolution of life. Must be falsifiable.
3. Test hypothesis - this is done continously by testing it against more observations. If the observations contradict the hypothesis it is discarded or modified.
4. Repeat the process
This is the same historical science method used in geology, archeology and cosmology. Because evolution has passed so much testing it elevated to the level of a theory.