What is a scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery or test a hypothesis known as?

The term that describes a scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery or test a hypothesis is "experiment." An experiment is a controlled method where variables can be manipulated and observed in order to understand cause-and-effect relationships. This process typically involves forming a hypothesis, setting up a test to validate or refute it, collecting data, and analyzing the results to reach conclusions about the hypothesis.

In the context of scientific inquiry, an experiment is crucial because it provides a structured approach to testing ideas and concepts, allowing for replication and validation of results by others in the scientific community. This methodical approach contrasts with other terms such as investigation, analysis, or research, which may encompass broader scopes beyond testing specific hypotheses. For example, while research might involve gathering existing information, and analysis pertains to examining data, an experiment specifically refers to the active testing phase of the scientific method.