The step that occurs directly before forming a hypothesis is observing and asking questions.

Here's a breakdown of the scientific method:

1. Observation: Noticing something interesting or unusual in the world.

2. Question: Asking "why?" or "how?" about the observation.

3. Hypothesis: Forming a possible explanation for the observation. This is an educated guess that can be tested.

4. Prediction: Making a specific statement about what you expect to observe if your hypothesis is correct.

5. Experiment: Designing and conducting an experiment to test your prediction.

6. Analysis: Analyzing the results of your experiment.

7. Conclusion: Drawing conclusions about whether your hypothesis was supported or not.

So, before you can form a hypothesis, you need to have something to explain, which comes from observing and asking questions.