Epidemiologists begin complex studies with a more complete version of the scientific method.  Below are the 10 steps they use.  In real life, several steps may be done at the same time, or in a different order.   1.  Prepare for field work 2.  Show that an outbreak exists 3.  Confirm the diagnosis 4.  Define and find cases 5.  Describe and line up the data in terms of      person, place, and time 6.  Make hypotheses 7.  Test hypotheses 8.  Refine hypotheses and carry out more studies 9.  Begin control and prevention measures 10. Share findings